Sandstone

Sandstone lies in the heart of the spectacular East Murchison Goldfields 650 kilometres, or a days drive, from Perth via the Great Northern Highway. It is an ideal stopover for travellers en route to many of Western Australia's destinations, including those travelling to the Gunbarrel Highway and the Canning Stock Route. Established after the discovery of gold in the early 1900's, Sandstone was gazetted in 1906. The area surrounding Sandstone is transformed from red earth to a carpet of spectacular colour during the wildflower season, July to September, depending on seasonal rains. Countless natural rock formations, or 'breakaways', contrast dramatically with the rust stained sandstone landscape which gives the town its name. Of these many picturesque and interesting breakaways, 'London Bridge' is the most spectacular. Formed of weathered basalt it is believed to be about 350 million years old. Once wide enough to allow a horse and sulky to cross but due to erosion over the years it is presently one metre in width. Visitors are requested not to walk over it. The brewery was established in 1907 by an Irishman, J.V. Kearney, to provide for the demands of the many miners working in the area. Built on top of a breakaway, close to a cliff drop of some 30 to 40 feet, water was pumped to equipment on the upper level for brewing and then stored in cellars, carved in solid rock, below, this ensured the beer was kept cool in the hottest of weather. The National Hotel, built by Mr W.A. Richardson in 1909, and the smallest of the four hotels built in Sandstone during the gold rush years, is the only hotel still remaining. Food is available at the local hotel. Hotel/motel, caravan park and self contained unit style accommodation is available in Sandstone.