Goongarrie, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids GoongarrieWestern Australia |
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 Goongarrie
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1895 |
| Postcode(s) | 6438 |
| Elevation | 378 m (1,240 ft) |
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| LGA(s) | Shire of Menzies |
| State electorate(s) | Electoral district of Kalgoorlie |
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
Goongarrie is a fascinating ghost town in Western Australia. It is located in the Goldfields region. This old town is about 84 kilometers (52 miles) north of Kalgoorlie.
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Goongarrie: An Old Gold Town
Goongarrie was once a busy place. It was founded during the exciting time of the gold rush. Today, it is part of a national park.
How Goongarrie Got Its Name
At first, Goongarrie was known by a different name. People called it 90 Mile. This was because it was 90 miles away from another town, Coolgardie.
It also had another nickname: The Roaring Gimlet. This name came from the sound of the wind. The strong south-westerly wind would roar through the local gimlet trees.
The name Goongarrie comes from a nearby lake. Lake Goongarrie has an Aboriginal Australian name. The exact meaning of the word is not known.
The Gold Rush Days
In 1893, some gold miners made an exciting discovery. A group including Pickersgill, Cahill, Frost, and Bennett found gold here. This was the first gold found since the big discovery in Coolgardie.
Because of the gold, a town was planned. It was officially made a town on June 17, 1895. Many gold mines operated in the area. Some famous ones were the Phoenix, the Caledonian, and Lady Montefiore.
What Happened to Goongarrie?
Like many gold rush towns, Goongarrie did not stay busy forever. By 1903, the number of people living there had dropped. Only 66 people remained in the area.
The town site later became part of a large farm. This type of farm is called a pastoral station. It was named Goongarrie Station. Today, the area is protected as part of Goongarrie National Park. This park helps preserve the natural environment and history of the region.
