Darlington

Darlington, Western Australia, is a locality in the Shire of Mundaring on the Darling Scarp, bisected by Nyaania Creek and north of the Helena River.

Darlington, Western Australia, is a locality in the Shire of Mundaring on the Darling Scarp, bisected by Nyaania Creek and north of the Helena River.

Darlington developed as a locality from the establishment of the Darlington Winery in the late nineteenth century. Unlike Glen Forrest and Greenmount, Darlington was unplanned. Darlington Hall was originally built for the winery.

From 1890 to 1954, Darlington was served by the Mundaring Loop on the Eastern Railway, which bisected the town. Darlington was included in "picnic" and "excursion" train itineraries in the 1930s and 1940s. In 1966, the line was officially closed by act of parliament and the tracks removed. The Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, or "bridle trail" as it is known by locals, now occupies the former railway route, and has become a popular walking and bike trail.

Darlington had extensive orchards during the early 20th century. D. H. Lawrence stayed in a local guest house for a short time during his visit to Australia. Guest houses were also used as convalescent homes during the Second World War. By the mid-20th century, many artists had lived in or been associated with the small community. By the late 20th century, the break-up of farms and orchards, with the resulting subdivision of land, had contributed to an increase in the local population.