About Us

Shire of Leonora

Leonora is the service centre for the mining, exploration and well established pastoral industry. Our town centre boasts historical buildings which you can find out more about using our Interactive Heritage Trail Map!

Gwalia is an award winning must see for visitors. The living ghost town of Gwalia is the doorway to a unique experience of Western Australia’s rich mining history. The little settlement that grew up around the Sons of Gwalia Mine in the late 1890s thrived until the final whistle blew on 28 December 1963, closing the mine and putting 250 men out of work. Gwalia’s 1200-strong population fell to just 40 in less than three weeks as workers fled to find work elsewhere. 

Hoover House, originally occupied by Herbert Hoover (who went on the become the American president), was the mine manager's house in Gwalia and has now been converted in to a luxury Bed and Breakfast and cafe. 

Weather

Leonora weather

Leonora experiences day time temperatures averaging around 15°C in winter to 38°C in summer. Rainfall is scarce with the average being around 250mm per year. Travellers are advised to carry ample water when venturing off the main highways.

Wildlife

Bird life Leonora

The surrounding countryside is the home to an abundance of wildlife with kangaroos and emus being the most prolific. Wedge tailed eagles are also in large numbers throughout the area.

Wildflowers are best seen in the months between July and September.

We have a fantastic resource available for those interested in the bird life around Leonora thanks to the CSIRO, Leonora DHS, Birdlife Australia and NHRC. The 'Tirtarti Birds of the Leonora Area' Brochure can be picked up from our information centre. Each brochure contains nearly 120 illustrations and names of birds that can be found in the area.

How To Get Here

Leonora is serviced by a bitumen road from Perth via Kalgoorlie. A bus service operates from Perth on this route. Travel via Great Eastern Highway to Kalgoorlie and then on the Goldfields Highway to Leonora. A public airline also services the Leonora and Leinster townsites.