Menzies

One and a half hours drive north of Kalgoorlie is the goldmining town of Menzies. The town was settled in 1894 by Lesley Robert Menzies, a gold miner who found significant reserves in the area. The subsequent gold rush saw the population grow to over 10,000 before shrinking back to a few hundred, all within a decade. The town still has a reputation as a good gold prospecting and fossicking area, although permits are required. Menzies has some wonderful historic architecture, in particular the Menzies Town Hall with its famous clock. For 100 years the hall's clock tower was 'clockless'. Local legend has it that the original clock was being shipped from England when the boat carrying it sank off Rottnest Island. Due to the town's uncertain future, Menzies' leaders decided not to order another one and hence it was 'clockless' for 100 years. To celebrate the millennium, a clock was installed and unveiled on New Year's Eve 2000. At Lake Ballard, approximately 55 kilometres west from Menzies is Inside Australia. This exhibition was commissioned to mark the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Perth International Arts Festival in 2003, and an idea of internationally renowned artist, Antony Gormley. The sculptures stand scattered over 10 square kilometres of the salt lake. Apart from two or three passers-by the 51 sculptures are derived from laser scans of the inhabitants of Menzies. Bar food is available at the local hotel and take away can be bought from the service station. A hotel and a caravan park provide visitor accommodation. Tourist information is available from the Shire of Menzies office, located within the Menzies Town Hall.