Kalgoorlie, also known as Kalgoorlie-Boulder, is a historic mining town located in the heart of Australia’s far west, in Western Australia. With a rich heritage dating back to the gold rush era, Kalgoorlie offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern mining industry. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a mining aficionado, or a traveler seeking a unique outback experience, Kalgoorlie has something to offer everyone. This guide will explore the town’s key attractions, history, and what makes it a must-visit destination.
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Kalgoorlie: The Wild West of Australia
When you arrive in “Kal” – as Kalgoorie is called by the locals – it quickly becomes clear: things are different here compared to the rest of Australia. Huge trucks, off-road vehicles, miners in high vis gear and gold traders wherever you look. 25 percent of the local population here (about 10,000 out of 40,000 inhabitants) work in the mining industry.
A bit of history
Kalgoorlie was founded in 1893 during the Western Australian gold rush. The discovery of gold by prospectors Paddy Hannan, Tom Flanagan, and Dan O’Shea transformed the region into one of the richest goldfields in the world. The town quickly grew as thousands flocked to the area in search of fortune. Today, Kalgoorlie is a vibrant town that honors its rich mining heritage while embracing modernity.
To see in Town
To get your visit to this city, which will certainly transport back you to one of the Western films of your childhood, off to a good start, head to the Visitor Centre. It is located at the very end of Hannan Street, the main street. In this very beautiful building, you will find many local souvenirs such as Aboriginal art as well as gold in different forms. This is where you can book quite original guided tours! For example, you can visit an authentic brothel ($30/person). “Questa Casa” aka the “Pink House” is still in operation today but its origin dates back to the famous gold rush. Obviously, this “activity” is not to everyone’s taste, but it is unique.
Afterwards, take the time to soak up the city’s unique atmosphere by walking up the endless Hannan Street. This street is lined with historic hotels, some dating back over 120 years, which is quite rare in Australia. The bewildering number of hotels comes from the fact that Kalgoorlie played host to the Great Australian Gold Rush in 1893. Attracted by the nuggets and veins of gold, thousands of Australians rushed to the region with women and children in the hope of making their fortune. Many died of thirst before pipes had time to bring water from the coast. Interesting fact: at the time, beer was actually cheaper than water!
Top Attractions in Kalgoorlie
Located within the Boulder Town Hall, the Goldfields War Museum honors the contributions of local men and women who served in various conflicts. The museum houses an impressive collection of military memorabilia, personal stories, and historical records.
The museum is open daily (10am to 3 pm) and admission is free (donations welcome). Here you can admire the largest collection of gold bars and nuggets in the state. Old tools and everyday objects from the time are also on display, and photos bear witness to what life was like at that time.
The Western Australian Museum in Kalgoorlie provides an in-depth look at the region’s gold rush history. Exhibits include mining equipment, gold nuggets, and artifacts from the early days of the goldfields. The museum also features displays on the town’s social history and the impact of mining on the local community.
Explore the history of the railway in the goldfields at the Loopline Railway and Museum. The museum showcases the importance of rail transport in the development of the region and offers heritage train rides on restored carriages.
For panoramic views of Kalgoorlie and the surrounding area, head to the Mount Charlotte Reservoir and Lookout. This site is historically significant as it marks the end of the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme, a vital project that brought water to the arid goldfields from Perth.
If you are interested in history, you can learn more about the relationship between settlers and aborigines through testimonies. Be aware that this is a sensitive subject in the town of Kalgoorlie. Indeed, the Aboriginal population is large there and has had to learn to live with other inhabitants. You will understand that relations between the two communities are still delicate today.
The Super Pit Gold Mine
One of Kalgoorlie’s most iconic landmarks is the Super Pit, also known as the Fimiston Open Pit. It is one of the largest open-cut gold mines in the world.
This huge gold mine is 600m deep, 1.5km wide and 3.5km long. Until 1989, it was made up of 8 underground mines. They were then unified into a single open pit mine. According to legend, it’s actually visible from space!
You can spend some time watching these impressive trucks carrying tons of rocks. If you want to observe them more closely, you can visit Hannans North Tourist Mine (open every day except Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm). Admission will cost you $15. You can climb inside the trucks and have your picture taken. Several different experiences are available, including exploring an old miners’ camp and old trucks during a visit to an underground refuge chamber. The highlight: trying out the job of a gold miner and searching the ground with your sieve!
Practical information
Season/Climate
Getting there
If you don’t want to drive, you can hop on a TransWa train. Tickets cost between $90 and $100 per person and travel time from Perth is around 7 hours.
Perth and Kalgoorlie are also connected via daily flights. Flights cost between $260 and $330 on average for a return trip. Flight time is 1 hour each way. You can also compare offers from different vehicle rental providers on the motorhome price comparison website Motorhome Republic
Accommodation
Going out
Conclusion
Kalgoorlie is more than just a mining town; it’s a living testament to Australia’s rich history and pioneering spirit. With its fascinating attractions, vibrant community, and unique blend of history and modernity, Kalgoorlie offers a memorable experience for all who visit. Whether you’re exploring the depths of the Super Pit, strolling down historic Hannan Street, or enjoying the outback scenery, Kalgoorlie is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression.
The Local Council is the real problem, in the past 6 years this , wonderful Twin City of Kalgoorlie Boulder has lost the Historic Tourism side of Kalgoorlie-Boulder mainly due to mismanagement, it is more interested in major Commercial companies that support and sell products of low quality from foreign lands, the main drivers of this Council is from the direction of the CEO, Mayor and the stagnant long term Councillors, who are more comfortable sitting and listening but not doing, we have tried as residents in the Community , even the intimidation of Council in Council is hidden even after someone had the courage to speak up that suspended the CEO , and yet this was not revealed to the Community.
Hi David,
Thank you for sharing your impression here 🙂
We may improve of late the Council is under review,this could be the recovery we need We have missed the Tourism not as a result of the Covid virus but we are working hard and this coming summer should be coming back to normal we do have much to offer and most resident are only to happy to set you right,. Just ask .
Fingers crossed everything goes back to normal soon 🙂