Meekatharra
Town
Population 799
The name Meekatharra is believed to be an Aboriginal word meaning 'place of little water' – an apt description for a town sitting on the edge of a desert. Meekatharra is now the centre of a vast mining and pastoral area. It came into existence in the 1880s when gold was discovered in the area. However, the gold rush was short-lived and it was only the arrival of the railway in 1910 that ensured its survival. The town became the railhead at the end of the Canning Stock Route, a series of 54 wells stretching from the East Kimberleys to the Murchison. The railway was closed in 1978, but the town continues to provide necessary links to remote outback areas through its Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Visitor Information
Shire offices, 54 Main St; (08) 9981 1002
Nearby towns
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Cue WA
This town was once known as the 'Queen of the Murchison'. In 1891 Mick Fitzgerald and Ed Heffernan found large nuggets of gold not far...more -
Mount Magnet
In 1854 the hill that rises above this Murchison goldmining town was named West Mount Magnet by surveyor Robert Austin after he noticed...more
In Town
Royal Flying Doctor Service: operates an important base in Meekatharra; open to public 9am–2pm daily; Main St. Old Courthouse: National Trust building; Darlot St. Meekatharra Museum: photographic display and items of memorabilia from Meekatharra's past; open 8am–4.30pm Mon–Fri; shire offices, Main St. State Battery: relocated to the town centre in recognition of the early prospectors and miners; Main St. Meeka Rangelands Discovery Trail: walk or drive this trail for insight into the town's mining past, Aboriginal heritage and landscapes; maps at visitor centre.
Nearby
Peace Gorge: this area of granite formations is an ideal picnic spot; 5 km N. Meteorological Office: watch the launching of weather balloons twice daily at the airport; tours available on (08) 9981 1191; 5 km SE. Bilyuin Pool: swimming (but check water level in summer); 88 km NW. Old Police Station: remains of the first police station in the Murchison; Mt Gould; 156 km NW.
Cafes & restaurants around town
Campsites around town
Lake Mason camping area 150 km
Lake Mason camping area provides campers with a good range of facilities near the old homestead, set around some shady trees, while they explore this old pastoral property. Bring firewood and water to this site 56 km... Find out moreNorth Pool 166 km
This small site is reached 10.4 km north of Wiluna. GPS S:26 26.772 E:120 08.868... Find out moreClub Hotel Caravan Park 172 km
Wiluna, on the Goldfields Hwy between Meekatharra and Leonora, is the start and finish point for the Canning Stock Route and the famous Gunbarrel Hwy. For many intrepid adventurers, it is the first or last sign of... Find out moreWell 3 212 km
Well 3 has water and a small camping area to the east of the route, 71.1 km from the turn-off north of Wiluna. No camping is permitted between Well 3 and Windich Springs, as this is private property. GPS S:25 46.541... Find out moreWanjarri Shearing Shed 232 km
Wanjarri Shearing Shed camping area is 16 km east of the Goldfields Hwy, 58 km north of Leinster. Camping around the trees gives visitors the use of the shearing-shed facilities while they explore the remnants of this... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Cue Caravan Park 109 km
A council park in the main street of Cue, this establishment has undergone redevelopment and expansion. It is popular with amateur prospectors who arrive in large numbers during the cooler winter months. The park has... Find out moreAlice Atkinson Caravan Park 174 km
This park offers a lot of features for an unrated, budget-priced park in a small town, including very clean modern amenities, a dump point and green grass for those in tents. Spend some time and visit the natural rock... Find out moreMount Magnet Caravan Park 175 km
We sometimes stay at this good-quality council caravan park, which has all basic facilities. There are shady trees, a patch of lawn for tents and clean amenities.... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Rest areas around town
25 Mile Well Rest Area 40 km
40 km N of Meekatharra (L) or 216 km S of Kumarina (R) Large area adjacent to the highway at an old well site. GPS: S26 15.55 E118 39.32... Find out moreLake Nallan Rest Area 89 km
20 km N of Cue (R) or 96 km S of Meekatharra (L) Large secluded area just off the highway on the shores of the lake. Limited shade. GPS: S27 15.21 E117 58.57 ... Find out moreNallan Homestead Camp Area 95 km
T/O 12 km N of Cue (R) or 104 km S of Meekatharra (L) Rustic camp areas around the homestead located 3 kilometres east of the highway. Camp kitchen and some powered sites available. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS:... Find out moreCue Park Area 116 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway opposite the police station. GPS: S27 25.30 E117 53.47... Find out moreBillabong Rest Area 135 km
146 km N of Meekatharra (L) or 110 km S of Kumarina (R) Large secluded area well off the highway near a billabong behind the parking bay. Limited shade. GPS: S25 34.734 E119 14.251... Find out more
