20kms from the outback town of Cue is a place called Big Bell. It was a gold mine from which a small settlement grew.
By 1951, the town had its peak with a population of more than 1,000 people. Unfortunately, the mine gradually became unprofitable. The amount of gold reached its minimum and the mine was closed in 1955, and it's closure heralded the rapid decline of Big Bell. What is left standing today is the old hotel, which in its day must have been magnificent. I was recently up there again photographing and following a couple of artists as they interpreted the space. We camped there and explored what was left of the townsite. If you are ever passing through the area it is worth having a look.
