Laverton is situated 361 km north of Kalgoorlie and 935 km north-east of Perth, on the road to Warburton, and services both the mining and grazing industries surrounding it. Sandalwooders came early to the area, to gather this valuable timber, but it was not until the discovery of gold in 1896 that the town became established, with the field becoming one of the richest in Western Australia. The town was originally named 'British Flag', after the first mineral lease; by 1901 there were a number of large mines in the area and a population of about 3500. In time, however, the gold pickings became lean and the town declined, reviving again only with the discovery of nickel at nearby Windarra in 1969. That led to the infamous Poseidon share rise and fall where some investors won millions, while others lost everything. The mining site is silent today and its original buildings now house a visitors' centre, while a heritage trail takes walkers around the mine and old processing site.

The town now has an increasing number of tourists who stop to use its services and prepare for the trip across the Great Victoria Desert to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and on to Alice Springs. Two permits are required to travel this road. Applications should be made to the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority in Perth, and the Central Land Council in Alice Springs.

To get a good view of Laverton and its surrounds, take the short climb up Billy Goat Hill. Those who love to explore around old mining fields and towns will find several in the Laverton district including Burtville, Gladiator, Heffernans and Just in Time. The Mines Department has a large-scale map available for travellers to get the most out of their explorations.