Gwalia, Western Australia
The Leonora Gwalia Historical Museum Ltd
A very large historical precinct of mining equipment and buildings (commissioned by Herbert Hoover, 1896) and restored houses, shop and boarding house in the town of Gwalia. The Museum has a excellent display of photographs, business and household equipment from 100 years of mining. This History blends with the modern open cut mining of the sons of Gwalia mine which the Museum overlooks. The state hotel and mine managers residence are impressive buildings against the simple timber and iron structures of Gwalia.
Address:
Lot 935, Tower Street, Gwalia, WA
Tel:
0890377210
Hours:
10.00am - 4.00pm Monday - Sunday (Daily)
Website:
Email:
Admission:
$1 Child, $3 Adult, $6 Family
Facilities:
Guided Tours
Collection:
1 000 photographs and 2 000 items record the history of mining and the people of Leonora and Gwalia 1896-1963. These are housed in 3 original brick buildings (1898) Machinery includes the original Oregon framed poppet head 1898), The largest steam winder in Australia (1912). A precinct of old miners cottages and business buildings rewards the lives of workers during the 1900's.
Items
Steam Engine
Double Drum Steam Winder
Creator:
Frazer and Chalmers, England.
Description:
Large double drum steam winder, 10 foot drum dia, with internal clutches, was installed in 1912 to allow access to deeper levels 2,500ft - 5,000ft. Operated continuously until 1963. Rated at 1,000 HP. Largest steam winder in Australia.
Date:
1912
Steam Train
Woodline Steam Train
Creator:
Western Australia Government Railways
Description:
Original woodline train used to cart 30 000 ton of wood to Sons of Gwalia mining.
Date:
1934
Tram
Electric Tram
Creator:
Noyes Bros, SG Brill and co. Philadelphia
Description:
Electric Tram used to travel between Leonora and Gwalia townships.
Date:
1908
Mine Pattern
Mine Pattern
Creator:
Sons of Gwalia Staff
Description:
Explanation of mining activities underground, covering one mile between 1996-1963.
Date:
1930