Norseman, WA 6443

Cocklebiddy is 64 kms east of Caiguna and about 83 kms west of Madura on the southern edge of WA’s sheep grazing belt. There are several large sheep stations here that are larger than some European countries but virtually no other industry and no infastrcture making it impossible to buy private real estate. If employed on one of the large properties all suppplies would be flown in and with the nearest medical facilities a long distance the Royal Flying Doctor Service would be your only option in an emergency. Arubiddy for example covers an area over 3200 square km’s. Cocklebiddy was once the site of an aboriginal mission and the remains of the mission are still just visible today in the form of its foundations. Cocklebiddy has one of the world’s largest cave systems and has gained international recognition. And just 10 kms north west of the Cocklebiddy Roadhouse is Cocklebiddy cave. Within the large cave are a number of limestone caverns, rockfalls and saline subterranean lakes that extend for several hundred metres. It is advisable to explore this cave with a guide and always be on the lookout for snake. The Cocklebiddy Roadhouse is open 7 days a week from 6.30 until 10pm and offers fuels, takeaway food and cold drinks as well as having a restaurant and bar which boasts a pool table. The Wedgetail Inn has 24 motel units and the Cocklebiddy caravan park offers sites for caravans and campers. Twilight Cove offers some great scenery with good catches of fish often reported.

Caiguna is in between Balladonia and Cocklebiddy and the name is believed to be from the aboriginal for spear track. Just 20 kms away there is a memorial to explorer John Baxter he was murdered here. Today, unless you are running the roadhouse or employed by the proprieters there is no other work available here and no real estate to buy or rent. No other shops, schools or facilities. There is only a 24 hour roadhouse at Caiguna which is one or three on the Eyre Highway.. There is a good range of supplies here including fuel of course and plenty of takeaway food, cold drinks snacks, etc There are public phones and EFTPOS is accepted. There are also pay showers for those who want to freshen up before the long trip ahead. For those who may be flying in there is a landing strip beside the roadhouse. For your accommodation needs the John Eyre Motel has 10 units as well as a caravan and camping park and during peak times this can be very busy so it pays top book in advance. Whilst in the area take the time to visit the blows, which are a feature of this area. The trip from Caiguna to Balladonia will have you drive across the longest stretch of straight road in Australia and is referred to as “The 90 Mile Straight” even though we measure in meters today. This equates to 146.6 kms without a bend.

Balladonia is 181 kms west of Caiguna, it is at the beginning or the end of the longest stretch of straight road in Australia and has an average population of 9 people. Since there is no industry here it is not the kind of place you would normally think of buying real estate and settleing down. In fact, there is no real estate to buy. naturally there are no schools so should you contemplate staying it would definately be a "School of the Air" situation and all basic shopping etc would have to bought in by transport. All there is here is the roadhouse which is open 7 days a week but closes mid evening so if you are traveling at night, be warned that it is not 24 hour. As well as the usual roadhouse facilities there is a bar, restaurant and a motel and caravan park with powered or unpowered sites. Whilst here take the time to check out the museum which has interesting artifacts from pioneer days to the crash landing of the Skylab space station in 1979 as well as a Red X car Trail exhibit. There are a number of places off the main highway including Afghan Rocks, Fraser range Station which specializes in Damara Sheep and has accommodation available. There are a number of “tacks” you can take to short cut to places such as Esperance, Cape Le Grande N.P and Cape Arid. Always check with roadhouse staff before leaving the highway and always advise them where you are headed. Should you break down whilst off the main roads or worse, off a main track, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR. It may save your life.

Norseman is situated between Kalgoorlie and Esperance on the southern coast and was first bought to notice with a gold find in 1892 at Lake Dundas. Legend has it that Norseman was actually a horse named Hardy Norseman and was tied up to a tree over night and after kicking around, unearthed a nugget of gold which was found by his owner next morning. Gold Mining is still an industry here with reports of the gold fields of Norseman having produced over 5 million ounces of gold and the nmines offer employement in a number of fields .There are all the facilities in town need including good motels and two 24 hour roadhouses The roadhouses all take EFTPOS. There is a bank, supermarkets and takeaway meals. Hotels for entertainment and Norsemand has both primary and secondary schools here as well as plenty of sporting activities. Norseman home prices are relatively cheap so you can afford to get into the property market for well under what you would expect in other areas. There are playing fields and a swimming pool for those hot days. There are plenty of adventure to be had, you can visit Beacon Hill Lookout and take in views of the surrounding countryside as well as going to Bromus Dam which is popular with the locals and tourist alike for swimming, picnics and camping. Fossicking for gold or gemstones can be fun but permits are required and available from Norseman’s tourist bureau

As long as you love the dry, dry west then this town could suit you. This is a Gold Mining town from years gone by. In fact the first gold was found in 1892 and has been found ever since. There are still very wealthy mines in the area today. Gemstone fossicking permits can be obtained and a happy day can be had fossicking for the likes of Moss Opalite, Gold Lace Agate and Moss Agate.

Noresman is the last good sized stop off before travelling east across the Nullabor. There are all sorts of services available to travellers who need to have their gear in tip top shape to travel the 1200 kms east to the next resonably sized two of Ceduna.

There is a lot of accommodation for travellers in Noresman and many other services provided by the locals.

An interesting piece of art are the Norseman Feral Metal Camels. In such rugged outback terrains camels do a wonderful job and are seen on a regular basis.