Southern Cross WA 6426 (Pop 700)    

Southern Cross is a thriving Outback township on the Great Eastern Hwy 369 km east of

Perth. Situated between Merredin and Kalgoorlie, it enjoyed a rich albeit short goldmining history as the site of the region’s first major gold finds (1880s) and was named as the Southern Cross constellation is said to have guided the first gold discoveries. Today the focus is on agricultural and pastoral industries producing wheat, oats, sheep and barley. King of the Cross (Aug), 2 day Enduro (Sept/Oct) both motorcycle races.

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Yailgarn History Museum, Orion St housed within the courthouse/mining office (1891) interesting mining and local displays. Open (9am-12noon) and (1.30pm-4pm) Mon-Sat and (1.30pm-4pm) Sun. Old Cemetery graves dating back to 1890s.  

Nearby:
Hunt’s Soak (7 km north) built 1865 and responsible for early goldfinds. Today a popular recreation area. Frog Rock (34 km south) unusual wave-formation rock. Baladjie Rock (50 km n-w) granite outcrop with excellent views. Karalee Reservoir & Dam (52 km east) historic water catchment area (1897) still popular for camping, picnics and swimming. 

Accommodation:
Southern Cross has a motel, a couple of hotels, a farmstay and caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: Council offices, Anttress St, Yilgarn. Tel (08) 9049 1001.

Airport:
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport (KGI) Tel (08) 9093 3436. (225 km east).

Hospitals:
Southern Cross Hospital, Coolgardie Rd. Tel (08) 9081 2222; Kalgoorlie Hospital, Piccadilly Street, Kalgoorlie. Tel (08) 9080 5888. (225 km east).