Menzies

WA 6436 • Western Australia

103
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
8194.43 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricOutbackRemoteHeritageMining Town

About Menzies

Menzies is a historic gold rush town in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia, situated 133 kilometres north of Kalgoorlie on the Goldfields Highway and approximately 728 kilometres east-northeast of Perth. With a current population of 103 residents across a vast 8,194 square kilometres, the town is a shadow of its 1890s heyday when it boasted over 5,000 residents, numerous hotels, and a 40-bed hospital. Today, Menzies serves as the administrative centre of the Shire of Menzies and retains a strong connection to its gold mining heritage.

The town's most striking landmark is its heritage-listed Town Hall, which famously stood with a blank clock tower for nearly a century after the ship carrying the original clock reportedly sank en route from England in 1905 — a replacement was finally installed in 2000. Menzies is the gateway to Lake Ballard, where British sculptor Sir Antony Gormley's acclaimed 'Inside Australia' installation of 51 metal sculptures stands on the salt lake bed, making it one of the world's largest outdoor art galleries. The town has a hotel, shire office, and nursing post, while Kalgoorlie-Boulder provides the nearest full range of services.

Menzies falls under postcode 6436 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kalgoorlie (Mining and Pastoral) electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
6436
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-29.60°, 124.86°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
8194.43 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Kalgoorlie-Boulder Approx. 1.5 hours by car

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
728 km
By Train
No direct service; Kalgoorlie (133 km south) has Prospector rail to Perth (approx. 7 hours)
By Car (Peak)
7.5–8.5 hours via Goldfields Highway and Great Eastern Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
7–8 hours via Goldfields Highway and Great Eastern Highway

🛣️ Kalgoorlie-Boulder is the nearest major centre (133 km south) with airport, hospital, and full services; Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport offers flights to Perth

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A small outback town with a hotel and basic services; a car is essential for most needs and inter-town travel

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
103
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Menzies known for? +

Menzies is known for its gold rush heritage from the 1890s, its striking heritage-listed Town Hall with its famous clock tower, and as the gateway to Lake Ballard — the site of Sir Antony Gormley's 'Inside Australia' installation of 51 metal sculptures spread across a salt lake.

How far is Menzies from Perth CBD? +

Menzies is approximately 728 kilometres east-northeast of Perth CBD, a drive of around 7 to 8 hours via the Great Eastern Highway and Goldfields Highway. Kalgoorlie-Boulder, 133 kilometres to the south, is the nearest major city.

Does Menzies have public transport? +

Public transport to Menzies is very limited. There is no rail service to the town; the nearest passenger rail is at Kalgoorlie, 133 kilometres south, which is served by the TransWA Prospector service to Perth. A private vehicle is essential.

What is the population of Menzies? +

According to the 2021 Census, Menzies has a population of 103 residents. This is a fraction of its peak of over 5,000 during the gold rush of the 1890s, reflecting the typical boom-and-bust cycle of Goldfields mining towns.

Is Menzies a good place to live? +

Menzies appeals to those drawn to outback living, mining industry work, or the region's rich gold rush history. Amenities are basic — a hotel, shire office, and nursing post — but the town's heritage character and proximity to Lake Ballard give it a unique appeal for those comfortable with remote living.

What is the postcode for Menzies? +

The postcode for Menzies, Western Australia is 6436, serving the Shire of Menzies in the Goldfields-Esperance region.