'The remains of abandoned towns in Western Australia tell many tales. Stories of gold fever, pearls, migration, prosperity and hardship. Ghost town: stories from the ruins, the latest exhibition from National Archives' Western Australia office, brings these towns back to life.'

National Archives of Australia Director-General Simon Froude said the exhibition shares insights into these long-forgotten towns through archival records.

'There was a time in the 19th and early 20th century where regional towns in Western Australia were bustling hubs. This exhibition calls upon a range of fascinating archival records including plans, photos and audio-visual material to help explore the story of prosperity in some towns.'

'The exhibition explores luxuries such as public swimming pools, hotels, and rail connections, but also delves into the hardships, which were often a consequence of rapid growth. These included outbreaks of typhoid and rabbit plagues.'

'Visitors will discover the stories of towns such as Gwalia, Cossack and Wittenoom and explore why archival records and the information they hold continue to capture the public's imagination,' said Mr Froude.

Ghost town follows townships from boom to bust, and sometimes, renewal Senior Archival Officer Tarryn Lawrie explains the role these towns have played in Western Australia's history.

'Many of these settlements grew following discoveries of valuable resources or new technologies that helped connect the nation. Once profits fell, the gold dried up, technologies became obsolete and harsh climates took their toll, the townspeople moved on. All that was left were the ruins.'

'Some towns have found new lives, Cossack, which was once Western Australia’s busiest port, now caters to passing tourists. They can stop for a bite at the former customs house turned café and learn about local history at the museum,' said Ms Lawrie.

The exhibition includes photographs, plans, audio visual material and other documents from the WA state and national archival collections.

Ghost town: stories from the ruins is the latest free exhibition on display at National Archives' Western Australia Office.