Dowerin is situated 156 kilometres northeast of Perth on the Northam-Wyalkatchem-Merredin railway loop line.
The name Dowerin is taken from the Aboriginal word 'Daren' that was given to a series of lakes some eight kilometres south of the town. The nearby soak or water hole known as Tin Dog Creek was a resting place and watering hole for travellers and prospectors on their way to the Goldfields.
The first settlement for agriculture was in 1897 and the town was not established until 1906 when the railway line was extended from Goomalling.
The town grew rapidly, the first store opened in 1906 and in a short time was able to cater for most settlers' needs. The first public buildings, a school and Methodist Church were built at Dowerin Lakes, or Old Dowerin.
Primary production, including farming livestock, wool, and cereal crops, is the chief source of income for the area. Uberin Rock, a large monolith, can be found approximately twenty-eight kilometres north west of Dowerin on the Uberin Road.
Dowerin is home to the Dowerin Field Days, an annual event showcasing the very latest in machinery, associated equipment, precision technology and rural services. The town's population can increase from around 400 up to 15,000 during this event. Hotel, motel and a caravan park accommodation is available.