Day 12: Sat 30 Mar 24 - Norseman to Salmon Gums

Sat 30 Mar 24 - Norseman to Salmon Gums (98km)

17 Deg at 06:00 in Norseman, climbing above 30 Deg for most of the day, reaching 35 Deg at Salmon Gums. No wind. 

I started the day with an early walk through the town, and it was dead - not a soul to be seen, and not one business open. We had been undecided about staying at the free camp in Norseman for the weekend (no power and tomorrow being Easter Sunday there would be no businesses open), or trying for something a little closer to Esperance where we have booked for 4 nights in a caravan park from Monday. Wikicamps helped us identify the Community Caravan Park at Salmon Gums, almost half way to Esperance. With rising temperatures and availability confirmed at a very affordable $20/nt with power and water, it was an easy decision. With only a short distance to drive, there was no hurry to get away. We needed to buy a few groceries and refuel before we left, and I also wanted to see a bit more around Norseman. 

After breakfast, we went for a drive up to the Norseman Beacon Lookout then back into town. While I went for another wander, Noel sorted out the groceries (mainly fresh fruit and vegetables, and milk). We had hoped to find a cafe open for our morning brew, but it was only IGA and a chemist open until midday, before they would close again for the next two days. Back at the van we had our brew, then I went to refuel, before returning to pack up and head south. We drove away at 1130, stopping briefly along the highway to send the drone up for some photos over Lake Gilmore (appearing to be more of a Salt Lake at the moment). We arrived at Salmon Gums by about 1245 and checked into the Caravan Park where, thankfully, we were directed to a lovely shady site. After settling in and having a bite to eat, Noel did some washing, while i did some chores, then I fell into a coma for about 90 minutes before going back out for a walk around town and along the Salmon Gums walking trail. We had a lovely evening sitting out side for sunset followed by dinner, then we retired inside where we turned the AC on for a while to cool the van down a bit before bed. 

So endeth another our 12th day on the road. 


Morning walk through the quiet streets of Norseman 

Morning walk through the quiet streets of Norseman 

Morning walk through the quiet streets of Norseman 

Another fabulous mural in Norseman - Painting by Brenton See

Another fabulous mural in Norseman - Painting by Brenton See

Another fabulous mural in Norseman - Painting by Brenton See


Norseman - Camels - Beasts of Burden

Norseman Town Centre Mural (A thorny Devil - also know as mountain devils, and ant-eating reptile)

Norseman Town Centre Mural

Norseman Town Centre

Norseman Town Centre

Norseman Town Centre - Looking a little worse for wear

Norseman - The sculpture commemorates a horse called "Norseman" who allegedly kicked a gold nugget which started the gold rush to the district and after whom the town is named. It is also dedicated to the pioneers. In 1894 when prospector Laurie Sinclair stopped off to visit his brother on his way to Esperance, he tethered his horse "Hardy Norseman" overnight and in the morning was amazed to discover that it had pawed up a gold nugget. A rich gold reef was discovered on the already proclaimed Dundas Field and thousands flocked to make their fortune.

Norseman Backstreets

View from the Norseman Beacon Lookout across the Phoenix Tailings Storage Facility 

Norseman Beacon Lookout

Norseman - The Phoenix Tailings Storage Facility - 40m high, covering 12ha of land and holding more than 4 million tonnes

Norseman backstreets

Stunning Artwork by Kyle Wicker - Norseman

Stunning Artwork by Kyle Wicker - Norseman

Mining Heritage Park - Norseman

Mining Heritage Park - Norseman

Driving south to Salmon Gums is Lake Gilmore, about 52km south of Norseman. When full, it covers 2,300 hectares

Lake Gilmore along the Coolgardie - Esperance Hwy


Lake Gilmore along the Coolgardie - Esperance Hwy (North View)

Lake Gilmore along the Coolgardie - Esperance Hwy

Lake Gilmore along the Coolgardie - Esperance Hwy (South View)

Salmon Gums Community Caravan Park with the township to the right in the background

Salmon Gums Community Caravan Park

Our powered site on a nice shady spot for two nights at Salmon Gums

Walk around Salmon Gums township

Salmon Gums is named after the Trees which surround the town (Eucalyptus Salmonpholia). The trees have a magnificent pink heartwood considered  perfect for making archery bows and spears

An afternoon walk along the Salmon Gums Walking Trail

A massive burl at the base of a large Salmon Gum

A massive burl at the base of a large Salmon Gum

A relaxing evening watching the sunset and dinner outdoors

A relaxing evening watching the sunset and dinner outdoors


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