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NORSEMAN
The Nullarbor &
Norseman Population 700 Situated at the crossroads of Highway’s 1 and 94 in the Southern Goldfields, Norseman is the major centre in the Shire of Dundas that covers approximately 93,000 square kilometres and reaches as far as the WA/ SA border making Norseman the gateway to Western Australia and the Nullarbor. Gold was discovered in 1894 by prospector Laurie Sinclair when his horse Norseman went lame and Laurie discovered that the piece of rock lodged in Norseman’s hoof was gold bearing. Excited by this Laurie continued his prospecting, resulting in a major find that sparked a gold rush and established a town that was named in honour of the horse. Gold has been mined ever since creating a long history of mining heritage. The town has interesting historical displays to visit as well as a fascinating heritage drive trail, all telling stories of bygone social and mining history. Aside from gold, Norseman is also blessed with non-precious gemstone fields ideal for fossicking, great fun for individuals or families. Norseman sits in the beautiful country of the Ngadju, located at the heart of the Great Western Woodlands, the largest temperate woodland left in the world. Stunning scenery with many unique tree species, opportunities for camping, bush walking, visiting ancient granite rock formations, enjoying the many species of wildlife and wildflowers and just embracing nature and its uniqueness all awaits you. Nearby vast ancient salt lakes, the remnants of huge river systems from the ice age are quite intriguing. These offer excellent photo
Beacon Hill Lookout and Walk Trail A 2 kilometre drive from the main street brings you to Beacon Hill offering panoramic 360 o views over the town and surrounding countryside. The wildflower season further enriches this stunning view. Phoenix Tailings Dump A majestic backdrop to the town resembling a topless pyramid that has been shaped by the weather. Today it still contains gold worth a considerable amount of money. Granite Woodlands Discovery Trail The trail from Norseman to Hyden features 16 interpretive sites that invite camping and bushwalking, viewing granite rock formations and a wildflower wonderland in spring. Heritage Trail The original Cobb and Co route. This 28km self drive tourist trail is a pleasant bush track which features historical interpretive stopping points offering a window into the harshness of early mining life. It ends at the original Dundas townsite and the ancient Dundas Rocks. Dundas Rocks Huge ancient boulders and rock formations are scattered through the bush that invite exploration. Add to this a picnic and BBQ area set amongst the trees and it creates the perfect family outing. Approximately 22km south of town. Photo of Norseman Tin Camels and Great Western Woodlands courtesy of Lynn Webb Photography.
• • • • • • • • • • • • opportunities with the salt crusts forming odd shapes, shimmering mirages in the summer heat and eye catching sunsets or sunrises with the lakes as the foreground. From Norseman Woodlands to Eucla Coast you’ll embark on one of Australia’s most epic road trips the great Nullarbor Plain. Timeless beauty, vast skies, wildlife and breath taking scenery awaits the avid traveller. Make sure you bring your golf clubs to play on the world's longest golf course, the Nullarbor Links. Nine holes are located within the Shire of Dundas. With so much to see and do we encourage you to stop, stay and explore. Opening in February 2020 the Woodlands Centre is a vibrant place of visitor information and services. Shop for that special souvenir from local artists, touch base with home at the technology hub or plan the next leg of your journey through WA. Featuring cultural and heritage displays friendly staff will assist you to find things to do while travelling the Norseman Woodlands through to the Eucla Coast. Historical Collection The Museum is well worth a visit with displays being added to through the year. It houses a superb collection of mining and early pioneer displays as well as exterior exhibits that include a large piece of Skylab. The Tin Camels Unique corrugated iron camels that stand in the Prinsep Street roundabout are a tribute to the camel trains that carried mail and freight in the early days. Places of interest The Woodlands Centre
Norseman Visitor Centre 78 Prinsep Street
Norseman WA 6443 Tel: (08) 9039 1071 Email: tourism@norseman.info www.norseman.info
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1 The Great Western Woodlands 2 Norseman’s Tin Camels
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Caiguna Blowhole
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