Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Kalgoorlie, Australia

The history of Kalgoorlie in the Western Goldfields dates back to 1893 when two prospectors discovered 100 ounces of alluvial gold near Mount Charlotte.

This marked the beginning of the Western Australia Gold Rush and the subsequent uncovering of a vast goldfield known as the Golden Mile, which continues to yield gold in significant quantities to the present day.

The multitude of mines surrounding the Golden Mile has merged into a pit so expansive that it is visible from space.

Home to museums, architecturally significant gold rush-era buildings, a historical show mine, and the immense Super Pit, Kalgoorlie serves as an excellent location to explore the historical and contemporary aspects of gold mining in Western Australia.

1. The Super Pit

For more than a century, until the 1980s, Kalgoorlie’s legendary Golden Mile was primarily operated by various small enterprises.

This paradigm shifted in 1989 with the establishment of Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines Pty Ltd (KCGM), which initiated the excavation of a singular pit on such a grand scale that it soon became recognized as the Super Pit.

Visible from space, this extraordinary pit measures 3.5 kilometers in length, 1.5 kilometers in width, and exceeds 600 meters in depth.

Two processing plants facilitate the treatment of 12 million tonnes of gold ore, yielding 800,000 ounces of gold annually.

To appreciate the scale of this impressive excavation, visitors may utilize a lookout located at the top of Outram Street in Boulder.

For those wishing to observe this operation intimately, a 2.5-hour guided tour of the Super Pit is available, with required safety vests and goggles provided on the air-conditioned Mine-Spec Bus.

Through detailed commentary, participants will encounter massive haul trucks, enjoy breathtaking vistas, and gain insights into the gold milling process.

2. Hannans North Tourist Mine

Located in the northern part of Kalgoorlie is one of the most productive goldmines in the Eastern Goldfields.

Hannans North, which was first dug in 1893 and operated until 1991, has now transformed into a premier mining museum that highlights over 120 years of local mining history and showcases remarkable machinery currently employed in the industry.

The mine shaft descends to nearly 400 meters across 13 levels, which is astonishing considering the initial belief that the seam was only about 36 meters deep.

Visitors may explore historical structures, attempt panning for gold, and relax in the tranquil Chinese Gardens located on-site.

For enthusiasts of substantial machinery, the park features a massive Caterpillar 793C haul truck and provides an opportunity to stand in the bucket of a 994K Large Wheel Loader.

3. Museum of the Goldfields

Notable for its prominent Ivanhoe headframe, the Museum of the Goldfields offers essential insights into the area’s mining heritage.

The museum boasts the largest collection of gold bars and nuggets in Western Australia, all of which are displayed in the underground vault.

Furthermore, it transports visitors back to the Gold Rush era through preserved settings such as a miner’s cottage, the Woodline Office, and the office and boardroom of entrepreneur Claude De Bernales, which is adorned with jarrah wood.

A rich array of artifacts from the early 20th century, alongside informative displays regarding the natural history and ecology of the Goldfields, enrich the experience.

Do not overlook the opportunity to ascend the headframe, now an observation tower, for a comprehensive view of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

4. Hammond Park

Hammond Park, situated on the western side of the city, is Kalgoorlie’s premier public park, featuring beautifully manicured landscapes.

This park exhibits remnants of gold rush luxury, highlighted by a lovely heritage-listed rotunda topped with an onion dome.

This historic structure, which is over a century old, is one of the largest of its kind in Australia.

For families, the park’s highlight is the animal sanctuary, where visitors can approach emus, kangaroos, and peacocks, along with a spacious pond that serves as a habitat for various ducks.

A unique feature within Hammond Park is a miniature Bavarian castle, purportedly adorned with over 40,000 gemstones.

5. Golden Quest Discovery Trail

Kalgoorlie serves as a splendid starting point for an unforgettable expedition through Western Australia’s Goldfields.

This region retains its status as one of the most productive gold mining areas globally, while also presenting numerous opportunities for adventure-seekers.

The Golden Quest Discovery Trail spans nearly 1,000 kilometers of breathtaking outback scenery and is the quintessential way to immerse oneself in over 120 years of mining history.

Along this route, best traversed via 4WD, you will encounter ghost towns, expansive woodlands, enchanting spots rich in gold rush lore, massive contemporary mines, and much more.

Lake Ballard captivates visitors with its statues designed by Antony Gormley, while the outback of the Wheatbelt and Goldfields becomes a canvas of vibrant wildflowers during the spring following significant winter rains.

6. Kalgoorlie Town Hall

The Town Hall’s pedimented facade is indicative of the wealth that flowed through Kalgoorlie during the Edwardian era.

This plastered edifice, completed in 1908, features an interior resplendently adorned with chandeliers, a grand staircase, and intricate metalwork.

Access to the Town Hall is only available through organized tours conducted by City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Heritage Services, which occur on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 AM. These tours feature visits to the municipal office, the mayor’s chambers, and the council chambers, alongside an inviting auditorium and stage.

Guides will illuminate the Town Hall’s intriguing history and notable characters, all while showcasing its valuable art collection and historical artifacts.

7. Karlkurla Bushland Park

One of the unfortunate consequences of the Coolgardie Gold Rush was the devastation of the eucalypt forests that once dominated the region, as trees were felled to fuel wood-fired steam engines at the mines.

In a continuous endeavor to make reparations, this 200-hectare park located north of Kalgoorlie-Boulder at Hannan was established by community volunteers in 2000. A signposted four-kilometer trail meanders through native trees and shrubs, providing the chance to glimpse kangaroos during the early mornings or evenings.

A lookout approximately 1.5 kilometers from the entrance is accessible, and the Eco & Cultural Education Centre, inaugurated within the park’s nursery in 2017, enriches the visitor experience. The term “Karlkurla” is derived from the local Aboriginal language, signifying “silky pear,” a species that thrives within the park’s ecosystem.

8. Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre

Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor Service serves as an essential lifeline for communities in the most remote regions of the outback, justifiably rendering it a source of great pride.

The Kalgoorlie base is a critical component of the organization’s Western Operations and was established at the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport in the 1930s.

The visitor center at this base illuminates the commitment of Flying Doctors while also recounting the service’s origins, featuring some of the pioneers who endeavored to deliver healthcare to some of the most inhospitable locales on the planet.

Visitors can view multimedia presentations at the Roger Waller Theatre and explore a variety of informative and interactive exhibits.

Entry is by donation, and a shop with Royal Flying Doctor Service memorabilia is available for visitors.

9. Palace Hotel

Situated on Hannan Street is the Palace Hotel, which opened its doors in 1897 and stands as a prime example of Federation Architecture.

At its inauguration, it was regarded as the most luxurious hotel in Western Australia outside of Perth and was the first hotel in Kalgoorlie to feature electric lighting.

Herbert Hoover, who would later become President of the United States, was a frequent patron of the Palace Hotel in the late 1890s while working as a mining engineer in Kalgoorlie.

Visitors to the foyer will encounter several artifacts from his stay, including a framed poem he authored for a barmaid, alongside an ornate mirror he gifted to the hotel prior to his departure from Australia.

10. Questa Casa

Catering to a niche audience, Questa Casa is the last remaining brothel from the former red-light district on Hay Street.

For those interested in unconventional experiences or seeking intriguing stories, guided tours are available at what is claimed to be one of the oldest operating brothels in the world.

This establishment dates back to the gold rush of the 1890s, providing a raw yet fascinating glimpse into a different era.

The tour lasts approximately one hour and 15 minutes, guiding participants through the working areas of the house, beginning with the “starting stalls” at the entrance and winding through a labyrinth of small rooms.

Guides share captivating anecdotes from Kalgoorlie’s “Wild West” days, detailing the lives of the sex workers and miners who once populated this outpost 130 years ago.

11. Broad Arrow Tavern

Approximately thirty minutes north along the Goldfields Highway lies the ghost town of Broad Arrow, which once boasted a population of 2,400 but has since dwindled to little more than a desert.

In 1893, when it was referred to as Kurawah, this location became the focal point of the Coolgardie Gold Rush, recognized as the area where gold was first discovered.

The Broad Arrow Tavern, which dates back to 1896, remains a functioning establishment, providing meals and lodging for travelers.

This outback pub thrives, particularly due to the resurgence of the mining industry.

A notable feature is the walls, which are adorned with handwritten notes from past visitors, and the menu’s highlight is the renowned “Broady Burger.”

12. Beaten Track Brewery

Kalgoorlie boasts a rich history of brewing, once supplying beer throughout the Eastern Goldfields; however, the industry faded into obscurity by the close of the 20th century.

The revival of brewing commenced in 2007 with the establishment of Beaten Track Brewery, a boutique microbrewery producing a diverse array of small-batch craft beers, including IPAs, amber ales, stouts, sours, and lagers.

Visitors can expect innovative brews, including a cold brew coffee-infused pale ale released in 2020.

The food selection is equally satisfying, offering burgers and pizzas, complemented by a serene outdoor terrace equipped with patio heaters and blankets for chilly evenings.

13. Mount Charlotte Reservoir and Lookout

Located off the Goldfields Highway, north of Kalgoorlie, is a captivating piece of local heritage.

This site marks Kalgoorlie’s first gold discovery in 1893, where the reinforced concrete reservoir built into Mount Charlotte provided the region with its initial reliable water supply.

This reservoir, capable of holding 4.5 million liters, was the finale of an ambitious project that transported water 560 kilometers from the Mundaring Weir, located just outside Perth.

While the reservoir continues to serve its original function, it now operates as a reserve following the construction of the Mount Percy reservoir in the 1980s to the north.

At the summit of Mount Charlotte, there is a circular lookout platform offering panoramic vistas of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Great Western Woodlands, and the mining landscape adjacent to the city.

14. Kalgoorlie Golf Course

Situated beyond Hammond Park and the Kalgoorlie Arboretum is an 18-hole golf course that extends into the bushland.

Designed by Graham Marsh, the Kalgoorlie Golf Course is ranked among the top 20 public access courses in Australia.

Each hole bears a distinctive name connected to the area’s history, such as Golden Mile or Super Pit, with fairways and greens flanked by eucalyptus trees, native shrubs, and water features.

As of 2020, the driving range had just undergone renewal, with practice greens available nearby to assist in refining short-game techniques.

At that time, greens fees were set at $66.50 for 18 holes.

After your round, consider stopping by the Waterhole Bar & Bistro for refreshments while overlooking the scenic course.

15. Kalgoorlie Visitor Centre

Situated within Kalgoorlie’s historic Town Hall, the largest tourist information center in the Goldfields serves as a valuable resource for those wishing to explore the greater outback.

Visitors can find assistance with transport, accommodation, and various activities while also obtaining an abundance of firsthand information, brochures, and pamphlets regarding points of interest in the area.

The center offers free Wi-Fi access and sells a wide range of souvenirs related to Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields, including handcrafted Aboriginal art and collectible gold coins.