Destination Profile - Forrest, Western Australia
Forrest was named after explorer and the first Premier of WA (1890) Sir John Forrest. The Trans-Continental Railway Line a ribbon of steel stretching 1700km between Kalgoorlie & Pt Augusta was completed in 1917. Due to the high maintenance requirements 50 sidings or maintenance settlements were set up along the line, Forrest was one of these.
Aviation began at Forrest in 1929 when Sir Norman Brearley's West Australian Airways Ltd won the Commonwealth Government tender to take the mail, passengers and freight from Perth to Adelaide and return.
Due to the 16 hour flying time and Forrest being the half way point it was set up as an overnight stopover. WA Airways had plans drawn up for Rest Houses at Kalgoorlie and Ceduna (refueling & lunch stop) and for the Forrest Hostel which would include dining room, kitchen and accommodation facilities for passengers, crew and Hostel staff.
Today Forrest is still a vital link for the Defence Force and light aircraft traveling across the vast Nullarbor, providing fuel, terminal facilities and accommodation.
This destination is part of the Western Wedge Safari Australian Adventure.
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