Laverton WA 6440 (Pop 460)

Laverton is a typical mining town in WA’s Golden Outback located 953 km n-e of Perth. Sitting on the fringes of the Great Victoria Desert, Laverton was once known as the wildest town in the west. Following early woodcutters in 1870s & 80s, gold was discovered (1896) which together with the railway (1904) saw the settlement prosper. As goldmining declined, fortunately nickel was discovered sparking another major boom. Today the area operates one of the world’s largest nickel mines and two important gold mines. 4WD enthusiasts also flock to the area to drive across the Great Victoria Desert to Uluru along Outback Hwy. Laverton Day (Mar), Outback Weekend (Sept).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Laverton includes the railway station, courthouse, old police station and gaol and Mt Crawford homestead. Original Police Sergeant’s House now a local historic museum.

Nearby:
Giles Breakaway (25 km east) picturesque area of unusual rock formations. Lake Carey (26 km west) attractive swimming and recreation area. Mount Windarra Nickel Minesite (28 km n-w) mine viewed from summit. Empress Springs (305 km n-e) springs in 7 m deep limestone cave.  

Accommodation:
Laverton has a couple of hotel/motels, a holiday lodge and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: Laver Pl. Tel (08) 9031 1750.

Airport:
Laverton Airport (LVO), Great Central Rd.

Hospital:
Laverton Hospital, Beria Rd. Tel (08) 9088 2600.