Welcome to Sandstone

Shhhh, it’s a secret...well, not for much longer!

What about sensational weather nine months of the year, temperatures in the mid 20s, clear blue skies, sensational breakaways, waterholes, wildflowers, wildlife and a host of natural features, all one day’s drive from Perth?

Sandstone is a remote community situated between Mount Magnet and Leinster, right in the heart of the spectacular east Murchison District, where you’ve got the action of gold prospecting and the industry of mining and pastoral stations, all coexisting with a rapidly growing Tourism industry...you had best get here before it’s too busy!

Our bronzed landscape tells many tales of bygone days, when gold was first discovered in 1894 by Ernest Shillington and a number of fellow prospectors about 20 km southwest of the present townsite.  For a period of six years from 1907 Sandstone was a small city of some 6,000 to 8,000 people. With four hotels, four butchers, many cafes, stores and business houses, as well as a staffed police station and two banks, things were booming.  In July 1910, the railway came to the town, however by 1919 only 200 people remained and many buildings were pulled down and moved.

Fortunately Sandstone was able to survive as a centre for the region’s growing pastoral industry and in more recent times, gold-mining has re-emerged as the principal industry.

Throughout the area, natural rock formations or breakaways contrast dramatically with the rust stained Sandstone landscape which gives the town its name.  The mainly flat surroundings and the distant horizons give the impression of a very large sky which provides that wide open and free feeling which one can only experience in the true outback.

The area is home to Australian wildlife such as emus, bungarras and of course kangaroos.  Indeed it is not unusual to see a kangaroo hopping in the main street after dark.

The red terrain and the vivid blue of the mostly cloudless sky, enhances the natural beauty of this unique place.  It is a wonderful, peaceful environment to experience the glory of the night skies.  In the evenings you can witness some truly spectacular sunsets.  At night far, from the interference of city lights, the darkness of the outback makes it a great setting for stargazing and viewing the magnificent sky of the southern hemisphere.  In addition from July to September, Sandstone is transformed from red earth to a carpet of colour with a spectacular display of wildflowers.

So, have we whet your appetite to visit us in person?  Want more information?  Why not This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so we can provide you with all the information you will need to make your Sandstone experience one to remember!