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When JF Connolly first discovered gold in 1890 some 50km south of what we know today as Meekatharra, it set off a gold rush that was to last for decades in the Murchison region of Western Australia. This fascinating, rugged outback country presented many challenges to those seeking their fortunes. The countryside is every bit as rugged and fascinating today.
Active and profitable gold mines continue to operate in the district. There are relics dotted throughout the countryside and fill the imagination of the inquisitive tourist. People still try their hand at prospecting, many with surprisingly good results! Heritage buildings in Meekatharra maintain character in the town centre, while the local Museum puts it all into context. The natural beauty of the area with rocky outcrops, native animals and a glorious parade of colourful wildflowers in winter and spring, make Meekatharra a must visit on your Mid West outback adventure. |
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| Golden Services |
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Situated on the Great Northern Highway, Meekatharra is the largest centre in the Murchison. There are excellent sealed roads from Perth in the south, Geraldton in the west and further north into the Pilbara. Meekatharra is a convenient stopping point when travelling through the outback. With many smaller towns on the approach to Meekatharra, you'll find the drive is entertaining all the way.
When in town, you'll find everything you need:
The friendly staff at the Shire of Meekatharra are there to help you find everything you need to enjoy a stay in town and help you on your way to see the sights. |
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| Golden Attractions |
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Meeka Rangelands Discovery Trail: Pick up a trail guide at the Shire for the Discovery Trail. See the beauty of the landscape from Meeka Lookout and an insight in the natural and cultural heritage of the town during the easy 3km walk around Meekatharra Creek. Meekatharra Museum: Located in the library of the Shire building, the museum contains more that 100 photographs and interesting items of memorabilia on the history of Meekatharra. There is also a delightful collection of locally crafted quilts. All items in the museum have been donated by local people looking to preserve their heritage. The Meekatharra Museum is open 8:00 am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
State Battery: In Meekatharra's Centenary Year of 1994, the State Battery was relocated to Main Street in acknowledgment of the early prospectors and miners. It stands proudly near Meekatharra Creek along with other interesting relics from Meekatharra's gold mining past. Royal Flying Doctors Base: The Flying Doctors are synonymous with the outback and in Meekatharra you can tour the base. Visitors are welcome between 9am and 2pm daily and it is located at the northern end of Main Street. Learn about the integral role of this vital outback service.
Meekatharra Meteorological Office: Part of the Australia-wide Bureau of Meteorology network, weather
balloons are launched twice daily. Call 9981 1191 to arrange a site
tour. You'll find the Meteorological Office in the airport grounds, 5km
from town. The airport is impressive in itself, capable of servicing
large 737 jets. Picture Gardens: Recapture the excitement of the outdoor movie theatre. The Picture Gardens regularly screen the best of Hollywood!
Peace Gorge: Just 3km from town, this fascinating area of granite rock formations is an ideal picnic spot. Its reputation for picnics dates back to World War I when Meekatharra's servicemen were welcomed home with a gala picnic and sports day at the granites. Since that day, the area has been known as Peace Gorge. 25 Mile Well: 40km north on the Great Northern Highway, this well has been restored as a monument to the many drovers and stockmen driving their cattle through this rugged land.
Wildflowers and Wildlife: When the winter rains fall, the red earth around Meekatharra gives life to a dazzling array of colourful wildflowers. A must see for the fauna enthusiast. Look out for the red sturt pea - the signature flower of Meekatharra. While you're out and about you will also see emus, kangaroos, wedge tailed eagles and bungarra lizards which are prevalent in the area.
Gold Mining Pits and Prospecting: The surrounds of Meekatharra reflect the district's rich gold mining heritage. Disused and operational pits provide a fascinating and spectacular site. Many prospecting sites around the town yield regular finds. Peak Hill to the north is a particular favourite.
Nallan Lake: Nestled between Cue and Meekatharra, this picturesque lake invites campers and picnickers to enjoy its shady, calm shores. Mt Gould Police Station: In operatiion from 1888 to 1902 to enforce immediate action over sheep killing in the area. You can view this old police station 156km west of Meekatharra on the Meekatharra-Carnarvon Road.
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| Heritage as rich as the landscape |
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Do you know the difference between a kangaroo and a bigurda? What about the names of the Aboriginal groups that call Meekatharra home? Or how communication was ever possible in these remote parts in the early days? You can find the answers to these questions and many more along the Meeka Rangelands Discovery Trail. The trail provides a fascinating insight into the history, natural and cultural heritage of Meekatharra along an easy 3km walk around Meekatharra Creek. The trail also includes the Meeka Lookout, a great spot to take in the vast red rangelands, mining superpit and appreciate the beauty of the outback landscape. You can walk or drive to the top of the lookout. A trail guide is available from the Shire in Main Street.
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| Accommodation | ||
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Meekatharra offers an excellent range of quality accommodation outlets to make your stay in Meekatharra as memorable as the scenery.
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| About Meekatharra |
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During the 1890s there were many years of the most severe drought so far experienced in Western Australia. Nevertheless, there were sheep stations and the roads and wells needed to service them established the groundwork which proved invaluable for facilitating the gold boom of the 1890s. Annean station, which was established by the Cruikshank brothers in 1882, lent its name to first mining town in the region, Nannine. Gilles McPherson is reputed to be the first to strike gold in Nannine, but it was JF Connely and William Douglas who were the first to make it back to Geraldton and claim the government reward for finding a new goldfield. McPherson formed the Nannine Gold Mining Company in 1891 and the Murchison Goldfield was proclaimed in that year. Within a short time Nannine held enough wood and corrugated iron buildings to provide a base for gold exploration in the area. The telegraph reached the town in 1894 and the railway came through three years later. Meekatharra is a corruption of the Wadjari word 'Mikadah', a nearby waterhole in the area. Meekatharra is the name used for the township which grew near the mine site. The original mine found in this area by prospectors Tom Porter and Luke Soich was called "Meekathara" and later became known as the "Centaur". The lack of alluvial gold in the area meant that Meekatharra did not experience the spectacular growth of other Goldfields towns, but its development was nevertheless remarkable. From less than a hundred people at the turn of the century to over one and a half thousand by the time the railway reached the town, a decade later. With the advent of the railway, Meekatharra usurped Nannine's position as a storage depot for the wool industry sending their goods south as well as for cattlemen driving their herds down from the Pilbara and Kimberley. By the time the trains reached the new railhead, the town had invested heavily in its own future and could boast a government school, its own newspaper The Meekatharra Miner, a hospital and a board of health, as well as several churches and hotels. The second decade of the twentieth century saw a decline in the price of gold. This was due to a rise in the costs of mine equipment and a shortage of skilled labour as workers left the fields to become soldiers in the First World War. These factors had an effect on all of the towns in the Goldfields. |
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| Statistics | ||
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Distance from Perth (km)
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Meekatharra Photo Gallery