DESTINATION: Laverton

Located at the western end of the Great Victoria Desert and the Great Central Hwy, 957km NE of Perth, Laverton's present gold-mining operations began with a lucky find back in 1896. Nickel was discovered in the late 1960s and is presently mined south-west of the town at Anaconda Murrin Murrin Nickel Operations. The town has a typical desert climate with minimal rainfall.

Main Attractions

A 20m climb up Billy Goat Hill to the scenic lookout provides panoramic views of the surrounding district. Situated in the town's centre, the Old Gaol and Police Station (1900) serves as the tourist information centre and Telecentre.

Nearby attractions

Wildflowers are a highlight of the area, particularly in spring, though the Sturt desert pea flourishes year round. Windarra Heritage Trail, 28km NW, has an informative walking tour of local nickel mining history and offers excellent views from Mount Windarra Lookout. Laverton is also the starting point for travelling the Outback Highway through the Great Victoria Desert to Uluru and Alice Springs. No desert driving should be undertaken without thorough and informed preparation. Escorted Great Victoria Desert 4WD tours are available.

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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

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Tourist info

Shop 4, Laver Pl, Ph: (08) 9031 1750

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