Explore the Goldfields Region

Kambalda

Kambalda was founded in 1897 as a gold mining town during the goldrush frenzy, but was deserted by 1908. The township came alive again during the 1960s nickel boom which resulted in the discovery of one of the world's largest nickel sulphide deposits in the area and the opening of Australia's first nickel mine.

Kambalda was reborn.

Today, gold mining is once again a major industry in Kambalda with Gold Fields St Ives, the second largest gold mining operation in Australia, a major player. But Kambalda has much more to offer. You can experience the panoramic views and shimmering silver of massive Lake Lefroy, host to spectacular Land Sailing events, or enjoy the local flora and fauna on the Red Hill Walking Trail to the lookout.



There are picnic and camping facilities at outback nature reserves, with some striking granite outcrops, rain sculptured caves, dams and a diversity of landscapes.

There are shopping and banking facilities and an abundance of recreational activities - land sailing, golf, bush walking, rock climbing and boot scooting! The popular Nickeltown Ute, Car and Bike show is held annually in October and the perennial family favourite Kambalda Christmas Tree in December.

For more information the Kambalda Tourist Information Centre can be contacted on ph: 08 9080 2115

Coolgardie

On September 17, 1892, Arthur Bayley rode into Southern Cross with 554 ounces of gold that he and his partner, William Ford, had found at an area called Fly Flat, 120 miles to the east of that town. Within hours of the pair registering their claim a frenzied rush began for Coolgardie, starting the biggest movement of people in Australian history.

Just six months later there were thousands of people living in tents on the Goldfields and the population of Western Australia had increased by 400%. Given the distance from Perth, the conditions of transportation and negotiable roadways, the droves of people travelled the 550 kilometres any way they could, by bicycle, dray, horse, or walking - carrying their belongings on their backs. However, while some found gold, many only found hardship, sickness and death as the booming settlement suffered the associated rigours of inadequate housing, fresh water, food and medical supplies and attention.

Within a decade Coolgardie became WA's third largest town with a population of 16,000 and many more thousands living in areas surrounding the township. This extraordinary development was the impetus for the development of the Goldfields Water Scheme and the Eastern Goldfields Railway, two factors which were vital in the economic and social development of the Eastern Goldfields. While the surface gold ran out and the original mine, Bayley's Reward, closed in 1963, Coolgardie has retained many of its magnificent buildings associated with its rich and colourful past. Today it offers tourists a fabulous heritage precinct.



There is plenty to see and do in and around Coolgardie and visitors should allow at least a day to ensure they don't miss the Goldfields Exhibition Museum, the Railway Museum, Warden Finnerty's Residence, the Pioneer and Coolgardie Cemeteries, Ben Prior's Park, and a walk along Bayley Street to view the heritage architecture.
Then there are a multitude of day trips such as the Cave Hill Nature Reserve (as above); Burra Rocks 55 kilometres south of Coolgardie; Mt Burgess; the Gorge featuring remains of an extinct volcano; the Kunanalling Hotel ruins 42 kilometres north; 75 kilometres to the south is Widgiemooltha's Larkinville Mine where the largest gold nugget ever found in WA was discovered in 1931; Victoria Rock; Rowles Lagoon approximately 65 kilometres north; and Jack Carins' Camp - where prospector Jack Carins lived in isolation for 30 years.

For more information the Coolgardie Visitor Centre can be contacted on ph: 08 9026 6090

Laverton

Laverton, situated on the edge of the Great Victoria Desert, 360 kilometres north east of Kalgoorlie Boulder, is one of Western Australia's remote inland townships, but visitors are constantly amazed by the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. It is a land of contrasts.

From rugged breakaway cliffs, to quiet, cool waterholes, from the magnificence of the wedge tail eagle to the startling beauty of the Sturt Pea, Laverton is a welcome oasis for travellers crossing from Alice Springs on the Outback Highway, one of the world's great road journeys.

Originally established as the British Flag Mine in the goldrush era, Laverton was gazetted in 1900, in recognition of Dr Charles Laver who rode into town on a pushbike from Coolgardie in 1896 and remained as the town's doctor. A statue in the main park stands as a tribute to his contribution to the town.

It is where fortunes were won and lost in the 1960s and 1970s when the gold price dipped and nickel shares boomed with Poseidon shares leaping from 80 cents to $280 in less than six months.

Laverton was a thriving district of gold strikes and mines in 1900, but the gold price fluctuations of the 1960s reduced it almost to a ghost town. The discovery of nickel in 1969 at Mt Windarra sparked the world famous Poseidon share surge and nickel boom, but as so often happens in mining, the nickel ran out and Poseidon disappeared from the Stock Exchange.

Today Mt Windarra is a silent reminder of the subtleties of mining.

The mine site has been rehabilitated into the Mt Windarra Heritage Trial and is one of many interesting attractions in the region - a ghost mine from the modern era - a stark contrast with the gold mines of the 1890s.

Poseidon was only one of many mining stories from the region. You can visit the lonely ghost towns and cemeteries at Burtville (28 kilometres) and Mt Morgans (48 kilometres), Laverton's historic police station and gaol built in 1900 or take your photo with the impressive statue of Dr Charles Laver and his bike.

Today Laverton boasts two major gold mines and one of the worlds largest nickel mining operations as well as a thriving pastoral industry.

But there is so much more. You can discover the subtle beauty and vivid colours of a desert wilderness and breakaway country alive with a diversity of acacia woodlands and flora, or explore a landscape rich with sites of Aboriginal culture and dreamtime stories. Many of Australia's great explorers passed through the Laverton region on their quest to discover new lands.



Laverton is also home to the Great Beyond Explorers Hall of Fame, which brings to life the characters and stories of several explorers who led expeditions in and around the area in the 19th century. Step back in time with notable explorers John Forrest and Ludwig Leichardt, eavesdrop on the horses of the inland as they recount their personla stories of hardship and bravery. Learn about the valuable industries of our land. 

Laverton features a motel, caravan park, chalets and station home stay. For more information contact The Great Beyond Visitors Centre, Laverton on ph: (08) 9031 1361

Leonora

John Forrest, the famous Western Australian explorer, who later became the first Premier of the State, named Mt Leonora when camped near there on his search for the lost Leichardt expedition.

Little did he realise the riches which lay beneath him. It was another 25 years before prospectors moved through the area and in 1896 the first claims were pegged and mining started soon after at Leonora and Gwalia.

The Sons of Gwalia mine was the major contributor to the area. The largest underground gold mine outside the Golden Mile, Sons of Gwalia operated continuously for 67 years until it closed in 1963.

An interesting part of the mines history is the fact that a 23-year-old mining engineer named Herbert Hoover was appointed mine manager in 1897 and commissioned the construction of a house as the mine manager's residence. Herbert Hoover later became the 31st President of the United States (1929-33) and the residence, which has recently been extensively renovated and upgraded, now serves as a quality bed and breakfast facility adjoining the Gwalia Museum.

The twin townships of Leonora and Gwalia were once joined by a 3.2 kilometres tram service which ferried workers and the general public between them. While mine workers no longer reside in Gwalia and the tram service is long gone, many of the original iron cottages in which they lived remain today and there is plenty to see on a walk through the township past the cottages, the State Hotel and up to the Gwalia Museum and Herbert Hoover House (seen below).



The Museum offers the opportunity to look at various aspects of mining history in the region, as well as a strong Italian influence brought about by a large contingent of Italian miners who worked and lived there. Leonora today is a bustling township which offers a service centre for the mining and pastoral industries with a railhead just north of the town.

Prospecting is very much a favourite activity for many and there are frequently reports of good strikes by enthusiasts and professionals armed with a little knowledge, plenty of luck, and a metal detector.

Malcolm Dam, 12 kilometres out of Leonora, was built in 1902 to provide water for the railways and is a pleasant picnic spot, while the Terraces, a beautiful breakaway formation on both sides of the Goldfields Highway located some 40 kilometres north of the town offers some excellent views and bushwalks for the more adventurous.

The town hosts many of the Northern Goldfields' events, from outback race meetings to the annual Golden Gift – a weekend of entertainment and athletics held on the Foundation Day long weekend in June.

For more information contact the Leonora Tourist Visitors Centre on ph: (08) 9037 7016

Menzies

Established in 1896 as a result of a gold find by an American prospector Leslie Robert Menzie, the area was originally known as the North Coolgardie Goldfields and at its height in the 1900s there were more than a dozen mines, 13 hotels and three breweries with an estimated 10,000 people living within a five mile radius of the town.

But the cost of extracting gold could not be justified in the area and one by one the big mines closed until commercial mining had all but ceased by 1910.

The railway proved something of a saviour for the township and it became a service town for a growing pastoral industry.

The Menzies Town Hall is one of the classic landmarks in the area. Apart from its architectural significance the clock tower was 'clockless' for 100 years after the ship reportedly carrying the new clock sank off Rottnest in 1905. A clock was installed in the tower in 2000 in time for the New Year celebrations.

Lake Ballard, just over 50 kilometres west of Menzies, has become the newest attraction for the region. Its selection by international sculptor Antony Gormley for his 'Inside Australia' exhibition for the 2003 Perth International Arts Festival has created international attention. He has created 51 figures, all derived from laser scans of the inhabitants of Menzies at the time, which are placed around a seven square kilometre area of the salt lake bed.



Lake Ballard is also a significant part of the region's salt lake system and is a breeding habitat for species of water fowl, as well as the Banded Stilt when heavy rain causes a special type of brine shrimp to hatch in the lake, attracting the Banded Stilt although it should be pointed out that this is a very rare occurrence, having only occurred approximately seven times in 215 years at Lake Ballard.

 Watch video of Antony Gormley Sculptures - Lake Ballard, Western Australia

Another must see is the work of local Indigenous artists, including the Tjuntjuntjara and Ilkurlka people are also on display in the historic federation building that houses the Menzies Visitor Centre. Contact the Menzies Visitor Centre on ph: (08) 9024 2702

Ora Banda

Ora Banda is located approximately 70km from Kalgoorlie. In 1906 a township site was established near newly discovered ore bodies north west of Kalgoorlie. The town took its name from a nearby mine which was worked by the Weston brothers. Ora Banda, roughly translated in Spanish means band, or sash of gold.

Constructed of brick & stone, the Ora Banda Inn was originally built in 1911 by Alfred Garnett when Ora Banda's prosperity seemed assured - thanks to numerous gold strikes within the area. The hotel traded for 40 years riding the wave as the Ora Banda mining boom fluctuated. But, by the late 1950's the hotel closed. It was restored again in 1981 and is currently operating - it is a very popular day trip from Kalgoorlie & well worth the drive for the gorgeous scenery, ice cold beer and authentic pub grub.



The grounds have 7 motel units and a caravan park which is now open with a new ablution block. There are both powered and un-powered sites. Located next to the Ora Banda Historical Inn grounds is the old Government Battery which used to process ore for the local prospectors and will soon be turned into a museum. Opposite the Inn is a race track. Horse lovers made use of this track for the first time since 2000 for the Ora Banda Day 2007 festivities. Enjoy a cold beer with friends and watch magnificent sunsets.

Kookynie & Niagra Dam

Kookynie is affectionately known as "A Living Ghost Town". In 1907 Kookynie had a population of 3,500 - yet a hundred years later fewer than 20 people lived there. But Kookynie is far from "dead". People still live there and the population is actually growing!

Once upon a time the town had 11 hotels, a host of businesses and facilities, a Town Hall, the first public swimming bath in the goldfields, 7 brass bands, and even it's own brewery and 2 soft drink manufacturers. While much of this infrastructure is long gone, the memories remian, and an extensive interpretive project has captured the spirit of old Kookynie when it was a thriving community. The stories of the town have been captured on quality interpretive signage along Cumberland and Champion Streets. Former residents share their recollections via these panels, and pictures illustrate what once was, but is now gone... 



Niagra Dam is also located within 20kms of Kookynie, and is a delightful place for a picnic or an overnight camp - but it is also a remarkable slice of history. The massive concrete wall was built in 1897 to provide waterfor the nearby town and the steam engines working the line, that was rapidly extending north towrd Menzies. There are 3 designated camp sites, 2 toilets and BBQ facitilies are provided - but please bring your own firewood with you.

For more information contact the Menzies Visitor Centre on ph: (08) 9024 2702

Norseman

Norseman is located 190 kilometres south of Kalgoorlie, 191 kilometres west of Balladonia, and 204 kilometres north of the Esperance coastline.

The history of Norseman is very much tied to gold mining. Gold mining in the Norseman area began with the chance discovery of gold at nearby Lake Dundas in 1982. A gold rush soon began. Today however, the original Dundas fields lay abandoned.

According to local legend, the town was named after a horse - it is said that in 1894 a horse named "Hardy Norseman" was tethered to a tree for the night by its woner, Laurie Sinclair. Upon returning to his horse Sinclair had the good fortune to discover that "Norseman" had unearthed a gold nugget.

Within the vacinity of Norseman there are a number of attractions. Overlooking Norseman is the Beacon Hill Lookout. From the top, unique views of the surrounding countryside, salt lakes, township and a giant mine tailings dump can be seen. 32 kilometres to the south of Norseman is Bromus Dam - a popular local swimming, camping and picnic spot. Buldania Rocks is found 28 kilometres east of Norseman and is also another popular picnic spot - especially in winter when the wildflowers really come to life! Norseman's Heritage Trail is located near Lake Dundas and offers the chance to explore the bush and artefacts from the Dundas Goldfield's pioneering years.

Gemstone fossicking permits can be obtained from the Visitor Centre, and the Norseman area provides prospective gemstone enthusiasts with a chance of finding specimens of Moss Agate, Gold Lace Agate and Moss Opalite.

Fraser Range Station is located 100 kilometres east of Norseman, and is a still a working pastoral property, producing fat tailed Damara sheep.

The Nullabor Links Holes 4 and 5 (if travelling "West to East") are to be found at the Norseman Golf Club.

Norseman is situated in the Great Western Woodlands which is the largest temperate woodland left in the world. It has many unigue eucalypt species and numerous native plants and animals. There are also stunning granite outcrops spread through out and the Granite Woodlands Discovery Trail, linking Norseman and Wave Rock, meanders right through it. The woodlands are perfect for walking, camping and exploring. Take the time to stop and enjoy when you visit Norseman.

For more information contact the Norseman Visitor Centre on ph: (08) 9039 1071