Woodarra, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids WoodarraWestern Australia |
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 Woodarra
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1898 |
| Postcode(s) | 6435 |
| Elevation | 464 m (1,522 ft) |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Leonora |
| State electorate(s) | Kalgoorlie |
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
Woodarra, sometimes called Darlot or Lake Darlot, is a ghost town in Western Australia. It is located in the Goldfields–Esperance region, between the towns of Leinster and Laverton. The town is very close to a lake also named Lake Darlot.
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Woodarra: A Town from the Gold Rush
Woodarra is a fascinating example of a town that grew quickly because of gold. It was once a busy place, but now it is abandoned. This happens often with mining towns when the gold runs out.
Where is Woodarra Located?
Woodarra is found in the Goldfields–Esperance region of Western Australia. This area is known for its history of gold mining. The town is about 59 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of Leinster. It is also 1027 kilometers (638 miles) northeast of Perth, the capital city.
How Woodarra Began: The Gold Story
In the 1890s, people discovered gold in the area around Lake Darlot. This discovery brought many prospectors and miners hoping to find their fortune. As more people arrived, they needed a proper town.
A group called the Lake Darlot progress association worked to get a townsite officially declared. In 1896, the land was surveyed, meaning it was measured out for building. The association asked for the new town to be named Woodarra. The government officially recognized Woodarra as a town in 1898.
Mail Delivery in Early Woodarra
Even in the early days, people needed to send and receive mail. In 1895, a special bicycle postal service started. It carried mail between Woodarra and another town called Lawlers.
Later, the mail service changed. It became a mail run from Cue, passing through Lawlers. Then, in 1896, the route changed again. Mail came from Mount Magnet, also via Lawlers. This last mail route served the town for six years.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name "Woodarra" comes from the Aboriginal language. It refers to a granite rock formation. This special rock formation was located near the town's water supply. Naming places after local natural features is common in Aboriginal culture.
