History
Westonia came into existence with the discovery in 1910 of gold in the area, by a sandalwood cutter named Alfred Weston (May 17, 1876 - September 26, 1924). Initially the area was known as Weston's Reward and later as Westons.
The town of Westonia was named after Alfred David Weston, a sandalwood cutter who prospected in his spare time, and discovered gold near Boodalin Soak in 1910. He pegged the lease and started mining, creating a rush of gold prospectors to the area. A month after Alfred Weston made his initial application for four gold mining leases, Edmund Annear of Burracoppin made an application for a mining lease three miles south east of Weston's leases at the Boodalin Soak. Annear named the lease the Edna May after an aunt. This lease would eventually become Westonia's Edna May Gold mine, a mine that has been an active gold mine many times since the initial lease was pegged. The Edna May is currently operated by Ramelius Resources.
By 1915 there were two major mines in the area, and the population was in excess of 500. By 1917 the area, by then known as Westonia, had a population of more than 2,000. In 1919, low gold prices forced the closure of the mines, and many people left the area.
Westonia was gazetted as a town in February 1926. In 1935 one of the mines reopened, but closed again in 1948, only to be reopened in 1985. The mine then closed once again in 1991. In mid-2009, it was announced that mining would once again commence at Westonia’s Edna May Gold Mine, owned and mined by Evolution Mining with the first gold pour made in May 2010, coinciding with the centenary of the discovery of gold in the district.
By the 1930’s the district had also been extensively developed for agriculture and wheat/sheep farming now represents the primary industry in the area. Westonia has however always benefitted greatly from the coexistence of both the mining and agricultural industries within the shire.
Walking through Westonia is a leap back in time. Established during the gold rush era, the town has restored and rebuilt its fine buildings to create a streetscape straight out of the pioneering era. From the original bank, cafe and green grocer store to the bright red doors on Westonia's fire station, wander through town and imagine life here during the mining boom of the early 1900s.
The township is nestled amid 4,000 hectares of salmon gum, morrell and gimlet woodland, dotted with granite outcrops, as well as remnants of the town's gold mining past.
Hit the four kilometre Woodlands and Wildflowers Heritage Trail to explore the native bushland, taking in Westonia Common woodland and historic points of interest. Or drive a little way out of town to Boodalin Soak or Sandford Rocks - both are picturesque spots providing the opportunity to explore woodlands, granite outcrops, refreshing pools and diverse native flora.
Time your visit to coincide with spring wildflower season (June to November) and you'll find the arid landscape transformed by a plethora of vibrant wildflowers after replenishing winter rains.
When it's time for refreshments and a rest from exploring this unique outback town and landscape, you'll find everything you need in Westonia, including motel and caravan park accommodation
