Rest Point Saw Pit

An historic sawpit which demonstrates how timber was sawn in the area from the 1860s.

This heritage Rest Point Saw Pit was dug between 1860 and 1865 and is in heritage condition.

There were many of these saw pits used in the early days by the settlers. The lumber was positioned to be sawed with a long two-handled saw by two men, one man standing above the timber and the other below. The sawn planks were used in construction of houses in the area.

A sawyer was a person who cut wood for a job. Sawyers were at one time important members of the rural community, because many implements, as well as buildings, were made of wood. 'Bottom sawyers' was the term used for the man in the pit and 'top sawyer was the name for the man balancing on the top of the log.

Getting There
Follow the South Western Highway for 3km to Rest Point Road. Turn left and follow the road for 1.6km. The Rest Point Saw Pit walk is on the right hand side.

This information was provided by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions: dpaw.wa.gov.au