Gold was discovered in the area in 1894, and Leslie Robert Menzies, a Canadian-born prospector, and John McDonald were the first to take up a lease here in October 1894,[5] naming it the "Lady Shenton".

It was a rich gold find, and the Mining Warden for the area recommended a townsite be declared in 1895, named in Menzies' honour.

[8] There were applications for 320 mining leases, with an average area of 14 acres (5.7 ha), and within a 4 miles (6 km) radius of the post office.

The government started construction of a dam in 1897 that began to supply water to the town by 1901.

The town includes a hotel, shire office, a nursing post and a moth-balled police station.

Is located north east of the townsite, One of the largest of the 'goldrush' cemeteries, with many graves of typhoid victims[10][11] Menzies was the birthplace of: