Bullfinch

The town of Bullfinch is 33 kilometres directly north of Southern Cross. The town was established in 1910 on the back of local gold discoveries. Gold mining in the area ceased in 1921. The name Bullfinch is derived from the name of gold mining leases held by Messrs Doolette and Shallcross. The town has two streets named after the pair. In the 1950's the town had a resurgence courtesy of the nearby Copperhead gold mine however this ceased functioning in May 1963

Bullfinch - Welcome Sign

Welcome to Bullfinch. Golden Valley, the First Major Gold Field. March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF001

Bullfinch - Hotel

The Bullfinch Hotel now closed. The original Bullfinch Hotel used to be at the south end of town. It burnt down. A former hotel on the pictured site also burnt down. This building was built 1909-1912. Looking at comments on that blackboard, it seems the hotel closed its doors in 2013. March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF002

Bullfinch - Hotel

This blackboard affixed to the side of the hotel displays a few visitor comments. Good onya Jonesy, where are you now? March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF003

Bullfinch - Hotel

Another angle of the hotel this taking in more of the right side which may have been accommodation units? March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF004

Bullfinch - Main Street

A view looking south down the main street. Southern Cross is 33 kilometres away, down there. How the fortunes of some of these places can change. Once upon a time this town was a hive of gold mining activity. Now is seems to be quietly disintegrating. The building over there with the green roof is the hotel. March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF005

Bullfinch - Old Building

An old building on the main street is slowly tumbling down. It looks like an old shop. Until 1957, the railway used to run out here from Mukinbudin. The track has now been lifted. March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF006

Bullfinch - Post Office

The Bullfinch post office was erected in 1905. It does not appear to be operational anymore though outwardly is still displays many of the trappings of a post office. March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF007

Bullfinch - Post Office

Here is a closer view of the Post Office front veranda area. March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF008

Bullfinch - Old Shops

A pair of old shops in town. These are now vacant or are private residences. The one of the left was once Dawson's Newsagency and the one of the right was the General Store. March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF009

Bullfinch - Bus Shelter

Here is a smart bus shop on the main street. Perhaps the school children use this for their daily trip to Southern Cross. Down the street you can see the post office. March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF010

Bullfinch - Police Station

A view of the former Bullfinch police station. At the rear is the police house which was built in the mid-late 1950's. March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF011

Bullfinch - School

The former primary school. It seems that this is (or was) used lately by the Sons Of Gwalia Ltd as a single persons quarters and camp mess. It looked pretty deserted today. March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF012

Bullfinch - School

Evidence of the Sons of Gwalia use of the building! Don't be too early for breakfast. March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF013

Bullfinch - School

A look along the veranda of the former primary school. March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF014

Bullfinch - School

The other side, the rear, of the former primary school. March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF015

Bullfinch - House

There are still quite a few occupied houses in town and for those who like it, it would be a very peaceful existence. All around town are shells of old cars, many of which could be quite easily restored by enthusiasts. The number of old cars would surely exceed the number of people in town. There doesn't seem to be any operational facilities like shops, school, hotel etc here. However, a 20 minute drive south to Southern Cross is nothing to these hardy country folk. March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF016

Bullfinch - Road Sign

At the north end of town, these are your choices. Mukinbudin is over 100 kms away on the Koorda - Bullfinch Road. March 2015. Photos Ref: BLLF017

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