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Mount Magnet

Great Northern Highway, Ken Stepnell

Population 422

In 1854 the hill that rises above this Murchison goldmining town was named West Mount Magnet by surveyor Robert Austin after he noticed that its magnetic ironstone was playing havoc with his compass. Now known by its Aboriginal name, Warramboo Hill affords a remarkable view over the town and mines. Located 562 kilometres north-east of Perth on the Great Northern Highway, Mount Magnet offers visitors a rich mining history, rugged granite breakaway countryside and breathtaking wildflowers in season.

Visitor Information

Hepburn St (next to the Picture Theatre Garden); (08) 9963 4172

www.mtmagnet.wa.gov.au

Nearby towns

  • 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

  • Yalgoo

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  • Meekatharra

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In Town

Mining and Pastoral Museum: collection of mining and pioneering artefacts includes a Crossley engine from the original State Battery; Hepburn St. Heritage trail: see the surviving historic buildings and sites of the gold-rush era on this 1.4 km walk; contact visitor centre for map.

Nearby

The Granites: rocky outcrop with picnic area and Aboriginal rock paintings; 7 km N. Heritage drive: 37 km drive of local historic and natural sights, including views of old open-cut goldmine. Also takes in the Granites and various ghost towns; contact visitor centre for map. Fossicking for gemstones: take care as there are dangerous old mine shafts in the area.

Cafes & restaurants around town

Mount Magnet Hotel

With a glittering goldmining past, Mount Magnet boasts a main street as wide as its future once promised. Like many towns to prosper from a mining boom, World War I took priority and sadly many of the miners didn’t... Find out more


Campsites around town

Lake Mason camping area 173 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 more


Mount Elvire Homestead camping area 223 km

This homestead camping area is 40 km north of the Evanston–Menzies Rd, 175 km west of Menzies. Camping near the homestead or shearers’ quarters gives visitors to this remote area access to very basic... Find out more


Miners Camp camping area 246 km

Basic facilities are provided in a natural bush setting that’s perfect for bushwalking and exploring the heritage associated with WA’s first coalmine. Come equipped with a gas/fuel stove and drinking water.... Find out more


Breakaway camping area 246 km

Located just off Coalseam Rd from the Mingenew–Mullewa Rd, 34 km north of Mingenew, Breakaway camping area is set in a bush environment in an area noted for its wildflowers and mining heritage. Bring along a... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Mount Magnet Caravan Park

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 more


Cue Caravan Park 71 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 more


Yalgoo Caravan Park 119 km

This is a good example of what a small community can achieve with an attractive tourist park in the main street of Yalgoo. The layout is simple, the amenities are basic and the result is good. Pay your fees (cash only)... Find out more


Alice Atkinson Caravan Park 143 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 more


Mullewa Caravan Park 236 km

On the highest hill in town this council-operated park is as neat as a pin with kerbed roadways, green grass and most amenities. Mullewa is a great base for exploring this spectacular, wildflower region in springtime.... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Wondinong Pastoral Station

In an area rich in natural beauty, Mount Magnet is the state’s longest continuously running gold mining settlement. Wondinong Pastoral Station is a working sheep and cattle station 72 kilometres north-east of Mount... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Mount Magnet Park Area

North side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S28 03.43 E117 50.56... Find out more


The Granites Park Area 7 km

6 km N of Mount Magnet (R) or 74 km S of Cue (L) Large secluded area well off the highway in an area of unusual rock formations. GPS: S28 00.28 E117 51.11 ... Find out more


Kirkalocka Homestead Camp Area 55 km

T/O 84 km N of Paynes Find (R) or 60 km S of Mount Magnet (L) Pleasant camping area 0.5 of a kilometre east of the highway at the homestead. Camp kitchen and some powered sites available. Good facilities but shade is... Find out more


Cue Park Area 63 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway opposite the police station. GPS: S27 25.30 E117 53.47... Find out more


Nallan Homestead Camp Area 84 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 more


Lake Nallan Rest Area 90 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 more


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