Ravensthorpe

The town of Ravensthorpe was gazetted in 1901, named after the Ravensthorpe Range which encircles the Ravensthorpe townsite. The rugged range has seemingly endless unspoiled bush land that stretches for about 45 km from north of the town in an easterly and the southerly direction to Kundip.

The Range has an abundance of plants and wildflowers, many unique to the region. There are also many scenic spots and lookouts, however the range top is only accessible via 4WD- be mindful of the wildlife! Kangaroos, emus, and mallee fowl are never far away! Approximately one third of the Ravensthorpe Shire is productive farmland sustaining an economy by primary production of wheat, oats, barley, lupins, canola, peas & beans, cattle and sheep.

Ravensthorpe is the centre of the Phillips River Goldfield and has a wealth of mining history. More than 90 gold and copper mines have operated at one time or another in the range since the 1890s.

The mining industry has become more active in recent years with a number of mine operations in Ravensthorpe.  First Quantum Minerals (FQM), which restarted its operations in early 2020 has been expanding into a second stage nickel laterite deposit, Shoemaker-Levy, which should provide the operation with a long-term life of around 30 years and with Galaxy Lithium Mine just north of the townsite and Medallion Metals (formerly ACH Gold) south-east of Ravensthorpe in Kundip, the future of mining in the region is strong. 

Ravensthorpe is a strong community, with locals who are passionate about agriculture, sport and recreation, art, history and the environment. A must stop when visiting is the Ravensthorpe Visitor Centre and Museum and Yummylicious Candy Shack which are conveniently located opposite each other on Morgans Street.

Here's a quick overview of the Ravensthorpe Museum.