Southern Cross

Southern Cross is a medium-sized town situated on the Great Eastern Highway between Merredin and Coolgardie, and also on the main east-west rail link. The town is some 370 kms east of Perth. Southern Cross had its origins in gold mining although these days agriculture is predominant. Gold was discovered here in 1888. The town was gazetted in 1890. The town name comes from the constellation by which the early prospectors navigated at night

Southern Cross - Welcome Sign

The town welcome sign on the Great Eastern Highway. Five stars in the Southern Cross. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX001

Southern Cross - Antares Street

A view looking south down the main street, Antares Street, into the main shopping and business district. Most of the streets in town are named after stars or constellations, as is the town. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX002

Southern Cross - Universal Drapers Building

A row of old shops on the south eastern corner of Antares Street. Most of these appear to be unoccupied at present. The shops are diagonally opposite the Palace Hotel and were erected in 1937. This has been known as Montgomery Bros buildings which were three separate shops but combined in to one by a later owner in 1978. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX003

Southern Cross - Coffee Lounge

Southern Cross Coffee lounge, established 1896, on Antares Street. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX004

Southern Cross - Matilda's

Matilda Drapery, Footwear and Craft Supplies on the main street. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX005

Southern Cross - Hairdressers

This old building on Antares Street in now a hairdressing salon. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX006

Southern Cross - Post Office

On the main street near Achernar Street is the Southern Cross Post Office. This was established in 1892. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX007

Southern Cross - Two Shops

Two fine looking old shops are on the west side of the main street. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX008

Southern Cross - Masonic Lodge

The Southern Cross Masonic Lodge No. 2574 E.C. The Foundation Stone was laid by Bro. Samuel Colman on June 1st, 1898. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX009

Southern Cross - Anglican Op-Shop

At 19 Antares Street in the Anglican Opportunity Shop. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX010

Southern Cross - Anglican Church

Anglican Church of Australia, Parish of Southern Cross Westonia, Christ Church. The is no visible Foundation Stone on the Church. The church was constructed in 1907. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX011

Southern Cross - Library

The Community Resource Centre and Library. I believe this to be a former school which was built in 1895. The building has also been known as the Forrester Resource Centre. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX012

Southern Cross - Community Centre

The Southern Cross Community Centre on the main street. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX013

Southern Cross - Catholic Church

Our Lady of Montserrat Catholic Church, Southern Cross. The Foundation Stone is written in Latin. The Church was blessed "DIE XXVI APRILIS ANNO M CM XXXVI" which is April 26th, 1936. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX014

Southern Cross - Courthouse

This is the Yilgarn History Museum which opened in 1979. This building complex was erected in 1892 as the town's courthouse and mining registrar's office. Over the years the building fell into considerable disrepair and was eventually condemned. In 1976 local people rallied to have the building saved. They were successful. It was vested in the Shire of Yilgarn and renovated. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX015

Southern Cross - War Memorial

The Southern Cross War Memorial. The picture speaks for itself. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX016

Southern Cross - Palace Hotel

The Palace Hotel on Orion Street (a section of the Great Eastern Highway). This was constructed in 1911 and has also been known as the Anniversary Hostel. Next to this used to be the Exchange Hotel which was demolished in 1950. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX017

Southern Cross - Club Hotel

The Club Hotel and the corner of Antares and Achenar Streets. This was erected in 1910. Two other small hotels pre-date this structure on this site. The first was built in 1888, a simple structure. A more substantial hotel was erected in 1904 which was the base for Coolgardie to York Cobb & Co. coaches. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX018

Southern Cross - Railway Hotel

The Railway Hotel is set a little north of the main town centre. It was built in 1911. In those days, this in fact was the centre of town (or at least Railway Town) as much activity was centred on the nearby railway. An original hotel on this site burnt down in 1911 but this replacement was quickly rebuilt. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX019

Southern Cross - Railway Station

A little north of the town centre the east-west railway line passes through. This is Southern Cross station which is a Prospector stopping point. A long freight train sits on the main line alongside the station waiting for the single track ahead to become clear. The train is heading for Perth. March 2015. Photos Ref: STHX020

All images published on this website are copyright © of the webmaster. See About section for clarification and special schools permission