4 minute read

Norseman & the Nullarbor Shires

& the Nullarbor

Norseman Visitor Centre

78 Princep Street, Norseman WA 6443 T: (08) 9039 0040 E: tourism@dundas.wa.gov.au

Visit dundas.wa.gov.au

norseMAn

Located in the south east of WA, the town of Norseman is the gateway to Western Australia. The Shire of Dundas has a diverse landscape, home to remote and rugged coastlines, the famous Nullarbor plain, spectacular granite outcrops and vast sparkling salt lakes. Norseman also sits in the heart of the ecologically significant Great Western Woodlands, the world’s largest, untouched temperate woodlands.

The Ngadju and Mirning people are the traditional owners of the land. Aboriginal cultural heritage draws visitors to the region to learn about and experience local Ngadju and Mirning culture through tours, arts and sharing of knowledge and heritage.

Gold was Norseman’s original claim to fame when prospector Laurie Sinclair and his horse Norseman passed through only 20kms north of the original Dundas townsite. When his horse went lame, Sinclair discovered that the piece of rock lodged in Norseman’s hoof was gold-bearing. Excited by his lucky find, he continued prospecting resulting in a major find that sparked a gold rush and established a town named after his trusty horse. Gold has been mined ever since.

The Great Western Woodlands holds hundreds of different species of native flora and fauna. The coppery gimlets shimmer in the sunlight and are just one of the many eucalypts found in the area. Explore the woodlands through bushwalking, photo opportunities, drive trails and camping.

Vast and ancient salt lakes are remnants of huge river systems from the Ice Age are quite intriguing. These offer excellent photo opportunities with the salt crusts forming odd shapes, creating mirages in the summer heat; and eyecatching sunsets that contrast against the glistening white of the salt lakes.

Norseman Woodlands Cultural, Community and Visitor Centre

The Woodlands Centre is a must-see with friendly staff ready to welcome you to Norseman.

Whether seeking information, enjoying the interpretive displays, watching the murals • • come to life with AR technology, or shopping for a souvenir to show off after your travels, the Woodlands Centre has everything you need. • • • 78 Prinsep Street, Norseman WA 6443 • T: (08) 9039 0040 • E: tourism@dundas.wa.gov.au • www.dundas.wa.gov.au

the nullArbor

From Norseman Woodlands to Eucla Coast, you’ll embark on one of Australia’s most epic road trips: the great Nullarbor Plain. This is a harsh and unique landscape, home to various wildlife, including wombats, wedge-tailed eagles, and whales. Crossing the Plain is one of the world’s great road adventures with plenty to see.

Looking for an excuse to stretch your legs along the way? Make sure you pack some golf clubs to play on the world’s longest golf course - the Nullarbor Links. Get your player’s card stamped at every hole and receive your certificate at the end of the course!

Historical Museum

The Norseman Museum is another mustsee. Formerly known as the School of Mines building, the historical museum is well worth visiting with displays added

Caiguna Blowhole

throughout the year. In addition, it houses a superb collection of mining and early pioneer displays and exterior exhibits that include a large piece of the Skylab.

Tin Camel Roundabout

Unique corrugated iron camels in the Prinsep St roundabout are a tribute to the camel trains that carried mail and freight in the early days.

Beacon Hill Lookout and Walk Trail

A two-kilometre drive from the main street brings you to Beacon Hill, offering panoramic 360-degree views over the town and surrounding countryside. The wildflower season further enriches this stunning view.

Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail

This iconic road trip trail stretches 300km between Norseman and Hyden. The route features 16 interpretive sites including McDermid Rock, The Breakaways and the famous Wave Rock. The landscape along the trail is ever-changing as you travel through the heart of the Great Western Woodlands. From large granite outcrops, glistening eucalypts and an array of colourful wildflowers when in season.

Dundas Heritage Trail & Dundas Rocks

Drive the original Cobb & Co heritage trail, a 28km self-drive bush trail. There are 10 interpretive sites, including the remains of the original Dundas townsite. A stand of large ancient boulders and rock formations known as Dundas Rocks are scattered through the bush, inviting exploration and adventure. Or enjoy the picnic and BBQ area set among the trees.

Fraser Range Station

One of WA’s most enjoyable station stays, with scenic granite hills surrounded by the world’s largest hardwood forest.

Balladonia

Visit the Cultural Heritage Museum with Skylab debris and interactive displays.

Caiguna

Take a photo of Australia’s longest straight road, 146kms in length; 5kms west of the town, you’ll find the Caiguna Blowhole.

Cocklebiddy

Australia’s first bird observatory, the Eyre Bird Observatory, requires advance bookings (call 08 9039 3450) with access by 4WD only. EBO offers a delightful retreat for nature lovers.

Madura

Spectacular views from Madura Pass.

Mundrabilla

Picturesque location along the escarpment. Site of Australia’s biggest meteorite.

Eucla

Beautiful location with ocean views, on top of escarpment. Visit the old telegraph station ruins and check out the Telegraph Museum at the motel.

Gateway Caravan Park

Our main highway midway between Kalgoorlie & Esperance. Explore the real outback with its surreal landscape & captivating history. Range of accommodation options.

Tel: (08) 9038 1500 / 0438 188 118 Email: gateway@acclaimparks.com.au Lot 1175 Prinsep Street, Norseman, WA 6443

www.acclaimparks.com.au

Quarantine Check Point

Quarantine Check Point