There is more to see in the Shire of Menzies than you may think!
The Shire of Menzies covers almost 125,000km² and borders South Australia. Despite its massive size, the Shire is home to less than 300 people with approximately 108 calling the gold rush town of Menzies home.
The Shire’s remote location and flat, arid landscape, specifically Lake Ballard, was chosen by artist Anthony Gormley as the location for his ‘Inside Australia’ sculptural work. The installation of 51 metal figures took place in December 2002, and has been a draw card for tourists to the Shire ever since.
When visiting Lake Ballard, local and Shire Customer Service Officer, Debbie Pianto encourages visitors to spend some time in the town of Menzies too.
“When you're in Menzies you can take our local interpretive walk. It tells you a lot about our history.”
This heritage trail runs down the town’s main street and highlights key Indigenous and gold-rush historical sites using cast-iron, cut-out sculptures. “We have brochures at the Visitor Centre that you can have a look at,” explains Debbie.
“Next time you're in the eastern Goldfields come to Menzies, and see what we have to offer.”
Find out more about visiting the Shire of Menzies, on the Council’s website.