"Keeweechic's Northampton / Hutt River Province" Northampton by keeweechic

Northampton is a lovely little historic town is just 52kms north of Geraldton. The town has actually been classified by the National Trust of Australia as a Historical Town. First settlers arrived in the area in the 1840’s. The town was first known as Gwalla (after the area’s copper mine) and the area was known as Mines Road District but this was all changed in 1871 to Northampton. The name was supposed to be in honour of John Stephen Hampton who was at the time, Governor of Western Australia and also the town, Northampton in England.

During the 1840’s lead ore and copper were discovered and within the next thirty years some 4,000 tons of lead and copper were being produced annually.

The town lies in the Mid West region, an area known for its wonderful wildflowers. There is also evidence in cave paintings that Aboriginals also inhabited the area. Northampton was also part of the first government railway line in Western Australia which ran from Geraldton to Ajana and passed through the town.

Just 10kms north of Northampton is the independent sovereign state - Principality of Hutt River. This is really something very unique and the history of this principality being formed is fascinating. Well worth taking the time to pay Prince Leonard a visit and hear his story. Close by is also Horrocks Beach (22kms) which has an ideal beach for fishing, surfing, windsurfing and swimming.