New minigolf facility to entertain Brand Highway travellers passing through Badgingarra

Toilet pit-stops on the often tiresome drive along the Brand Highway between Geraldton and Perth just got a hole lot more interesting.

Besides taking a rest stop and stretching their legs, road users will now be able to have a game of minigolf.

Locals often try to create an attraction to persuade the motoring public to stop in their town. Badgingarra has done this in spades with an 18-hole minigolf club adjoining the public conveniences.

Local identity Mal Wilkins said the idea came to him when the local bowling green was being resurfaced.

“Our old surface was a carpet — spot on to use for minigolf,” he said.

“Trudy Williams and myself said ‘why not try to do something for the district?’ “We asked the shire for assistance and they applied for a grant through mining company Tronox.”

Dandaragan Shire president Leslee Holmes, who was due to open the new facility on Monday, said Badgingarra “always amazed” her. “It is one of the most fantastic small communities in WA, they are always up and doing something,” she said.

Mr Wilkins said locals would be able to access clubs and balls so they could have a game any time they wished, and he was seeking donations of used clubs and balls for the passing public.

“The idea is if anyone turns up to the Badgingarra toilets they can have a round of mini golf for free,” he said.