Leeman - WA

Leeman is located 13km north of Green Head and both are considered villages rather than towns. While still wonderfully isolated and peaceful, Leeman is in the process of changing into a tourist and holiday destination. The appeal of the area is simple: it is quiet, there are no crowds, the fishing and surfing is exceptional, and there is something delightful about this out of the way place. It is also nearby to interesting destinations that are easy getaways from Perth families for a weekend or short stay.

Rock lobster fishing and sand mining are two main areas of local employment in Leeman. The town is also home to many retirees and many houses are only occupied as holiday homes.

Fishing is a popular pastime in the district and catches of dhufish and bald chin groper are particularly prized.

As the townsite was gazetted in 1961 (as Snag Island, a name that is still in common use) it still has a ‘60’ sleepy asbestos/fibro feel although there is plenty of evidence of recent prosperity in the houses on the foreshore. Snag Island is a rocky island a small distance off-shore from the town.

Prior to the arrival of Europeans the coast around Leeman was home to the Amangu Aboriginal people. The Dutch sailors sailing to the Spice Islands for trade were the first Europeans to visit here. Several Dutch ships were wrecked on the adjacent Western Australian reefs, among them the 'Gilt Dragon'. Abraham Leeman and crew from the 'Waeckende Boey', searching for survivors of the gilt Dragon, were marooned on Fishermans Island just south of Green Head (15 KM south of Leeman) in 1658.

Leeman has the usual range of small town facilities including a caravan park, servos, and small shops. It has great snorkelling and fishing opportunities and a multitude of nature reserves surround it.

The area is noted for its spectacular wildflower displays in spring (July-October).