WELLSTEAD

HEMA Map reference 74/J7

34° 29' 41" S 118° 36' 00" E

Statistics

Caravan Parks

Unknown

Services

Attractions

Cape Riche , Pallinup River

Recreation ground

Description

A tiny town on the South Coast Highway north east of Albany. Settlement began in the 1960s and a townsite was gazetted in 1965 – the same year a telephone exchange was built. John and Ann Wellstead were the first settlers in the area and the town was named in their honour.
 

Pvt. John Wellstead had originally arrived at Albany aboard the Runnymeade in 1840. He was a trooper in the 51st Regiment and was finally discharged in 1845.

The area first began to open up after the telegraph line to Bremer Bay went through and John Wellstead took up land where he brought his wife, 4 sons and 6 daughters.

There is a good campsite 18 kilometres away on the coast but the road to get there can be VERY corrugated if it hasn’t been graded for a while.

The shop at Wellstead is well stocked and there is even a Telecentre in town. If you are in need of mechanical assistance the local mechanic operates a workshop just behind the town and can help with most problems. Travellers in need of mechanical help can even camp near the workshop and there is water and toilets available near the shop. The people here are very friendly and helpful.