Merredin to Kalgoorlie, Western Australia

On the road again and continuing to run beside the pipeline, we came to a display on the second feature of the area. The State Barrier Fence, also known as the Rabbit Proof Fence. The fence no. 1 was commenced in 1901 and ran for 1837 kms from Esperance in the south to Port Hedland in the north.

We took a detour off the highway to Westonia and the Edna May gold mine. The town is an historic remnant but the mine was re-opened as an open pit mine only about ten years ago. 

Back onto the highway where the small town of Southern Cross is kidding itself. Five star indeed! But it did have some beautiful native flowers and a miners' memorial.

Next stop was Coolgardie, famous for starting the West Australian gold rush. There are many beautiful historic buildings with interpretive signs which allow a good stretching of the legs on this long drive.

After lunch near the Coolgardie Cemetery we found the grave of Ernest Giles, the great West & South Australian explorer who covered vast distances in the 1870s.

On we drove to Kalgoorlie where we had a two night break. With only one driver it was essential to give him rest days, and also there is lots to see and do in Kalgoorlie.