​Norseman Apartments

In the heart of the Great Western Woodlands

& Ngadju Country

Ngadju People and Culture

The Ngadju people have lived on country between Kalgoorlie and Esperance for perhaps as long as 50,000 years.  Like most tribal groups, the Ngadju people developed their own language and are proud of their important role as the carers and custodians of their land. Being spiritual people, they practiced sacred ceremonies and dances and many sites of significance remain important places for men and women to connect to country today.

In 2014, after an 18 year legal battle, the Ngadju people’s traditional ownership of 102,000 square kilometres of land surrounding the town of Norseman was recognised, including exclusive native title over approximately 42,000 square kilometres.  On 7th October 2015, the Ngadju Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (NNTAC) was established as the Prescribed Body Corporate.  The Ngadju Native Title Aboriginal Corporation acts as an agent for the native title rights and interests of the Ngadju people of southern Western Australia.   

Ngadju Conservation - Rangers care for much of the Great Western Woodlands (GWW) putting land management and conservation skills to into practice to manage their country.  

The Ngadju Dancers of the Norseman Ngadju people, are the first and only traditional dance group from the Norseman, Esperance, and surrounding southern WA Goldfields region to perform in public, including at the Sydney Opera House. 

Local Events

 

Dundas Shire Events Calendar 

Links to Shire website local event calendar

 

Community Markets - held in Roberts St shopping precinct, once a month. Markets commence at 8.30am and include a sausage sizzle and Asian food with fresh coffee available at Full Moon Cafe.  Shops are open usual hours.

 

Local Attractions

 

Gallery of Splendid Isolation - Lynn Webb Photography

Outstanding local photographer capturing the beauty of the natural environment.  Lynn uses both conventional digital cameras and drones, travelling to seldom visited spots in the Great Western Woodlands, WA Goldfields and Nullarbor Coastline.  It is well worth a visit to his gallery,  located on the corner of Prinsep Street at the Tin Camel Roundabout.

Photography advice, framing and image reproduction services also available.

 

Gallery of Splendid Isolation                         Facebook Page   

     

Dundas Coach Road Heritage Trail

Discover more of this fascinating region by taking the Heritage Trail through to the old Dundas Townsite, 550 million year old Dundas Rocks and the Lone Grave.  Maps of the  trail are available at Woodlands Centre (Prinsep St) or via this link.

Take a bush walk to see the ancient rock formations and look for the plaque showing where the original settlement of Dundas stood.  A picnic/ BBQ area is set amongst shady trees. Continue along the trail to Lake Dundas to the lone grave of Stanley Whitehead (7mths) d. 1897. The (replica) timber headstone and guard rails cut out of bush timber stand as the only proof that the site was once inhabited.  The original headstone can be seen at the Norseman Historical Museum.

 

Beacon Hill Lookout

Follow signs from centre of town up Mines Road.

From the top of this lookout there are spectacular views in every direction of the surrounding woodlands, salt lakes, gypsum hills, the Norseman township, and a giant mine tailings dump. At the lookout there is a rustic information hut that provides you with history of Norseman, a directional dial, beautiful bush timber seats where you can rest while enjoying the view.  A short walking trail is another feature to enjoy; it meanders down from the eastern side of the hill through bushland and back up on the western side. 

 

Tin Camels

These life-sized corrugated iron creations are a tribute to the camel trains that were used to transport household goods, mail and other freight in the early days. They are positioned in the middle of the roundabout in the centre of town with four plaques that tell the entire story. Located on Prinsep Street/Ramsay Street corner.

You may note Norseman's main street (Roberts St) is very wide. This was to allow turning space for the camel trains carrying freight.

Camel Information

 

Historical and Geological Museum

There is a wonderful collection of memorabilia housed in what used to be the 'School of Mines' building (Cnr. Mines Rd & Battery Rd.). 

Explore all the different room displays or visit the large fuel tank from Skylab, in the grounds outside.  It is sure to take you on a trip down memory lane, and definitely worth visiting.

There is a small entry fee applies and it is open six days a week from 10.00am – 1.00pm (closed Sunday).  It is managed and operated by dedicated volunteers of the Norseman Historical Association.

 

Norseman Horse Statue

The bronze statue of 'Hardy Norseman' by Robert Hitchcock stands proud on the corner of Roberts and Ramsay Streets. 

Local legend has it that in 1894, when prospector Laurie Sinclair stopped off to visit his brother on his way to Esperance, he tethered his horse overnight and in the morning was amazed to discover that the horse had pawed up a gold nugget.  A rich gold reef was discovered and thousands flocked to make their fortune which led to the town of Norseman being established.

 

Bromus Dam

Bromus Dam is an ideal picnic spot, 32 km drive south of Norseman on the Esperance-Coolgardie Highway.  This freshwater dam which was constructed in 1925/26, is a magnificent example of early workmanship.  The dam was built by the Railways to ensure a reliable supply of water for the early steam trains that plied between Coolgardie and Esperance.  Why not take a picnic lunch and enjoy a day exploring the dam and following the pipeline on foot up to the tank.

Camping is allowed in the area and it is possible to swim in the dam.  Be on the lookout for wild horses that often frequent this area.

 

Nullarbor Golf Links - the World's longest Golf Course

This is an 18-hole par-72 golf course spanning 1,365 kilometres, from Kalgoorlie in W.A. to Ceduna in S.A. Each hole includes an area to tee off, a rugged outback-style natural terrain fairway and a putting green.  The course provides a much-needed activity/attraction for travellers along the renowned Eyre Highway.

You may buy your playing cards from the Woodlands Centre, Prinsep St.

Holes 14 (Golden Horse : Par 4 : 436 metres) and Hole 15 (Ngadju : Par 4 : 354 metres) are played at the Norseman Golf Course.  

Nullarbor Links Golf Course

 

Swimming Pool & Skate Park

Located on Roberts Street near the Visitor's Centre. There is an Olympic length pool and wading pool for toddlers surrounded by lovely lawns with shade canopies. Opens Tuesday to Sunday, 12 noon - 6.00pm (confirm hours with Woodlands Centre).  Entrance is free, proudly provided by the Shire of Dundas.

Skate Park is adjacent to the swimming pool on Roberts St.

 

Phoenix Park

This educational and historical mining park is close to the town centre.  Items of machinery, equipment and buildings representing mining history are displayed along pathways with interpretive signage to explain their background.  Within the park there is a water feature, toilets (inc. disabled access), picnic tables and free barbecues.  Located on the Coolgardie/Esperance Road (Prinsep St).

 

Woodlands Walk

An easy 700m walk within Norseman with 13 interpretive panels. (Download brochure)

 

Norseman Family History

Norseman Cemetery is located on Denison Drive with ample parking and toilet facilities. A number of websites list burials, they are provided below.

Useful Links

Norseman Visitor Centre in the Woodlands Centre, Prinsep St. - Can provide maps, road closure information, information on local attractions, day trip planning. Toilet and parking facilities, located on Roberts St.

Shire of Dundas - Road Conditions, Maps, Local council, services, facilities & sporting courts hire

Australia's Golden Outback - Tourism information and trip planning

 

The Great Western Woodlands - Birdlife

Great Western Woodlands - Norseman is located in the heart of the Great Western Woodlands.  The 16 million hectare GWW is the largest remaining area of intact Mediterranean-climate woodland on Earth. With over 200 species of birdlife it is a Twitcher's delight.

To find out mor, enjoy this link to Bird life of the GWW