Until 1963 Gwalialocated near the mining town of Leonora (in the Great Victoria Desert), represented the essence of a “boomtown”. Featuring a steam tram, shops, a swimming pool, a community center and a state hotel, the center flourished around the gold mine Sons of Gwaliaactive from 1896 to 1963 (and managed for a year by Herbert Hoover, who later became the 31st president of the United States). At the height of its prosperity, Gwalia was home to 1,200 people. With the closure of the mine in 1963, most of the inhabitants abandoned the city in a very short time. Today, a walk among the local huts and cottages allows visitors to immerse themselves in the era when fortune seekers from all over the world resided there. The visit to Gwalia Historical Museumlocated in the former mine office, further enriches the experience, offering an in-depth look at local history. Visitors also have the option of staying overnight in the historic building Hoover House (now a bed&breakfast), and experience the thrill of sleeping in the bed of what would become a future president of the United States.
