Leon

Leon, a tiny settlement in the remote outback of Western Australia, offers an authentic taste of the Australian goldfields and pioneer history. Surrounded by endless red dirt and spinifex, this former gold rush town now serves as a quiet stopover for travellers exploring the vast Nullarbor Plain or heading to the iconic Wave Rock. With a handful of historic buildings and a warm community, Leon is a place to slow down and soak in the stark beauty of the outback.

Highlights & What to See

• Leonora Heritage Trail – A self-guided walk past the town's historic buildings, including the old police station, courthouse, and the 1890s Leonora Hotel, which still operates as a pub with a classic outback atmosphere.
• Gwalia Ghost Town – Just a short drive away, this remarkably preserved ghost town was once a bustling mining settlement. Explore the restored mine manager's house and wander the eerie, abandoned streets.
• Sons of Gwalia Mine – One of Australia's longest-running gold mines, still active today. You can view the open pit from a lookout and learn about the region's mining heritage at the small museum.
• Lake Ballard – A surreal salt lake about 50 km south, home to the striking outdoor art installation 'Inside Australia' by Antony Gormley, featuring 51 cast-iron figures spread across the vast white expanse.
• Outback Stargazing – With zero light pollution, the night sky here is a dazzling spectacle. Pull over on any quiet road and look up to see the Milky Way in all its glory.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers pass through Leonora in a day, stopping for lunch and a wander around the heritage trail. To fully appreciate the area, plan for one full day: spend the morning exploring the ghost town and mine lookout, then head to Lake Ballard in the late afternoon for the best light. If you're driving the Nullarbor, an overnight stay is worthwhile to experience the outback sunset and sunrise.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kalgoorlie-Boulder – The gold rush metropolis 230 km south, with its magnificent Super Pit, historic buildings, and vibrant mining culture.
• Wave Rock – The iconic 15-metre-high rock formation near Hyden, about 400 km south-west, makes for a dramatic side trip.
• Menangina Nature Reserve – A peaceful bushland area east of town, perfect for birdwatching and spotting wildflowers in season.
• Ularring – A tiny settlement with an intriguing Aboriginal rock art site, located about 80 km north-west.
• Menzies – Another historic goldfields town with a photogenic main street and the famous Lake Ballard sculpture nearby.

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