Major city · Australia
Menzies
Give Menzies one night, not a base: the town is a 300 m walk, and the reason to stop is Lake Ballard, 51 km (32 mi) west on unsealed road.Give Menzies one night, not a base: the town is a 300 m walk, and the reason to stop is Lake Ballard, 32 mi (51 km) west on unsealed road.
Menzies is a Goldfields town of about 100 people that boomed to 10,000 after the 1894 gold find and then emptied out. Almost everything worth seeing sits along a 300 m stretch of Shenton Street, with the 51 sculptures on Lake Ballard a 51 km drive west. Most travellers use it as a break on the Goldfields Highway between Kalgoorlie and Leonora.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- avoid Dec–Feb (40°C (104°F)+ days), and the first weekend of June if you want a quiet townavoid Dec–Feb (104°F (40°C)+ days), and the first weekend of June if you want a quiet town
- Airport
- Kalgoorlie–Boulder (KGI)
- Nights
- 1
About Menzies
Menzies is a small town in Western Australia with roughly 200 residents, located on the Goldfields Highway 132 km north of Kalgoorlie–Boulder and 105 km south of Leonora. It was a major centre in the late 1800s, and the heritage buildings that remain reflect the town's long decline after the gold ran out. Most sights line a 300-m stretch of Shenton Street, and many travellers stop here on the way to the sculptures at Lake Ballard, 51 km west. The Goongarrie railway cottages and Niagara Dam are also nearby.
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
See
What is worth your time in Menzies.
- Former Lady Shenton Hotel — The leading hotel of the gold years, extended several times before closing in 1922; the visitor centre now occupies it.
- Original Menzies Hotel — The town's first hotel and the only one never damaged by fire, now a private residence.
- Former Railway Hotel (Menzies Hotel) — The last original pub still standing, renamed in 1990 and operating as the Railway Hotel since at least 1896.
- Town Hall — The town's most significant building, begun as council offices in 1896 and given a clock tower that waited until 1999 for its faces.
- Lake Ballard — Site of 51 figures by British artist Antony Gormley, made from scans of Menzies residents for the 2003 Perth International Arts Festival.
Do
- Walk Shenton Street to read the information boards and see the metal silhouette figures of miners, bakers, police, prostitutes and priests.
- Drive the unsealed road to Lake Ballard to view the sculptures, best in early morning or late afternoon light.
- Walk around the perimeter and platform edge of the old Railway Station, now fenced off and used by a mining company.
- Visit the cemetery northwest of town, where tin headstones mark graves mostly from 1900 to 1910.
Eat and drink
Specialities of this place.
- Beer at the Menzies Hotel — The pub was known for the cheapest beer in town, a reputation it keeps today for lack of competition.
Customs
- Metal silhouette figures around the streets carry quotes from past residents, giving voice to names and dates.
- Almost every heritage building has an information board explaining its history and significance.
- The visitor centre on the corner of Shenton and Browns Streets runs most services in town and provides information on the surrounding area.
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Menzies000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Menzies, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyMenzies is a very small, quiet town and personal safety is not the issue.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportKGI Kalgoorlie–Boulder Airport (The nearest airport with scheduled flights, 132 km (82 mi) south; Perth (PER) has the international connections.).KGI Kalgoorlie–Boulder Airport (The nearest airport with scheduled flights, 82 mi (132 km) south; Perth (PER) has the international connections.).
- Getting aroundThe town is small enough to walk: most sights line a 300 m stretch of Shenton Street.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and cake at the Achievable Outback CafecheckA$8–15 (≈ US$6–10)
- Budget bedLake Ballard camping, a night, per personA$0 (≈ under US$1)
- Mid-range bedMenzies Hotel room, a night, per roomA$90 (≈ US$60)
- High-end bedMenzies Hotel room, a night, per roomA$90 (≈ US$60)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$60 (≈ US$40) · Mid A$110 (≈ US$75) · High A$200 (≈ US$140)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- KGI Kalgoorlie–Boulder Airport (The nearest airport with scheduled flights, 132 km (82 mi) south; Perth (PER) has the international connections.)KGI Kalgoorlie–Boulder Airport (The nearest airport with scheduled flights, 82 mi (132 km) south; Perth (PER) has the international connections.)
Map of Menzies
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Feb
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Mar
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
May
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Avoid
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Aug
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Nov
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Dec
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jun, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)), coolest Jul (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jun (5 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Menzies: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Feb
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3 rd
Apr
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
5 rd
Jul
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
5 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
4 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3 rd
Oct
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2 rd
Nov
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2 rd
Dec
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is small enough to walk: most sights line a 300 m stretch of Shenton Street. You need a car for Lake Ballard, Niagara Dam and the cemetery; the Lake Ballard road is unsealed but passable without a 4WD. A weekly GRT Express bus links Kalgoorlie–Boulder and Laverton via Menzies.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Lake Ballard
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Drive the Menzies–Sandstone Rd, signposted from the Goldfields Hwy at the north end of town; unsealed but smooth
51 km (32 mi) west. Go early or late: midday heat on the salt is brutal. Free camping at the lake.32 mi (51 km) west. Go early or late: midday heat on the salt is brutal. Free camping at the lake.
Niagara Dam
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
North on the Goldfields Hwy to the Kookynie turn-off (42 km (26 mi)), then 16 km (9.9 mi) to the dam turn-offNorth on the Goldfields Hwy to the Kookynie turn-off (26 mi (42 km)), then 9.9 mi (16 km) to the dam turn-off
1897 dam with two short trails (1.6 km (1 mi) and 1.1 km (0.7 mi)) and camping; a rare chance to swim.1897 dam with two short trails (1 mi (1.6 km) and 0.7 mi (1.1 km)) and camping; a rare chance to swim.
Kookynie
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Continue past the Niagara Dam turn-off on the road north
Grand Hotel Kookynie has beds and meals; call ahead before relying on it.
Kalgoorlie–Boulder
goDoor to door: About 1 h 40 min
Goldfields Hwy south, 132 km (82 mi)Goldfields Hwy south, 82 mi (132 km)
The nearest full set of services: supermarkets, fuel, airport.
Leonora
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Goldfields Hwy north, 105 km (65 mi)Goldfields Hwy north, 65 mi (105 km)
The next town north with fuel and supplies.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Shenton Street (town centre)
The caravan park and the Menzies Hotel rooms are both on the main strip; everything is a short walk.
Lake Ballard
Free basic camping 51 km (32 mi) west: long-drop toilet and fire rings only, bring water and food.Free basic camping 32 mi (51 km) west: long-drop toilet and fire rings only, bring water and food.
Niagara Dam
Maintained campsites above and below the dam wall, 58 km (36 mi) north; a swim and two short trails.Maintained campsites above and below the dam wall, 36 mi (58 km) north; a swim and two short trails.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$60–100 (≈ US$40–70) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$100–170 (≈ US$70–120) excl. bed
- High
- A$170 (≈ US$120)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Menzies Hotel room1 × 1 night × A$90 | A$90 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$110 | A$220 |
| GRT Express bus, Kalgoorlie to Menzies2 × A$45 · Weekly service, about 1 h 40 min; tickets from the Kalgoorlie visitor centre. | A$90 |
| Pub meal at the Menzies Hotel2 × A$18 · check | A$35 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$49 |
| Trip total≈ A$267 per person per day, bed included | A$534≈ US$400 |
Single about A$70, double about A$90; worn rooms, call ahead.
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and cake at the Achievable Outback Cafecheck | A$8–15 (≈ US$6–10) |
| Pub meal at the Menzies Hotelcheck | about A$17.50 (≈ US$12) |
| Caravan park sitecheck | A$20 (≈ US$14) unpowered / A$26 (≈ US$18) powered |
| GRT Express bus from Kalgoorliecheck | A$45 (≈ US$30) |
| Fuelcheck | Expect a Goldfields premium over Perth prices |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- There is no supermarket in Menzies: stock up in Kalgoorlie or Leonora.
- Fuel up before you arrive; services in town are limited.
- Lake Ballard has no shade and the salt surface gets unbearably hot at midday: go early or late, and carry water.
- Flies are heavy around the lake during the day; a net or repellent helps.
- The railway station is fenced off and used by a mining company; you can only walk the perimeter.
- Summer days regularly pass 40°C (104°F); plan drives for the morning.Summer days regularly pass 104°F (40°C); plan drives for the morning.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
MenziesMenzies
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Shenton Street, the caravan park, thanksTo the caravan park on Shenton Street, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
Embassy
No consulates in Menzies; the nearest consular help is in Perth. US, UK, Canadian and other embassies and consulates-general are in Perth (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- GRT Express, Kalgoorlie → Menzies: A$45 (≈ US$30), about 1 h 40 min, Thursdays (check)
- GRT Express, Laverton → Menzies: A$57 (≈ US$40), about 2 h 30 min, Fridays (check)
- Menzies Hotel room: single about A$70 (≈ US$50), double about A$90 (≈ US$60) (check)
Say or show
- Where's the servo? — Where is the fuel?
- Is it bitumen all the way? — Is the road sealed?
- How far to the lake? — How far to Lake Ballard?
- Can I fill my water bottles? — Do you have water?
- Will I get reception? — Is there phone signal out there?
- Thanks, mate — Thanks, mate
No supermarket in town: buy food and water in Kalgoorlie or Leonora. Fuel up before you arrive.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Menzies. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–May, Sep–Oct · avoid Dec–Feb (40°C+ days), and the first weekend of June if you want a quiet town · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for KGI: transfer time from Kalgoorlie, last fuel, and a Menzies fallback if you arrive after dark.
- Walking cluster on Shenton Street with the visitor centre as the anchor and opening hours for the Achievable Outback Cafe and Menzies Hotel.
- Lake Ballard page with heat, fly and road-surface cutoffs plus the free camping rules.
- Niagara Dam and Kookynie fixtures so the northern loop can go green.
Sources
Ask about Menzies
Loading…
Was this useful?