GEDC > Goldfields-Esperance region > Shire of Laverton

Shire of Laverton

Named in 1900 after Dr Charles Laver, a keen prospector who rode his bicycle from Coolgardie to the area, Laverton was a booming gold mining town with a known reputation of being the wildest town in the west. It developed as the centre for commercial, both mining and pastoral and social activity in the area until the late 1950s when its last major gold mine shut down. The town still boasts a long established pastoral industry and is home to Australia's largest Nickel mine at Murrin Murrin as well as the second largest gold producing mine at Sunrise Dam.

Laverton's best asset is a welcoming nature. With natural, cultural and historical riches, the region sets the perfect scene for tourists keen to immerse themselves in the true Australian Outback. Being the western point of the Outback Way that leads travellers straight into Australia's red heart, through Warburton to Uluru, Alice Springs and on to Winton in Queensland, Laverton is the perfect place to start or end your outback experience. Other outback gateways from Laverton include the Anne Beadell Highway to Coober Pedy in South Australia and the David Carnegie Road leading travellers to Western Australia's northern beauty.

Possibly Laverton's biggest tourist attraction, the Great Beyond Explorers Hall of Fame uses cutting edge technology to bring to life the characters and stories of the past. The centre allows you to step back in time with several notable explorers who led challenging expeditions through central Australia during the mid to late 19th Century as they recount their stories of hardship and bravery. You are able to discover what it was like for women and pioneers of the Goldfields during the early days and learn about the valuable industries that sustain our inland. The Hall of Fame also houses the local Visitor Centre, Horizons Café and distinctive gift and souvenir shop. A quick stop at the Great Beyond will give you all the information you will need on other unique attractions within the town and surrounding areas.

Please select one of the following links to explore the Shire of Laverton:

Contact

MacPherson Place, Laverton
Ph: +61 8 9031 1202
Fax: +61 8 9031 1340
www.laverton.wa.gov.au

Page last reviewed: 13 March 2009