January 09 – Drive though Western Australia

Shortly after leaving Merredin we came across a landmark with information about and a portion of the Rabbit Proof Fence #1 (also variously referred to as the State Vermin Fence, the Emu Fence and the State Barrier Fence.  It was constructed from 1901 to 1907.  The total length was 1827 km (1,135 miles) long.   It is the longest fence in the world.  It runs all the way from the Great Australian Bight in the south to the Timor Sea to the north.  Later, two other fences were built in portions of Western Australia to supplement this fence.  One was primarily constructed to keep emus out of agricultural areas.

It was built to keep rabbits out of the west for fear they would destroy the agriculture there.  

There was only a small section on display. 

We also saw lots of signs warning of road trains.  These are trucks that haul a large number of trailers.  Because of the vast distances in Australia it is more economical to have trucks haul much larger loads.  

Australia has the longest and heaviest road-legal limits in the world...up to 200 tons of cargo.  In some areas the trucks may be towing up to four trailers and are up to 176 feet long. Hence the warning signs...you don't want to get in front of one.  With all the weight it takes while to stop when braking.  We saw a few shorter road trains. 

We had a short stop in Southern Cross to stretch our legs.  Then it was on the road again.

We arrived in Kalgoorlie early afternoon.  The town has many old heritage buildings along the main street.  We ate at the Exchange Hotel.  Not sure if it is still  hotel but it does have bar and a modest restaurant. 

We walked a bit and hit the tourist information center (in the old City Hall)...

and then found a tour place to book a tour for tomorrow.  

This is actually a water fountain in the form of Paddy Hannah, one of the prospectors swho discovered gold in Kalgoorlie.  

The hotel had a decent restaurant so we ate there in the evening.  The hotel is nicely located but a bit far for walking to restaurants when one is a bit tired.