Cue

In the red heart of Western Australia’s Murchison region, Cue is a beautifully preserved gold-rush ghost town that feels like a film set. Wide, dusty streets are lined with grand stone buildings from the 1890s, when this was one of the richest goldfields in the state. Today it’s a quiet, sun-bleached outpost where history buffs and road-trippers can wander past the old post office, the gaol, and the extraordinary Gentlemen’s Baths – a testament to the optimism and opulence of the boom years. Cue is the perfect stop on a self-drive loop through the Murchison, offering a glimpse of frontier life that’s both gritty and romantic.

Highlights & What to See

• Gentlemen’s Baths & Recreation Complex – A lavish complex built in 1898 with Turkish baths, a gym, and a swimming pool. It’s astonishingly grand for such a remote town and is the centrepiece of Cue’s heritage precinct.
• Heritage Walk – Pick up a map from the visitor centre and follow the trail past the gaol, courthouse, post office, and the Cue Railway Station. Many buildings are still in use, adding to the lived-in feel.
• Walga Rock – Just 20 km west, this massive granite monolith looms above the plain. It’s a sacred site to the Wajarri people, with a famous cave painting of a white sailing ship – possibly linked to early European exploration.
• Big Bell Gold Mine – A short drive north, the historic Big Bell mine offers a chance to see the remnants of a once-thriving operation. The open-cut pit and old machinery are a stark reminder of the gold rush.
• Lake Nallan – A salt lake that shimmers with a surreal pinkish hue, especially at sunrise or sunset. It’s a great spot for a picnic and some striking photographs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend one full day exploring Cue and its immediate surrounds. Arrive mid-morning, do the heritage walk (about 2 hours), then drive out to Walga Rock for the afternoon. If you’re into mining history, add the Big Bell mine. Overnight in one of the town’s historic pubs or the caravan park – the sunset light on the stone buildings is magical. Those on a tight schedule can see the main sights in a couple of hours, but the place rewards a slower pace.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Meekatharra – 115 km north, another gold-rush town with a lively pub scene and a great Sunday roast. It’s a good base for exploring the surrounding stations.
• Mount Magnet – 160 km south-west, this town has a excellent mining museum and the fascinating Granite Outcrops.
• Paynes Find – 200 km south, a tiny settlement famous for its wildflower displays in spring and its quirky pub.
• Sandstone – 180 km east, a true ghost town with a handful of residents and a wonderfully atmospheric old hotel.
• Kalbari National Park – About 300 km west, this national park offers stunning gorges, wildflowers, and Aboriginal rock art. It’s a long day trip but worth it for nature lovers.

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