Meekatharra

Located 764 km north east of Perth, 541 km east of Geraldton, 521 m above sea level, and just a 1 hour and 30 minute flight with Skippers Aviation from Perth, Meekatharra is a gold town which has developed into a major supply centre for the pastoral and mining interests in the East Murchison.

Like the rest of the East Murchison, Meekatharra came into existence in the 1890s when gold was discovered in the area. By 1891 gold was being mined at both Nannine and Annean Station. The Peak Hill field was opened up in 1892 and by 1894 a ten-head battery had been built to crush and process ore at Garden Gully. It seems the first settlement at Meekatharra occurred in 1894 and that, in May 1896, after the prospectors Meehan, Porter and Soich discovered gold, miners moved to the new settlement from the other East Murchison fields.

Meekatharra is a golden prospect for visitors on their Mid West outback adventure. The gold mining riches of yesteryear have left a rich legacy for the town and the region. Active, profitable gold mining operations continue in the district and the relics of those long since past, dotted throughout the countryside, fill the imagination of the inquisitive tourist. Others still try their hand at prospecting, many with surprisingly good results!

Rocky outcrops, native animals and a glorious parade of colourful wildflowers in winter and spring bring Meekatharra to life. In town, you’ll find excellent three star motel a choice of local hotels for accommodation, meals or a long, cold drink!