Paynes Find
Gold Prospecting Location around Paynes Find
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Paynes Find is named after Thomas Payne, who discovered gold and pegged the first lease here in 1911. In early 1911, Payne found gold at what would become the Pansy lease, and shortly after discovered more gold on the Carnation lease on the main Paynes Find goldfield.
The Paynes Find Gold Battery, constructed in 1911, is unique as the only state battery in Western Australia still operating today. By the 1930s, the town had prospered with an estimated population of 500. Today, the Taylor family operates the historic battery as a tourist attraction, providing visitors a window into gold rush era processing methods.
Paynes Find's history began in 1911 when Thomas Payne discovered gold in the area. In early 1911, he found gold at what would become the Pansy lease, and shortly thereafter made another discovery on what would become the Carnation lease on the main Paynes Find goldfield.
The townsite was officially gazetted in 1911, the same year the Paynes Find Gold Battery was constructed. This State Battery was built to process gold ore from smaller miners who could not afford their own crushing equipment, making it an essential facility for the developing goldfield.
By the 1930s, Paynes Find had developed into a prosperous mining town with an estimated population of 500. The town supported multiple mines, a hotel, stores, school, and the essential State Battery that processed ore from throughout the district.
The Paynes Find Gold Battery is unique as the only state battery in Western Australia still operating today. In 1987, it was sold to the Taylor family, who have maintained the historic facility and operate it as a tourist attraction. Visitors can see the original crushing and processing equipment, providing insight into how gold was extracted during the early 20th century. The town continues to attract prospectors to this prospective area.
Common Questions
Who was Thomas Payne? ▼
Thomas Payne was the prospector who discovered gold at Paynes Find in 1911, giving the town its name. In early 1911, he found gold at what became the Pansy lease and later the Carnation lease on the main goldfield.
What makes the Paynes Find Gold Battery special? ▼
The Paynes Find Gold Battery, built in 1911, is the only state battery in Western Australia still operating today. The Taylor family purchased it in 1987 and operates it as a tourist attraction, allowing visitors to see original gold processing equipment in action.
When was Paynes Find established? ▼
Paynes Find was established in 1911 following Thomas Payne's gold discovery. The townsite was gazetted in 1911, the same year the State Battery was constructed. By the 1930s, the town had grown to an estimated population of 500.
Can you still find gold at Paynes Find? ▼
Yes, the Paynes Find area remains prospective for gold. The region continues to attract recreational prospectors, and finds are still made in the surrounding goldfield. The area's remote location and historical workings offer good opportunities for detectorists.