Norseman

The gateway to Western Australia, Norseman is a welcoming sight after crossing the Nullarbor from the east. Norseman was discovered in 1894 by Laurie Sinclair who named the site after his horse, Norseman, who pawed the ground uncovering a gold nugget. This led to the discovery of one of the richest quartz reefs ever mined in Australia. Situated at the junction of Highway 1 and Highway 94, Norseman has the Nullarbor and Adelaide to the east, Perth to the west, Kalgoorlie Boulder to the north and Esperance to the south. Completed in December 2001, Phoenix Park is a tribute to the local mining and prospecting history. Relics and equipment from old mines have been relocated to the park and set out along winding pathways which are intersected by a restful water feature. Informative signs are located at each item and tell the stories of yesterday. The town is surrounded by beautiful, dense eucalypt bushland, with ancient rock outcrops and large salt lakes nearby. Enjoy the breathtaking views from Beacon Hill, feast on a barbeque at Dundas Rocks, or view the historical collection. A short two kilometre drive from the town centre brings you to Beacon Hill with spectacular panoramic views in every direction and a rustic information hut that provides you with history of Norseman, a directional dial and beautiful bush timber seats from which to enjoy the views. A scenic walk trail meanders down from the eastern side of the hill through peaceful bushland and back up on the western side. There are many facilities available for travellers, with thousands of vehicles and visitors passing through the town daily. The tourist complex offers showers, toilets and barbeques in a shady, grassed area. There is also an Olympic sized swimming pool nearby for use in the summer months.