Norseman WA 6443 (Pop 1 100)

Norseman is a sprawling Golden Outback mining and tourist town located 722 km east of Perth. It is WA’s last major town before heading east towards the SA border and the Nullarbor Plain. One of Australia’s richest gold reefs was discovered here in 1890s and although the original settlement was called Dundas (1892), the name was changed to honour the horse that discovered a gold nugget by pawing the ground and unearthing a substantial reef. The railway and reliable water supplies helped sustain the town and small goldmining operations are still carried out in the area. Norseman Cup (Mar).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Norseman Historical Collection, Battery Rd housed within the old School of Mines building features displays of early mining equipment, household items and local memorabilia. Open (10am-1pm) Sat. Camel Train, cnr Ramsay St & Coolgardie Hwy interesting corrugated iron structures of pioneering camel trains. Phoenix Park, Prinsep St pretty recreational park. Gem Fossicking permits from visitors centre.  

Nearby:
Beacon Hill Lookout (2 km north) affords spectacular 360 deg views. Mount Jimberlana (5 km east) estimated to be one of the world’s oldest geological areas (almost 2 900 million years old) with stunning views from the summit. Lake Dundas (22 km south) picturesque picnic area near old Dundas townsite with a solitary grave (1897). Buldania Rocks (28 km east) beautiful recreational area with springtime wildflower displays. Bromus Dam (32 km south) picnic area around freshwater dam. Peak Charles NP (50 km south) focuses on two ancient peaks (Charles & Eleanora) surrounding salt lakes, sandplains and heathlands. Camping allowed, but no facilities. Cave Hill Nature Reserve (55 km north) 4WD access to rugged granite outcrops, waterholes and a large cave formation. Variety of wildlife, scenic bushwalks & caves. 4WD access only.

Accommodation:
Norseman has half a dozen hotels & motels, a holiday lodge and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: 68 Roberts St. Tel (08) 9039 1071.

Airport:
Esperance Aerodrome (EPR), Coolgardie Esperance Hwy, Gibson. Tel (08) 9071 2775. (181 km south).

Hospital:
Norseman Hospital, Talbot St. Tel (08) 9039 9200.