Norseman is the administrative centre for
the Shire of Dundas. The shire has an area larger than the Tasmania with a
population density about 100 times lower! Amazingly Perth is closer to
Norseman than the only other town in the shire, which is Eucla, located
12km west of the border.
The original gold find in the shire was at
Dundas, about 22km south of Norseman. However, it was a chance find that
started the real gold activity for Norseman. In 1894 Laurie Sinclair was
camping in the area when his horse uncovered a gold nugget while pawing at
the ground. The horse's name? Norseman of course! As seems to be the case
in many towns gold was found nearby by a group of other prospectors at the
same time, but Norseman still gets the credit. It may well be only
town in the state and perhaps Australia named after an animal.
Gold mining has been the major activity in
the area since that early discovery, and is still being carried out today.
However, there is more to see than just
mining. This shire boasts the largest semi arid woodland in the world,
while the Nullarbor has the most caves of any area in the world! There are
many 4 wheel drive tracks that can be explored, and the Eyre Highway is
probably one of the world's greatest drives around.
Both towns are very historic.
Norseman has many old buildings that are architecturally unique because
very little has changed from the original construction. Whilst the first
motel at Eucla was made from stone collected from the abandonned telegraph
station.
The original telegraph line that was
absolutely vital to a rapidly growing fledgling state passed through the
shire. This line was upgraded in 1897 with the construction of more
permanent structures at Eucla, Eyre's Sandpatch (now the Eyre Bird
Observatory) and Israelite Bay. Also additional stations were added at
Balladonia and Norseman. The Norseman Post Office has been operating as a
Post Office since 1897!
The shire has a manned police
station, hospital and school. There are a number of accommodation places
and a decent super market and a newsagent as well as a choice of eating
places. Most facilities are available here, and Norseman makes a great
point from which to explore the woodlands. The Eyre highway boasts a
number of attractions from the caves to spectacular beaches.
Why not come and see for yourself?
For more information visit
Norseman
Visitor Information
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