Australia's Golden Outback Holiday Planner

Shire of Laverton

Population 2,069

Laverton 955km north-east of Perth

Lonely Bush Graves Site 12 of the Golden Quest Discovery Trail takes you to the grave of John Aspinall, a young New Zealand prospector whose quest to find gold came to a tragic and lonely end when he was struck by lightning in March 1896. Close to Hawks Nest is another mining locality known as Red Flag. Here, just two months after the tragic death of young John Aspinall, misfortune struck again when a young Sophie Chapman and Alexander McDonald were crushed to death by the collapsing roof of a dugout kitchen. Was this an accident or the result of something far more sinister? Locals say the ghosts of Sophie and Alexander haunt the grounds of Red Flag Well. A little further down the road at Mt Morgans, the picturesque cemetery is well worth the visit. Disease, accident, suicide and murder were common causes of death as can be seen on numerous headstones. The Mt Morgans Cemetery is approximately 50km from Laverton. Golden Quest Discovery Trail (Site 13) Laverton is the northern most site on the Golden Quest Discovery Trail. Other sites close to Laverton include Mt Morgans, Hawks Nest The Outback Way is one of Australia’s great drive odysseys known as ‘Australia’s Longest Shortcut’, linking Winton in Queensland to Laverton in Western Australia via Alice Springs and Uluru, and is fast becoming one of Australia’s ‘must do’ outback road trips. The 2,800km route offers an awe-inspiring journey through the heart of Australia’s most breathtaking and remote desert landscapes. You can embark on your Outback Way adventure by purchasing The Outback Way Atlas & Guidebook from www.outbackway.org.au or at The Great Beyond Visitor Centre. and Murrin Murrin. The Outback Way

Laverton Outback Gallery The Gallery is located in the Laverton Leonora Cross Cultural Association building, adjacent the hotel. There is a wide range of local indigenous art on display and for sale. Billy Goat Hill Lookout Situated at the top of Hawks Place, near the water tank. Panoramic views over the township and beyond. Old Police Precinct Within the Precinct are the original Police Sergeant’s house, the Police office and the gaol, all of which have been extensively refurbished in recent years. The buildings are open from 11am – 1pm daily or by appointment. Contact the Great Beyond Visitor Centre on (08) 9031 1361. The Great Beyond Visitor Centre Augusta Street

Named after Dr Charles Laver, a keen prospector who rode his bicycle from Coolgardie to this area, and backed many prospectors who went to him with likely propositions. From the very beginning, Laverton developed as the centre for commercial and social activity. Laverton is at the western end of the Great Central Road, which forms part of the Outback Way - Australia’s third strategic link. Laverton features a range of accommodation options including a caravan park, hotel and motel. Laverton also has a supermarket, service station and sports club. Places of interest The Great Beyond Explorers’ Hall of Fame Complementing the rich visual history of the Northern Goldfields, the Great Beyond Explorers’ Hall of Fame utilises cutting edge technology to bring to life the characters and stories of the past. Step back in time with several notable explorers who led challenging expeditions through Central Australia during the mid to late 19th century as they recount their stories of hardship and bravery. Discover what it was like for women and pioneers living and working on the Goldfields during the pioneer days and learn about the valuable industries that sustain our inland. The Great Beyond Hall of Fame also houses a gift shop, café and the local visitor centre. Windarra Mine Site Lookout Located 28km from Laverton, this is the site of the Windarra Nickel Mine, made famous during the Poseidon Nickel Boom. The lookout provides panoramic views over the famous site and its main mining structures that remain standing.

Laverton WA 6440 Tel: (08) 9031 1361 Fax: (08) 9031 1665 Email: greatbeyond@laverton.wa.gov.au

www.laverton.wa.gov.au Free Wi-Fi at Visitor Centre

Laverton Motel

Second to none! Apartment style air conditioned self contained 2 and 3 bedroom units, TV, cooking facilities & laundry. Spacious, clean, friendly, secure. Walking distance to hotel & shops. Located opposite police station.

29 Augusta St, (Main St) Laverton WA 6440 Tel: (08) 9031 1130 • Fax: (08) 9031 1130 Email: samtomarchio1@bigpond.com

1 A must see - The Great Beyond Explorers’ Hall of Fame 2 Dr Laver statue 1

2

35 | The Goldfields | australiasgoldenoutback.com