Urban Renewal for Midland Midland’s distinctive French Renaissance-style Town Hall is a symbol of the town’s proud history, which spans more than a century since its foundation in the 1890s goldrush era. The Town Hall was completed in 1906, and the square clocktower with its four dials was added in 1923. The building has been beautifully restored, indicating Midland’s commitment to preserving its heritage while setting its sights on an exciting future. A vibrant and growing regional centre, the town is the commercial heart of the Swan region. Proximity to the vineyards, cafes and arts and crafts outlets of the Swan Valley and the Perth Hills region gives Midland a relaxed ambience, while the ethnic mix and energy of the area’s population is evident in its wide range of commercial and business enterprises. Taste Restaurants and cafes Food outlets range from the traditional to the unexpected. People come from far and wide for the fresh local produce at the markets, held every Sunday in the centre of the town. You can visit an icecreamery that makes more than 90 flavours on the premises, including soy and low-fat varieties. A 50s-style diner and suite of cafes will satisfy all appetites. Local hotels offer good pub fare, or test your tastebuds with the many varieties of ethnic cuisine available including Thai, Japanese, Indian and Chinese. Picnics Select some local fresh produce for a riverbank picnic at Woodbridge Riverside Park. Discover History and heritage Founded in the 1890s gold- rush era, Midland’s economic impetus traditionally centred around the railway line and Midland Railway Workshops. Midland’s heritage precinct is bounded by Great Eastern Highway, Helena Street and Spring Park Road and contains the Town Hall, the 1913 Queen Anne-style Post Office, the 1907 Court House and the 1899 Church of the Ascension, modelled on the 7th century Basilica of St Clements in Rome. Stay If you’re on a tight budget, Midland is a great place to stay. Choose from cheap and cheerful motel accommodation, self-contained chalets, caravan or camping sites. Call the Swan Valley and Guildford Tourist Centre on (08) 9379 9420 for more information.