Yilgarn History Museum

Eastern Goldfields history began at Southern Cross—this was the first major gold strike made, its gold a God-send for a struggling WA in 1888.

Southern Cross was named after the star constellation Southern Cross by the finder. It was used to guide his party back to safety at night, after running out of water.

This town became the jumping off point for the finding of Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie.

Visit our Museum housed in the heritage building constructed in 1893, the oldest government building east of Northam. Arthur Bayley registered his Coolgardie find at the Warden’s Office in Southern Cross.

Standing as it does where the Wheatbelt meets the Goldfields, Southern Cross is in a unique position, and its History Museum contains a collection of artefacts and records from times long gone.

The Museum has a range of tourism/visitor information which is available during the opening hours below (including over the weekend when the Shire of Yilgarn Administration Office is not open).

Displays

• A Prospectors Camp and prospecting equipment
• Minerals and rocks
• Authentic 5-Head Stamp Battery and mining equipment
• Agricultural, Transport & Water Supply items
• Bottle and Phone Collection
• Photos & Citations of Yilgarn Servicemen
• Camel wagon
• Railway Shed and memorabilia

Museum Opening Hours

This museum is operated by willing volunteers. We apologise if for any reason it is closed at an advertised time due to unforeseen circumstances.

Any planned closures will be advertised at the top of the page.

Admission fees

There is no admission fee to enter the Museum - donations are accepted and appreciated.

Follow the Yilgarn History Museum on Facebook.

Please see below some images from our Museum - this is only a small view of some displays, so please take time to visit and explore our whole collection!