Meekatharra - Western Australia

	Meekatharra WA 6642
	Population: 650, Height above sea level: 520m Latitude: -26.25100, Longitude: 118.31800 Location: 765km north east of Perth Highway: Great Northern Hwy (94) Nearest Major Town: Kalgoorlie Nearest Airport: Meekatharra Touring Area: WA - Mid West
A former goldrush town it was first settled around 1894 by the prospectors who found the precious metal. The gold didn't last long despite a second discovery in 1899, and by the time the town was gazetted in 1903, it was mainly a service centre for stockmen and pastoralists in the Murchison region, a role it maintains today. The Canning Stock route, from Halls Creek in the Kimberley, to Meekatharra, was constructed to get cattle from the north to the southern markets. Comprising 54 wells along a wandering track, it was completed in 1908. A railway line terminated in Meekatharra in 1910, and the town became the railhead at the southern end of the route, ensuring the town's short term survival. In 1910 the first rail shipment of wool was shipped out and it continued to serve the local pastoral interests until it was closed down in 1978. Today Meekatharra is a popular stop on the inland highway to Port Hedland providing accommodation and sustenance to weary travellers.

Royal Mail Hotel - Meekatharra