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Norseman Attractions

The history of Norseman is very much tied to the Norseman gold mine. Gold mining in the Norseman area began with the chance discovery of gold at nearby Lake Dundas in 1892. A gold attractions norseman horse statue rush soon began. Today however the original Dundas fields now lay abandoned. According to local legend the town of Norseman was named after a horse. It is said that in 1894 a horse named "Hardy Norseman" was tethered to a tree for the night by its owner, Laurie Sinclair. Upon returning to his horse Sinclair had the good fortune to discover that "Norseman" had unearthed a gold nugget. Since then a statue has been erected in honour of Norseman - but not surprisingly it is only cast in bronze!

Today Gold Mining continues to be a major activity with reports that the Norseman fields have produced over 5 million ounces of the precious yellow metal.

For more information on Norseman and the area go to norseman.info.

CORRUGATED
CAMELS

On Prinsep Street

norseman corrugated camels norseman great western motel

A must see are the unique ‘Corrugated Iron Camels’ on Prinsep Street which offer a great photo opportunity. The brilliant life size beasts are a tribute to the early camel trains which carried all the freight and mail in the early days. Norseman has very wide streets because the camel trains needed lots of room to turn.
The corrugated camels were created by WA artist Kurt Hotker.

THE GALLERY OF SPLENDID ISOLATION

Corner of Ramsay and Prinsep streets

norseman art gallery norseman great western motel

The gallery is situated right across from the corrugated iron camels. Local photographer, Lynn Webb, has a stunning range of images on display that cover the full spectrum of photographic opportunities in the shire. There are stunning shots of nature, wildlife, landscapes, still life or those with a modern spin on the subject, from colour to black and white. A visit to the gallery will not disappoint.

DUNDAS COACH ROAD HERITAGE TRAIL

Full circuit is about 50km

norseman dundas coach road heritage trail norseman great western motel

This trail retraces the original Cobb & Co Coach Route from the Lady Mary Mine through to the original Dundas Townsite. Dundas was the original town, created in 1893 but it was very short-lived as richer deposits of gold were found at Norseman in 1894.
The 28 kilometre drive (one way) provides an insight into early mining history, unique eucalyptus woodlands and ancient granite nature reserves. A delightful picnic spot welcomes visitors after your adventure on the trail.

LAKE COWAN LOOKOUT

About 5km from Norseman township

norseman lake cowan norseman great western motel

A 7km drive that meanders across Lake Cowan brings you to a delightful picnic setting perched on top of one of the islands that are scattered over the lake. There are stunning views in most directions and an information panel provides background about the salt lake which is one of many in the region.

PHOENIX
PARK

Close to the town centre

norseman phoenix park norseman great western motel

This educational and historical mining park is a tribute to our mining and prospecting history. Items of machinery, equipment and buildings representing our mining history are displayed along winding pathways which are intersected by a restful water feature. Interpretive signage are located at each item and tell the stories of yesterday. There are free barbecues on which to cook a delicious lunch or dinner and sheltered picnic setting.

GEMSTONE FOSSICKING

10km out of Norseman township

norseman gemstone fossicking norseman great western motel

As well as gold there are also many other minerals and gemstones in the Dundas region. It is possible to fossick for agate gemstones in the peaceful bushland on the Granite Woodlands Trail. If trying your hand at finding some little gems of your own, call into the tourist bureau for permits and advice.

THE GRANITE WOODLANDS DISCOVERY TRAIL

The drive trail is 297km

norseman Granite Woodlands Discovery Trail norseman great western motel

Links Norseman to Hyden and Wave Rock and is a delight of beautiful woodlands, stunning granite rocks, spectacular wildflowers in spring and numerous picnic/camp spots that include some walk trails, along the way. The drive trail offers a different route to Perth meandering through one of the largest untouched temperate woodlands in the world and is suitable for most vehicles. There is a total of 16 different stopping places, each with natural or cultural history. Brochure available from the Visitor Centre.

BEACON HILL

A short 2km drive from Norseman

A spectacular view awaits those visitors who take the short 2km drive up to Beacon Hill. One can see in every direction and be regaled with history from the display boards on the quaint information hut that perches at the top. You can also enjoy a short walk trail through the beautiful bushland that leads off the top of the hill and comes back to the top.

NORSEMAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Open 10am to 1pm most days

norseman historical museum norseman great western motel

There is a wonderful collection of memorabilia housed in what used to be the ‘School of Mines’ building. Soak up the history and heritage as you explore the different room displays and then go outside to view all the great exhibits such as a large piece of Skylab, the beautifully restored horse wagon, a railway pumper that was used by the fettlers when repairing the rail lines plus numerous pieces of mining equipment. A small entry fee applies.

MOUNT JIMBERLANA

Located just 5km east of town.

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'Jimberlana' is the Aboriginal name for the area. Reputed to be one of the oldest geological sites in the world, it has been estimated that the granite rocks are nearly 2,900 million years old. The dry lake chain to the north indicates the past existence of an ancient river system. It is possible to walk to the top of the rock which provides outstanding views of the surrounding area. A picnic area at the base of Mt Jimberlana makes a great place to stop for lunch.

DUNDAS ROCKS

Located 22km south of Norseman township

norseman dundas rocks norseman great western motel

These huge ancient rock formations, over 2 million years old, are scattered through the bush. It is a perfect day trip with walking, climbing, wildflowers (in season) and a bushland picnic facility for you to enjoy. A plaque identifying the old Dundas townsite, the first settlement in this area, is located nearby. BBQ facilities are onsite.
Continue along the walk trail to the end of Lake Dundas where the lone grave belonging to Stanley Whitehead who died in 1897 can be found.

BULDANIA ROCKS

26km east of Norseman

norseman buldania rocks norseman great western motel

A hidden attraction, Buldania Rocks are famous for their large number of "Gnamma Holes." These natural cavities are commonly found in hard rock, particularly granite outcrops, and as such act as natural water tanks, which are replenished from underground stores and rainwater run-off.

ADDRESS

Corner Prinsep and McIvor Streets Norseman WA 6443

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