DESTINATION: Leonora

Railhead for the gold, copper and nickel mines in Laverton and Leinster; Leonora is an administrative centre 237km north of Kalgoorlie servicing the surrounding district's mining operations and sheep properties. The town has retained a 19th-century appearance and is close to some interesting historical sites.

Main Attractions

Views of the town are available from Mount Leonora, named after the niece of explorer John Forrest during his search for the Leichhardt expedition.

Nearby attractions

Adjoining Leonora is the ghost town of Gwalia, former home of the Sons of Gwalia Goldmine, the state's second largest gold-mining operation after Kalgoorlie. Closed in 1963, the mine was managed in the late 1890s by Herbert Hoover, who later became President of the United States of America. The Mine Office (1898) houses an interesting local museum. There is also a 1km Historic Gwalia Heritage Trail; a pamphlet details sites of interest.

latest stories

No items changed yet.

Region: Goldfields

There is a real sense of 'frontier' in the Goldfields. The area has experienced a number of booms and busts, with fluctuating gold prices. What has endured in the wild-west pioneer spirit which nowadays combines a colourful history rich in extraordinary characters with high-technology mining. The towns of Kalgoorlie/Boulder and Coolgardie, 600kms east of Perth, were the products of the 1890's gold rush era and still sit on one of the richest gold mining area known to man. more

Local Weather

Tourist info

16 Tower St,Ph: (08) 9037 6044

Local Videos

editors picks