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• Pan for your own real Kalgoorlie Gold
• Free BBQ Facilities
• Souvenir shop
• Free dogs pens available
Welcome to Australia's largest outback city
Playing an integral role in the development of both Western Australian and Australian history, KalgoorlieBoulder blends rich gold mining heritage with modern day amenities.
Once Australia’s second largest city, today there is far more to Kalgoorlie-Boulder than just mining. You will also discover iconic pubs; historic architecture; one of the biggest open cut gold mines in Australia; informative museums; the largest temperate woodlands in the world; lively arts precincts; Aboriginal culture; beautiful parks and playgrounds; an award-winning golf course, plus a lively events calendar.
It is also the ideal launchpad for discovering some true West Australian outback, where you can retrace the steps of explorers and prospectors; stargaze in some of the darkest night skies in the world; try your hand at prospecting, and encounter old ghost towns juxtaposed between stunning red earth and brilliant blue skies.
Whether you drive, fy or travel on the Prospector train from Perth, your visit will be met with genuine outback hospitality plus plenty to see and do.
So what are you waiting for?
Shires of the Goldfelds
Kalgoorlie-Boulder is encircled by six Shires that make up the northern and southern Goldfelds, spanning a staggering 640,000 km2.
The Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre is a not-for-proft association supported by the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder.
Proudly supporting tourism in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Goldfelds.
Sunset over Hannans North Tourist Mine
Events for everyone
No matter what time of year you’re visiting Kalgoorlie-Boulder, there’s always events taking place to make your visit even more memorable. From monthly markets through to the drawcard Saint Barbara's Festival Parade, there's something for everyone.
JANUARY:
• Australia Day celebrations
• Sunset concerts at the Soundshell
MARCH:
• Goldfelds Charity Ball
• Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community Fair
MAY:
• Australian Heritage Festival
• The Leonora Golden Gift
JULY:
• Goldfelds Pipeline Marathon
FEBRUARY:
• Sunset concerts at the Soundshell
APRIL:
• ANZAC Day memorial services
• Nullarbor Muster
• Australian Heritage Festival
JUNE:
• The Leonora Golden Gift
• Multicultural Festival
• Museum of the Goldfelds WA Day Festival
AUGUST:
• Diggers and Dealers
• Coolgardie Rodeo & Ute Muster
SEPTEMBER:
• City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Art Prize Exhibition
• Pipeline Challenge
• Coolgardie Day
NOVEMBER:
• Remembrance Day ceremony
• Goldfelds Sand Drags
• Christmas street party and lighting of the Christmas tree
OCTOBER:
• WA PGA Championship
• Lorna Mitchell Spring Festival
• Boulderfest
• Kalgoorlie Desert Race
• Kalgoorlie Cup Race Day
DECEMBER:
• St Barbara’s Festival parade
• Miners’ Memorial Service
• Carols in Kal
• Christmas in the Park
WATCH OUT FOR: The Kalgoorlie Rotary markets, held each month apart from January. Kalgoorlie-Boulder racing season, held March to October. Kalgoorlie International Speedway, held February to May. Goldfelds Giants basketball season, held April to August.
Events
6 Discover Kalgoorlie-Boulder
10 Golden glimpses of yesteryear
12 Explore the highlights in three days
16 Bites and brews - where to eat and drink
18 Walk this way - top walking trails
20 Embrace the great outdoors
22 Golden Quest Discovery Trail
26 Shire of Coolgardie
27 Shire of Dundas (Norseman & Nullarbor)
28 Shire of Laverton
29 Shire of Leonora
30 Shire of Menzies
31 Shire of Wiluna
PUBLISHED BY Vanguard Publishing
PRINTED BY Vanguard Print
DISTRIBUTED BY Vanguard Distribution
EDITOR
Jocelyn Biddle editor@vanguardpublishing.com.au
DESIGNER
Sharon Curby
ADVERTISING
Natalie du Preez natalie@vanguardpublishing.com.au
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tourism Western Australia; Australia’s Golden Outback
VANGUARD MEDIA GROUP
26 John Street, Northbridge WA. 6003. Ph: 08 6323 1389 vanguardmediagroup.com.au
For more information and updates to events in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, visit: www.kalgoorlietourism.com /whats-on
2.5 hour tour open pit and milling operations
1.5 hour tour open pit operations tours depart monday - friday & selected saturdays & sundays
NOTE
Mandatory clothing and footwear requirements apply. Bookings in advance are strongly recommended.
Discover Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Although famous for being one of the richest gold producing regions in the world, there is more to Kalgoorlie-Boulder than digging and all that glitters is not just gold! Here are some suggestions for unearthing the region's top attractions.
EUROPEAN HISTORY
Legacy of CY O’Connor
In the late 1800’s, CY O’Connor was WA’s engineer-in-chief tasked with the job of supplying the region with its most critical resource - water.
O’Connor’s brilliant 563-kilometre pipeline has been delivering fresh water from Mundaring Weir to the Goldfelds since 1903. Head up to Mount Charlotte Reservoir, a twomillion-gallon tank on the edge of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, where you can not only see the terminus of the pipeline, but also get a great view overlooking town.
Boulder Town Hall
Venture inside the grand Boulder Town Hall to admire the original Philip Goatcher Stage Curtain depicting the Bay of Naples. One of only two examples left in the world, this priceless curtain was commissioned for the opening of the hall in 1908. The Goldfelds War Museum is also located here and is a professionally presented tribute to those who served in various international conficts, with moving stories of Goldfelds residents.
Signpost Goldfelds Racing Museum
Named in honour of local racehorse ‘Signpost’, who won the Triple Crown (the Kalgoorlie, Boulder and
Coolgardie cups) in 1993, this museum is a must-see for racing enthusiasts. Head out to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club to browse historic racing memorabilia like the chronograph, a timekeeping device and one of only two in Australia.
Eastern Goldfelds Historical Society
Since 1946, the Eastern Goldfelds Historical Society has been preserving and sharing the region’s rich history. With a wide selection of rare and popular Goldfelds books, plus a team of knowledgeable volunteers, it’s a great resource for researchers and history bufs. If you’re planning a visit, get in touch beforehand so the team can prepare information for you.
GOLD FEVER
The Super Pit
One of Australia’s largest open cut gold mines, the Super Pit is 3.5km long, 1.5km wide, 600 metres deep and produces over 800,000 ounces of gold annually. From the lookout, you can view this working mine site to appreciate its immense scale for yourself.
Hannans North Tourist Mine
To learn more about underground mining, the Hannan’s North Tourist Mine is a great stop. With over 30
exhibits plus historical equipment and records from various mines across the Golden Mile, you will discover the secrets of gold rush history and you can try your luck at panning for gold. You can also experience modern day mining as you climb aboard a giant 793C haul truck; stand in the bucket of a 994F loader; see what it’s like to be a driller; and go inside a modern underground refuge chamber, where up to 12 people can survive for 72 hours.
Western Australian School of Mines Museum
Located on Curtin University’s Kalgoorlie campus, the Mineral Museum is sure to appeal to anyone with a keen interest in geology and mineralogy. It is home to a collection of approximately 3000 mineral specimens and has replicas of famous gold nuggets.
INDIGENOUS CULTURE
Goldfelds Aboriginal Language Centre
There are up to 16 distinct Indigenous language groups in the WA Goldfelds, but sadly, most of these languages are in danger of disappearing. The Goldfelds Aboriginal Language Centre in Boulder plays a vital role in working with Elders to record and sustain these languages. Drop in to view Indigenous language children’s books; locally made souvenirs; as well as bush tucker like seeds and nuts.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Tram Tour
Two-Up shed, Kalgoorlie
Goldfelds Honey Ant Tours
Take a half-day tour from KalgoorlieBoulder with the Tjupan people to discover their favourite desert foods like the honeypot ants, with their bulging bellies full of sweet, native nectar. Other foods you’ll learn about include witchetty grubs, quandong fruits, bush pears and sandalwood nut. Book this tour directly at goldfeldshoneyanttours.com.au
GOLDFIELDS ICONS
Two-Up
Kalgoorlie-Boulder has a long history with the gambling game of bush Two-Up. Each Sunday afternoon you’ll fnd locals and tourists alike in the Two-Up shed, located down a bush track a few kilometres out of town. This rustic corrugated iron shed was, until recently, only used on special occasions, but now with a revival of interest (and special approvals) Two-Up is held here once a week on Sunday afternoons. These events are well patronised with hundreds of dollars won and lost on each coin toss!
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Tram Tour
From 1902 to 1952, electric trams ran through the streets of KalgoorlieBoulder. The network stretched across the Twin Cities and out to the iconic Golden Mile, ofering afordable transport during the region’s gold rush heyday.
Today, you can relive that era on the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Tram Tour. With lively commentary, you’ll get a sense of what life was like back in the early 1900s.
Explore Public Art
Heartwalk is a self-guided mural trail with over 60 works painted by local
and visiting artists. Enquire at the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Visitor Centre about a guided tour with local artist, Linda Rae.
Goldfelds Arts Centre
This modern facility in the heart of Kalgoorlie-Boulder hosts art exhibitions, live theatre and big-name musicians. You can’t miss the sculpture out the front - a giant bronze Karlkurla (the local Wongatha name for the silky pear fruit).
Chunky Timber Co.
In a workshop in Boulder, an artisan afectionately known as Chunky, is making classy furniture and homewares from recycled Goldfelds timber. You may just leave with a chopping board under your arm.
Only in Kalgoorlie-Boulder
One of the world's oldest working brothels, Questa Casa Brothel has been in known operation for over 120 years. Join a daily tour with the Madam, who will escort you through the bordello and entertain you with intriguing sights and stories.
Museum of the Goldfelds
Find out how mining has played a large part in the development of the region and the State since gold was discovered in the Eastern Goldfelds in 1887. Explore unique buildings and displays such as a 1930s miners cottage, the Woodline Police Ofce and the British Arms Hotel. See the splendour of mining entrepreneur Claude DeBernales' Perth ofce and Kalgoorlie boardroom, and look over the city from the viewing platform on the Ivanhoe headframe.
EMBRACE DESERT NATURE
Karlkurla Bushland Park
Take a stroll in the 200-hectare Karlkurla Bushland Park, a triumph of successful land rehabilitation in what was once a dust bowl. Visit Katunga Lookout in the early morning or evening to appreciate the desert birdsong and the biodiversity of the vast Great Western Woodlands ecosystem.
Hammond Park
Join the locals for a picnic in Hammond Park, a grassy and shady oasis featuring a historic rotunda and a mini-Bavarian castle. Kids will love the duck ponds, bird aviaries, emus and kangaroos.
Arboretum
The Arboretum was planted in 1954, and covers 26 hectares ofering shady picnic sites and a bird-attracting pond. Over 60 species of eucalypt trees are presented here with interpretive signage.
Tere's moe t do in Kagolie-Bolder than yo migt think, so alow extra time and lingr longr!
Hannan St, Kalgoorlie
Golden glimpses of yesteryear
In the heart of the Goldfelds lies Kalgoorlie-Boulder, with its intriguing and colourful history. Australia’s largest outback city and one of the most famous gold mining centres in the world, this history is intimately linked with the fortunes of Western Australia, and indeed, Australia as a nation.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder is graced with magnifcent buildings constructed in Federation and Edwardian styles dating from the late 1800s to early 1900s. Many are State Heritage listed and each has a story.
For example, the entrance of the Palace Hotel features a beautiful mirror that was donated by Herbert Hoover after he reputedly fell in love with a barmaid, before returning to the United States and becoming the 31st American president.
Just up the road the Exchange Hotel is home to the ‘skimpies’, introduced after owners back in the 1960s and 1970s decided to use this as an attraction for tourists and locals alike.
The Boulder Town Hall has housed the priceless Goatcher Curtain since 1908, which is believed to be one of only two remaining stage curtains in the world. Meanwhile the Kalgoorlie Town Hall refects the wealth and pride of the community in the 1900s gold boom and houses a bust of CY O’Connor, who created the lifeline of a water pipeline to the area.
Brothels established back in the 1890s cemented Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s reputation not only for gold, but for girls. You can visit Questa Casa (also known as the Pink House), which is the last of the historic brothels in Kalgoorlie and famous for its corrugated ‘starting stalls’.
IT’S GOLD!
Still one of the biggest gold mining cities in the world, Kalgoorlie-Boulder has both new and old sitting in harmony side-by-side. The history of mining in this region is a fascinating journey, as well as a celebration of innovation, ingenuity and sheer hard work.
PADDY’S STORY
Patrick Hannan (known afectionately as Paddy Hannan) is credited as being the frst person to discover gold in the Kalgoorlie mining feld.
Born in Ireland in 1840, Paddy saw many friends and family members
emigrate. His uncle, William Lynch, and cousin, Mary White, both left for Australia in 1852 and Mary’s letters are said to have infuenced young Paddy with news of ‘diggings’ and the chance of a better life.
In 1863, Paddy aged 22, listed as a ‘labourer’ and came across to Australia from Liverpool. He worked for fve years on various gold diggings in Ballarat and Bendigo, before moving to New Zealand for six years. He returned to Australia and prospected in New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia.
It was 1889 before Paddy arrived in Western Australia and he proceeded to Southern Cross.
After Arthur Bayley and William Ford found and reported a rich discovery in Coolgardie in 1892, Paddy together with his friend, Tom Flanagan, also travelled there to take up claims on one of the gullies. This venture was not successful.
In June 1893, news of the Mt Youle rush resulted in a general exodus
Hannan Street
Exchange Hotel
from Coolgardie. Hannan, Flanagan and Daniel Shea also left, but were delayed 25 miles to the east. During their enforced stay, they found gold in the small gullies close to the fndings which are now known as Mount Charlotte, Hannan’s Hill and Mt Gledden
On 17 June 1893, Hannan rode into Coolgardie to register the new fnd and to apply for a reward claim, taking with him 134 ounces of alluvial gold. His arrival caused intense excitement and nearly the entire population of the town packed up to move to the new fnd.
However, neither Hannan or his friends made much out of the discovery. Paddy, needing a break, left the area in 1894.
On his return in 1898, Kalgoorlie had become a bustling town and Paddy was warmly welcomed. A function was arranged, a tree planted near the site of his frst fnd and he was granted a government payment of three pounds a week for a number of years. The original tree did not survive and the latest replacement was planted in 1993, on the centenary of Paddy’s discovery, and it stands today as a mark of respect and commemoration. Paddy passed away on 4th November 1925, aged 83 years. Buried in the Melbourne cemetery, his original headstone was marked ‘Discoverer of the Kalgoorlie Mining Field, WA’. After his grave fell into disrepair, the
Mines Department of WA, Chamber of Mines and the local Kalgoorlie Council agreed to share the cost of restoration and in 1964, the headstone was marked with the words ‘restored by grateful residents of Kalgoorlie Boulder’.
A statue of Paddy Hannan was erected in Kalgoorlie in 1929 and the original now resides inside the Kalgoorlie Town Hall. A replica statue was erected outside the Town Hall in 1983, as a tribute to the man who sparked the gold rush that would become the Golden Mile
DISCOVER MORE
To learn more about the rich history of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, visit the Museum of the Goldfelds where you can step back in time to see how prospectors searched for gold and learn about the life and hardships faced by mining families during the early 1900s.
Historical treasures can also be found at the Museum, located at the top end of Hannan Street underneath the original Ivanhoe headframe. The Miners Monument, located in Boulder, is a proud statue erected in tribute to the miners of the Goldfelds – past, present and future.
Visitors can also fnd out more about the history of the area on a KalgoorlieBoulder Tram Tour (a replica tram from the goldrush era) or on a selfguided audio tour, where you’ll hear voices of colourful characters and
listen to stories on over 50 diverse places of interest. Visit KalgoorlieBoulder Visitor Centre for bookings and more information. See www.kalgoorlietourism.com
Kagolie-Bolder i gracd wih magiicnt buiding, many o whic are Stat Heriag litd and eac ha a soy.
Palace Hotel
Tramways
3 days in Kalgoorlie-Boulder
When gold was discovered in 1893, Kalgoorlie materialised from the dusty desert to become Australia’s second biggest town after Sydney. The Golden Mile, a series of claims near the original fnd by Irishman Paddy Hannan, became known as the richest square mile of gold-producing land in the world. Learn more about this historic city and tap into its psyche with this 3-day itinerary.
DAY ONE: The Mining Legacy
Super Pit tour
Start your day with KalgoorlieBoulder’s most popular tour - a deep dive into gold mining at the Super Pit, which was the biggest open cut mine in Australia for decades. The Super Pit came about after infamous businessman Alan Bond bought up individual leases along the Golden Mile in the 1980s, consolidating them into a single company to create this project. Board the coach in Hannan Street and gaze up in awe as you drive past monster dump trucks at their laydown area.
Museum of the Goldfelds
The Museum of the Goldfelds showcases the rich history of the Eastern Goldfelds. Discover the unique role it played in WA’s development, both as a centre of mining and its place at the edge of the Nullarbor Plain. Tour the gold vaulthome to more than $4 million worth of nuggets - and step back in time to see how prospectors searched for this precious metal. Don’t miss the British Arms Hotel, part of the museum and said to be the narrowest hotel in the southern hemisphere.
Hannans North Tourist Mine
Over at Hannans North Tourist Mine, get hands-on with mining history. A working mine until 1991, this selfguided outdoor museum presents diverse exhibits where the full history of this rich gold mining region is laid out. Hear from Kalgoorlie’s founder, Paddy Hannan, as he tells his tale of discovery or try your luck panning for gold.
Dine like a miner
The Palace Hotel, with its graceful verandahs and timber staircase, has quenched the thirst of miners since 1897. The grand mirror on the ground foor is said to be a gift to a barmaid who worked here. The benefactor was a young Herbert Hoover, who went on to become President of the USA. Check out the Balcony Bar and Restaurant for one of the best meals in town.
DAY 2: Goldfelds culture
Goldfelds Aboriginal Language Centre
Visit Boulder (which is efectively joined to Kalgoorlie) and take a stroll up historic Burt Street. Pop into the
Goldfelds Aboriginal Language Centre to learn about the preservation of endangered languages, and pick up locally crafted souvenirs or native herbs and seeds.
Boulder Town Hall
The Boulder Town Hall, circa 1908, is an architectural classic with its wrought iron dress circle balustrade, pressed tin ceilings and famous Goatcher Curtain, which is believed to be one of the last two remaining working stage curtains of its time.
The Town Hall is also home to the informative Goldfelds War Museum, which ofers a powerful insight into the roles played by local residents in conficts including the Boer War, World Wars I and II, and the Vietnam War.
A spot of shopping
Whilst in Boulder, meander through The Book Boutique on Burt for interesting local reads or discover gifts at Simply Gorgeous. When you arrive back in Kalgoorlie, drop in to Natural Gold Nuggets and Jewellery for unique jewellery, gemstones and fossils. For a colourful range of art, homewares and souvenirs, drop into Fossick & Co, which is located in a historic building on Egan Street.
Gold panning at Hannans North Tourist Mine
Aerial view over the Super Pit
Kalgoorlie Town Hall
One of the City’s major landmarks, the Kalgoorlie Town Hall refects the immense wealth of the area from the 1900s gold boom. Book into a guided tour to explore this impressive heritage listed building with its pressed metal ceilings, chandeliers, sweeping staircase, theatre, art and memorabilia.
Heartwalk art project
In 2017 and 2018, around 60 murals were painted by local and visiting artists that transformed Kalgoorlie’s business district into a lively arts precinct. Follow the Heartwalk Trail to discover these paintings.
Brothel culture at Questa Casa
Back in the 1890s, miners brought the infux of another culture into Kalgoorlie - prostitution. At one stage, 18 brothels operated in Hay Street and Questa Casa, aka ‘The Pink House’, is the only one that still remains. Hear fascinating stories about this iconic part of Kalgoorlie’s history as the Madam takes you through the former working areas of the house.
The man who started it all
No visit to Kalgoorlie-Boulder is complete without a photo in front of the Paddy Hannan Statue in Hannan Street. The bronze statue honours the man credited with discovering gold here in 1893, which sparked one of Australia’s greatest gold rushes.
Pub life
Built in 1897, the Kalgoorlie Hotel is an ideal spot for dinner. Go upstairs to enjoy a sundowner accompanied by sweeping views over the city. With a varied menu, they have everything from bar snacks, pizzas and light meals through to steaks and ribs.
DAY 3: Uniquely Kal
A bushwalk
There’s so much more to the Goldfelds than just mines. Enjoy a morning walk in Karlkurla Bushland Park to appreciate the biodiversity of the Great Western Woodlands, which covers 16 million hectares and supports 20% of Australia’s plant species
Thunderstruck
Next up, channel your inner biker! Meet the leather-clad Greg Ocinski from Thunderstuck Trike Tours and jump on the back of his Harley Davidson trike. Greg’s tours are individually tailored and can include any of the historic sites in Kalgoorlie, Boulder and the wider region along with plenty of stories - some true and some legendary.
Ask Greg about a visit to Chunky Timbers, a workshop where hardwood is repurposed into unique furniture and kitchen wares. Or roar up to Mount Charlotte Reservoir, the terminus of the Golden Pipeline which stretches 563km from Mundaring Weir to Kalgoorlie-Boulder. As the highest point in the area, it ofers a great vantage point to take in the view over the city.
Broad Arrow Tavern and ghost town
Take a drive 25-minutes out of Kalgoorlie to discover the former goldrush town of Broad Arrow. Today all that remains is its character-flled, outback tavern. This grafti-covered pub has an almost cult-like following,
with locals riding out on motorcycles and tourists popping in for their famous burgers.
A bird’s eye view
The ultimate way to round out your three days in Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a scenic fight with Goldfelds Air Services. Banking around the Super Pit, you’ll stare 600m into the terraced crater before rocketing out to Lake Lefroy. By taking a low altitude fightpath over this salty, still pond you can see how it stands out from the surrounding area with its pure white colour.
Dine in an icon
There is little doubt that pubs are a vital part of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s culture - although these days they’re far less raucous than the early gold rush days! The Exchange Hotel is one of WA’s most iconic pubs and has something for everyone with its family friendly Paddy’s Restaurant or more adultoriented Wild West Saloon front bar.
Tere's Indignos culture, quirky turs and lgndary otback caractrs al waiing t b exploed in Kagolie-Bolder.
Museum of the Goldfelds
Boulder Town Hall
GOLDFIELDS AIR SERVICES
CREW CHANGES SALES AND PROMOTIONAL TRIPS
AERIAL SURVEY AND PHOTOGRAPHY SCENIC FLIGHTS PRIVATE TOURS
WWW.GOLDFIELDSAIRSERVICES.COM OR (08) 9093 2116
LAVERTON ABORIGINAL ART GALLERY
has a wonderful range of paintings and artefacts for sale, created by artists from Laverton and the Ngaanyatjarra Lands of the Western Desert region of Western Australia.
The unique works share the Tjukurrpa (Dreamtime) stories of this beautiful country and celebrate the cultural heritage of the region.
The Gallery is housed in a heritage building which was a mine manager’s house in the early 1900s and is located on the corner of Augusta and Euro Streets, an easy walk from the Great Beyond Visitor Centre.
2-4 Euro Street, Laverton WA 6440 (08) 9031 1395
gallery@lavertoncca.com.au
Monday to Friday 8am-4pm or by appointment
Well
restaurant “Katherine Station” plus cocktail bar, room service and outdoor swimming pool with BBQ facilities.
Bites & brews. Where to eat and drink
With a rich history as a gold rush town, Kalgoorlie-Boulder has a long legacy of feeding hungry (and very thirsty) miners. Today, this modern town of 30,000 residents has more to ofer than simply flling those hard-working bellies. Read on for where to fnd food to satisfy every budget, appetite and palette.
CAFFEINE FIX
First things frst! Kick of your day with a cofee fx from one of the many great spots around town.
Along Hannan Street, you’re spoilt for choice. Gold Bean Cofee is a popular pick for quality cofee, hearty breakfasts and light lunches. Grab a seat in the cosy, art-flled alleyway and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Just down the road, M’Goosa Espresso is Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s only hole-in-thewall café - a favourite among locals and a must for any cofee enthusiast. Need your cofee on the run? Proper Gander Espresso and Muzz Buzz both open from 4.30am and are perfect for an early start. These drive-thru spots are known for quick service, great cofee, and a selection of toasties and sweet treats to go.
If you’re staying at the 72-hour recreational vehicle park, follow the locals to Queen Bee’s Cofee. Serving up cofee from a mobile van, this is a
convenient and delicious way to start your day, 7 days a week.
Whether you’re after a sit-down experience or something on the go, you’ll have no trouble fnding your perfect brew!
CASUAL BITES
Kalgoorlie-Boulder has plenty of choice for a satisfying meal or snack, with many venues conveniently located along Hannan Street.
Café 312 is a great stop for homemade food and generous portions, while Vienna Cofee Lounge is well known for serving up the best chips and gravy in town.
Mamma Mia’s Trattoria, located inside the Star & Garter Hotel, dishes up all your Italian favourites - pizza, pasta, gnocchi, chicken parmigiana and tiramisu - all served on classic red and white checked tablecloths with a side of warm, friendly service.
Craft beer lovers should make a stop at Beaten Track Brewery, KalgoorlieBoulder’s own microbrewery. It’s a relaxed brewpub ofering locally made beers and ciders, along with burgers and chicken wings available for dine-in or takeaway.
In Boulder, grab a bite at the heritagelisted Café Dharma. Set inside the original fre station, they have hearty breakfasts, generous lunches and tasty curry specials to go. Nearby, South African Gourmet serves up bunny chow, boerewors and biltong for something a little diferent. The Albion Hotel, dating back to the 1800s, blends history with a great menu, while The Recreation Hotel dishes up mouthwatering woodfred pizza.
PUB GRUB
In its heyday, Kalgoorlie was a bustling and dusty metropolis of 200,000 people, and it was dripping in wealth. Its federation-style hotels bear
The Balcony Bar and Restaurant
The Balcony Bar and Restaurant Exchange Hotel, Kalgoorlie
testament to this era of opulence and many of them are still operating today.
The Palace Hotel, built in 1897, ofers elegant dining at the Balcony Bar and Restaurant. Choose indoor seating or head outside to the wide verandah. The menu has high-end pub fare - think steaks, seafood and pasta. Downstairs, the cosy Irish Pub serves favourites like beef and Guinness pie, Irish stew and Kilkenny battered fsh and chips.
Directly opposite, the Exchange Hotel is one of WA’s most iconic pubs. Home to Paddy’s Restaurant, it serves hearty, value-for-money meals in a space that feels more like a Melbourne brasserie than a historic outback pub. Next door is the Wild West Saloon, where adults can enjoy the quirky local tradition of skimpy bar service.
Further along Hannan Street, the Kalgoorlie Hotel (formerly Judds Pub) is one of the city’s oldest buildings. This magnifcent two-storey venue has a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere
with family-friendly dining and a varied menu. Enjoy a drink upstairs on the balcony before settling in for a meal in-house or in the beer garden.
SOMETHING FANCY
Looking for something a little more refned? You might be surprised by what’s on ofer.
Prime West Grill, located at the Rydges Hotel, is a go-to for modern Australian cuisine. The focus is on quality West Aussie steaks, cooked to perfection and served straight from the butcher’s block. Pair your meal with something from their extensive wine, beer and cocktail list for a memorable night out.
For a truly special night out, The Cray Seafood & Grill Restaurant ofers a sophisticated dining experience. More than just a restaurant, it’s a place for shared moments and standout meals that showcase the best of the region’s culinary talent.
Wethr yo're afr din-in, takeaway o delivery, yo’l fnd something t sui eery cravng.
For an easy way to browse what’s on ofer, head to www.HungryInKal.com It’s your go-to guide for where to eat in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Take in the view over Kalgoorlie-Boulder from the verandah of one of the city's iconic hotels. Image by Jarrad Seng
Walk this way! Top walking trails
By the time you arrive in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, you would have spent considerable time in either a plane, train or automobile. So when it comes to exploring the area, experience it in the most immersive way possible - on your own two feet!
SELF-GUIDED AUDIO WALKS
Discover the Goldfelds’ fascinating history and sites with a self-guided audio tour and hear the voices of colourful characters through your headset. Encompassing over 50 diverse places of interest, listen to the backstory of heritage hotels; the WA School of Mines; the Paddy Hannan statue; Questa Casa Brothel and the Super Pit lookout.
To collect your headset, drop into the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Visitor Centre
Two tours are included with headset rental - one in Kalgoorlie and the other in Boulder.
The cost is $25 per person plus a $50 refundable bond, which includes a souvenir map and information booklet to help you follow along. As this tour is self-guided, it can take as long as you wish, but a half day is recommended so that you can get the most out of the tours and also incorporate a couple of café stops along the way.
HEARTWALK TRAIL
Follow the Heartwalk Trail and discover over 60 murals and artists that adorn buildings and walls around Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s business district.
One of the largest and most colourful artworks is the utterly charming Karlkurla Dreaming by local Indigenous artist Jason Dimer and his extended family. The Karlkurla is a local fruiting vine (also called the silky pear), which also inspired the name Kalgoorlie. Another favourite is Drowning Within by Stormie Mills, a renowned international street and grafti artist. The entire walk is 4.5km, but it can easily be shortened depending on your time or energy levels. To see it all, allow three hours…or longer with cofee, lunch and more time to admire the art and take photos.
ST BARBARA’S SQUARE
Another great stop-of point is St Barbara’s Square. Located in the CBD, this area boasts one of the largest displays of First Nations art in Australia. There is an all-ages playground in the design of the ‘Karlkurla’ (silky pear); as well as a water play canopy which is a welcome place to cool down on a hot day.
CEMETERY HERITAGE WALK TRAIL
At the heart of the Goldfelds lies Kalgoorlie’s historic cemetery, where more than 20,000 people have been laid to rest since 1894. The red earth and weathered headstones refect stories of prosperity, hardship, and resilience - from typhoid victims and mining tragedies to pioneering families and early entrepreneurs. This selfguided walk features 32 graves that ofer a powerful glimpse into the lives, losses and legacies that shaped the region. Guide books can be purchased from the Visitor Centre.
Karlkurla (silky pear) sculpture outside the Goldfelds Art Centre
DOUG KREPP WALKING TRAIL LOOP
This trail is the centrepiece of the Karlkurla Bushland Park, a 200-hectare woodland reserve which is testament to the determination of community who worked to rehabilitate this former mining land. What was once a dust bowl now features stunning examples of the vegetation of the Great Western Woodlands, an ecosystem that covers 16 million hectares of arid land.
The park has been rehabilitated in several phases, one notable efort being when 400 community members planted 2000 trees and shrubs as part of the Olympic Torch passing through the city in the year 2000.
Today, visitors can walk or jog the Doug Krepp Walking Trail, named after the late councillor who envisioned this park. The 4km trail starts with a boardwalk and climbs two gentle hills. The path heads up to the Katunga Lookout, where an observation tower provides views across Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the countryside.
The trail takes 1-2 hours and interpretive signage explains the historical mining operations in the area. With many species of native vegetation including salmon gums,
melaleuca trees, sandalwood and silky pear/karlkurla, there are also drinking fountains, picnic tables and a longdrop toilet. Enter the park from one of two carparks on Tumbarri Way or Paddington Drive. Dogs are welcome.
ARBORETUM
The Arboretum covers 26 hectares and has over 60 species of eucalypt trees. Interpretive signage explains these arid-adapted species and the critical role they play as part of the Great Western Woodlands. Planted in 1954 by a group of foresters, this work continued into the 1970s to help inform research.
With plenty of seats as well as shady picnic tables for a break, it’s also a good idea to bring your binoculars for a spot of bird watching by the dam. The trail through the Arboretum is only 2.1km, and should take around 25 minutes to complete. Dogs are welcome.
Stp ot and dicoer facinating hitry and culture frs-hand on on o thse selguided waking trais.
Heartwalk art trail, Kalgoorlie-Boulder
St Barbara's Square
Collect a self-guided audio tour from the KalgoorlieBoulder Visitor Centre
Embrace the great outdoors
Did you know that Kalgoorlie-Boulder borders the largest remaining temperate woodlands in the world? With its parks, walking tracks, driving trails and recreation opportunities, adventure awaits!
UNIQUE WOODLANDS
No trip to the Goldfelds is complete without time spent walking, running or riding through the Great Western Woodlands. Covering an area the same size as England, it contains more than one-ffth of Australia’s native plants (over 3000 species) and almost 20% of the country’s known eucalypts.
A great place to start your discovery is Karlkurla Bushland Park (pronounced ‘gull’gur’la’ in Indigenous language). Covering 200 hectares of bushland, interpretive signs and maps alongside sealed walking trails describe why this area is so unique. Take in the 360-degree bushland views from the platform located in the heart of the park - particularly special at either sunrise or sunset.
The kids will love it too, particularly as the largest nature playground in regional WA now resides there. This $1.2 million facility opened in 2024 and features a zipline; large climbing structure; play-based and sensory equipment; as well as barbecue facilities and shaded picnic areas.
WANDER THROUGH PARKLANDS
With so many parks to discover, one of the favourites is Hammond Park. Home to a range of native birds, kangaroos and emus, this popular family stop has plenty of open green grass, children’s play equipment and free BBQ facilities.
It also features a miniature Bavarian castle made from local rocks and gems. Another great spot for walking and picnics is the Arboretum. Covering 26 hectares, this living museum of arid trees (including eucalypts and exotic species) is located just fve minutes from Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Follow the interpretive walk trails to learn more about its ecosystem before relaxing with a picnic under a shady tree. Set against a backdrop of red earth and eucalyptus, Rotary Peace Parkafectionately known as Twin Dams - is a peaceful green retreat in historic Kalgoorlie-Boulder. With interpretive signs, shaded paths and picnic spots, it's perfect for a relaxing stroll or family day out. Enjoy facilities like BBQs, outdoor gym equipment, basketball court, playground, and a rotunda in this tranquil escape from the mining bustle.
PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF
Currently ranked #24 in Australia’s Top 100 Public Access Courses and named ‘Regional Golf Course of the Year’ at the 2025 WA Golf Industry Awards, Kalgoorlie Golf Course is renowned as being one of Australia’s most unique, challenging and community-minded golf destinations. With world-class greens set against the iconic red dirt, it has championship conditions and a clever layout overlooking spectacular outback scenery.
If you’re planning a trip across the Nullarbor, you might also like to experience the ‘world’s longest golf course’. The Nullarbor Links course can either start or end (depending on which direction you are travelling) at Kalgoorlie Golf Course, so you can play two holes while in town.
A DAY AT THE RACES
Established in 1896, the KalgoorlieBoulder Racing Club is an iconic venue. The lush green turf is surrounded by the red outback and the club hosts around 20 race meetings each season, attracting enthusiasts from around Australia. In September and October, the Triple Crown Coolgardie, Boulder and Kalgoorlie Cup races take place, which are key events on the horse racing calendar.
IN MEMORIAM
In 1926, Detectives Pitman and Walsh of the Gold Stealing Detection Unit were tragically murdered while investigating the unlawful possession of gold. Their bodies were discovered 14 days later in a disused mine shaft, and two men were later convicted of the crime. Located 10 minutes from town, the Pitman & Walsh Memorial is a powerful outdoor memorial that shares their story and honours their service in protecting the region’s most valuable resource.
COOL OFF AT THE OASIS
Aptly named, the Goldfelds Oasis Recreation Centre is a great place to exercise and cool of with its 50-metre heated swimming pool; leisure pool; indoor and outdoor courts and gymnasium.
Kalgoorlie Golf Club
Arboretum
Experience the best of Kalgoorlie-Boulder! With accommodation, tours, bike hire, and scenic fights, we’ve got everything you need. Get in touch today to book your next adventure!
316 Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie 08 9021 1966 visitors@kalgoorlietourism.com
Explore the rich history of the Goldfelds and the city’s mining heritage. Free entry | Open daily | 10am – 3pm museum.wa.gov.au/goldfelds
Golden Quest Discovery Trail
To get a real feel for the history and intrigue of the Goldfelds region, consider a self-drive tour. Linking its memorable past and modern 21st century present, you can follow in the footsteps of early explorers and prospectors.
Extending from Coolgardie in the south to Laverton in the north, the Golden Quest Discovery Trail extends 965 kilometres and can be done from either direction as you retrace the steps of some of Australia’s greatest explorers from the comfort of your own vehicle.
The trail has over 25 sites and is littered with old ghost towns; remote cemeteries (some in the process of being restored); rusting machinery; abandoned mine shafts, and old buildings where large towns and settlements once stood. Information boards provide a wealth of knowledge about each place and the people who lived, worked and died there.
To do it justice, a minimum of three, but preferably four or fve days is recommended, with overnight stops in Leonora, Kookynie or in one of the campgrounds along the way.
IT’S GOLD!
The trail sets of from Coolgardie, where gold was frst discovered in 1892. Referred to as the 'Mother of the
Goldfelds' and with plenty of history and charm, Coolgardie has lovely old buildings; an enormously wide main street designed to enable wagon trains to turn around; an old railway station; indoor and outdoor museums; the fully restored Warden Finnerty’s residence and pioneer cemetery.
ART IN THE DESERT
A key stop-of point on the trail is Lake Ballard, Menzies, where a major international art project called ‘Inside Australia’ sits inside a large salt lake. British sculptor Antony Gormley created 51 stick-like representations of human fgures, all cast in steel, which have been spread over several square kilometres of the usually dry lake bed. The fgures are individually based on reduced body scans from local Menzies residents and the location was chosen to represent the heat, the loneliness, the wide-open space and sheer remoteness of the Australian desert landscape.
A LOCAL DROP
At Kookynie, the Grand Hotel has been continuously trading since 1902. Both staf and locals are always happy to fll you in with the local history and you are also likely to meet Willie, the resident horse, who often stands by the front door ready to greet customers. Around town, there are the ruins of the Cosmopolitan and National Hotels (there were a total of seven pubs here in 1903); two newspapers; 11 cofee places; four confectioners; a couple of cordial factories; numerous stores; several banks and churches; a Mechanics Institute hall; a brewery and a ‘red light’ district. On the outskirts of Kookynie are fascinating granite outcrops
- Balancing Rock, Split Rock and Hanging Rock
OVERNIGHT STOP
Niagara Dam was constructed in 1897 with cement carted some 220 kilometres by 400 camels. The dam was intended to supply fresh water for the steam trains linking Kalgoorlie and
Niagara Dam
Gold mine ruins
Menzies, however it was never used for this purpose as a plentiful supply of good underground water was discovered at Kookynie. Today it is a popular picnic and camping spot.
GHOST TOWNS
On the trail you will come across old railway bridges near Malcolm and the nearby town of Mt Morgans. This town was established in 1899 after a new gold deposit was found. A formally conducted race (with plenty of trickery and deceit) had men, women and children (on horseback, bicycles, buggies and on foot) racing nine miles from nearby Mt Margaret through to Mt Morgans to peg their blocks of land. By 1903, it had 1,250 residents and some 500 buildings including six hotels; a brewery; ice works; a workman’s club; numerous stores; chemists and much more.
At the old settlement of Gwalia, which is now virtually a ghost town, there are still some of its original buildings as well as a fascinating outdoor display of old miners’ shanty town huts. Gwalia is also where Herbert Hoover (who later became the 31st President of the United States) visited as a young 23-year-old mining engineer, before he became manager of the Sons of Gwalia mine back in 1897. Hoover House, the mine manager’s residence designed by Hoover, is today a bed and breakfast and the only presidential house outside of the USA.
The township of Laverton is the turnaround point of the trail with the Explorers Hall of Fame ofering an excellent display that takes visitors back to the days of the early settlers across the region.
QUINTESSENTIAL OUTBACK
On your way back to KalgoorlieBoulder, call in for a drink or cuppa at the much ‘autographed’ Broad Arrow Hotel. Everywhere you look - the walls, the doors, the ceilings and even the toilets - are covered in writings, autographs and stories. Quite a sight indeed!
A few kilometres out of KalgoorlieBoulder, look for a signposted track leading to the old Bush Two-Up ring. Held every Sunday afternoon, it is well patronised and hundreds of dollars are won and lost on each toss of the coins.
On the edge of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is the Hannan’s North Tourist Mine. This is a ‘must see’ in Kalgoorlie, where the full history of this fabulously rich gold mining region is laid out.
The Golden Quest Discovery Trail ends in Kalgoorlie-Boulder at the Super Pit, where you can overlook the richest square mile of gold-bearing earth ever discovered.
Rtrac th seps o some o Ausraia’s greats exploers fom th comfot o yor own vehice.
The Golden Quest Discovery Trail guidebook gives comprehensive information about all aspects of this self-drive trail and can be purchased online, or from Visitor Centres along the trail. You can also listen to audio or download an app from www.goldenquesttrail.com
Gwalia ghost town
Lake Ballard campground
Grand Hotel, Kookynie
Explore the Heart of the Goldfelds
Kalgoorlie Golf Course
Experience world-class golf with an outback twist at the award-winning Kalgoorlie Golf Course — recently recognised as the 2024 Golf Course of the Year and proud host of the Australasian PGA WA Championship.
This premier 18-hole, par-72 course combines natural beauty with championship-level design, making it a top destination for locals and visitors seeking a quality golfng experience in regional WA.
St Barbara’s Square
In the heart of Kalgoorlie’s CBD, discover this award-winning precinct celebrating heritage, culture, and nature. Reopened in 2023, it features a nature playground with the iconic Karlkurla (silky pear) plant, and a hovering earth canopy and water play area. This unique centrepiece plays a captivating light and sound show every 30 minutes. Home to WA’s largest outdoor First Nations art display and the iconic statue of St Barbara, it’s a space to relax, play, and connect.
FREE 72 Hour RV Rest Stop
As a proud RV Friendly Town, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder ofers a free 72-hour pet-friendly, rest stop for fully self-contained vehicles at Centennial Park (corner of Patroni and Hannan Streets).
Just a short drive from both Kalgoorlie and Boulder city centres, the site is within walking distance of local amenities, BBQ facilities, and a children’s playground — the perfect base to explore the city’s many attractions.
To check out more visit ckb.wa.gov.au or scan the QR code. T: (08) 9021 9600 E: mailbag@ckb.wa.gov.au W: www.ckb.wa.gov.au Explore the Gateway to Western Australia, steeped in Goldfelds history. Air-con ensuite chalets, cabins, & powered, drive-through, 5th
AN INSPIRATIONAL SELF-DRIVE ADVENTURE IN WA’S GOLDFIELDS
Spanning a distance of 965km through the Goldfelds of Western Australia, the trail provides travellers with a unique insight into the heritage of the region.
Embark upon a rewarding exploration of a region that has contributed signifcantly to the fortunes of Australia as a nation. Western Australia’s Goldfelds is a region of surprisingly diverse landscapes, of remarkably rich history and heritage, and of memorable experiences.
A guidebook is available from Visitor Centres along the trail and select bookstores, with audio available to download via the website.
SHIRE OF
COOLGARDIE:
Birthplace of Western Australia’s legendary
Step into the pages of gold rush history in Coolgardie. Once a tent city sparked by the discovery of gold in 1892, it quickly transformed into Western Australia’s third-largest city and was home to 25,000 residents and 700 mining companies. Today it ofers a fascinating glimpse into the pioneering spirit that shaped the region, with plenty to see and do.
Goldfelds Exhibition Museum
Located in the majestic Warden’s Court Building that was built in 1898, the Goldfelds Exhibition Museum is a treasure trove of stories and artefacts. Explore the gripping Varischetti mine rescue; marvel at the Waghorn bottle collection; and step back in time with the historic pharmacy display.
Warden Finnerty’s residence
Built from local stone in 1895 by the Bunnings brothers, the elegant Warden Finnerty’s residence belonged to Coolgardie’s frst magistrate. Stroll through period-furnished rooms, sit on the verandah and soak in the charm of 1890s life.
Lions Lookout
Take in sweeping panoramic views from the Lions Lookout and see the vantage point that prospectors Arthur Bayley and William Ford had when they struck gold. It’s a perfect place to refect on the fortune - and hardship - that followed.
Historic cemeteries
Wander through the Pioneer and Coolgardie cemeteries, where history is literally carved in stone. Discover the resting
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places of iconic fgures such as John Holland; explorer Ernest Giles; and Bertha Finnerty, wife of the frst warden of the Goldfelds.
Kambalda
As Australia's frst nickel town, Kambalda's story is one of revival. Developed during the gold rush of the late 1890s, it faded into near-abandonment by 1908. But in the 1960s, a new boom erupted with the discovery of vast nickel sulphide deposits, placing it back on the map. Located 651 kilometres east of Perth, there are several places to visit when in Kambalda.
Kambalda Miner's Memorial Wall and Memorial Gardens
A peaceful tribute to miners who have lost their lives in the pursuit of progress, these memorials honour both those killed in mining accidents and those lost to mining-related illness.
Red Hill Lookout
Take in sweeping views of Lake Lefroy and nearby mining activity. Red Hill also features scenic bush trails dotted with rare fora and fauna, and a glimpse into the region’s early days.
Red Hill pioneer cemetery
Though small, this historic cemetery tells poignant tales of the town’s earliest settlers and gold rush dreamers.
Nullarbor Links golf course
Tee of on the world’s longest golf course. Don’t miss hole 15 ‘Golden Eagle’ in Widgiemooltha, and hole 16 ‘Silver Lake’ in Kambalda, for a one-of-a-kind golfng experience across the outback.
• Goldfelds Exhibition Museum • Warden Finnerty’s residence • Lions Lookout
• Kambalda Miner's Memorial Wall and Memorial Gardens
• Red Hill pioneer cemetery • Red Hill Lookout • Nullarbor Links golf course
Coolgardie Visitor Centre 62 Bayley St (Wardens Court Building), Coolgardie P (08) 9026 6090 E visitors.centre@coolgardie.wa.gov.au W coolgardie.wa.gov.au
Goldfelds
Coolgardie Museum
Coolgardie architecture
The Old Gaol, Coolgardie
Coolgardie Town Hall and Visitors Centre
Coolgardie Bluf
SHIRE OF DUNDAS:
Gateway to Western Australia, Norseman and the Nullarbor
Whether you're crossing the iconic Eyre Highway or seeking an authentic outback escape, the Shire of Dundas promises a journey full of discovery and charm. Extending from the Norseman Woodlands to the Eucla Coast, the Shire spans over 93,000km² and marks the gateway to Western Australia.
Nestled in the heart of the Great Western Woodlands, Norseman ofers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. Start your adventure at the Woodlands Cultural, Community and Visitor Centre to get a comprehensive introduction to the region's heritage and attractions. You'll be greeted by a woodlands-inspired atmosphere complete with interpretive displays, murals, artifacts and imagery that narrate the story of the Shire of Dundas. The Woodlands Centre is also conveniently located next to Lynn Webb's Gallery of Splendid Isolation
Also located here is the Norseman Community Resource Centre (CRC), a vital service hub for both locals and travellers. Visitors can access Wi-Fi, as well as print, scan and obtain helpful local information, making it an essential stop when arriving in town.
Travellers will also appreciate Norseman’s free 72-Hour RV Park, public laundromat and outdoor gym equipment.
In the town centre, the Norseman Supermarket and Post Ofce are stocked with fresh produce, pantry essentials and everyday supplies, or you can stop by the Norseman Gold Pharmacy. Grab a bite from Full Moon Café & Thai
or a sweet treat from Diggers Ice-Cream Shop & Café. The historic Norseman Hotel is also a favourite for a cold drink or classic pub meal.
Beyond these key facilities, Norseman boasts attractions that cater to diverse interests.
Nature enthusiasts can embark on the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail, a scenic drive that showcases the region's unique fora and geological formations. For panoramic views, a visit to Beacon Hill Lookout is a must, ofering a sweeping perspective of the surrounding landscapes. History bufs will appreciate the Norseman Historical Museum, where artifacts and exhibits delve into the area's rich past. Art lovers can follow the Norseman Art & Mural Trail, featuring works by Brenton See, Kylie Wicker and Melski McVee. And of course, no visit is complete without a photo with the Tin Camels and the Norseman Horse Statue Heading east along the Eyre Highway, you’ll discover vast desert plains dotted with iconic outback roadhousesperfect for fuel stops, a warm meal or a friendly chat. At the eastern edge of the Shire lies Eucla, with its stunning coastal views, windswept dunes, and nearby ruins of the old telegraph station. Eucla ofers a dramatic contrast to the inland woodlands and is a must-see for any adventurer.
The Shire of Dundas promises an experience rich in nature, culture, and connection. Be sure to visit the Woodlands Cultural, Community and Visitor Centre for recommendations and the latest on local events.
TOP ATTRACTIONS • Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail
• Norseman Historical Museum • Beacon Hill Lookout • Tin Camels
• Norseman Art & Mural Trail • Norseman Horse Statue
Woodlands Cultural, Community and Visitor Centre 78 Prinsep St, Norseman (open Mon - Frid 8.30am - 4.30pm and Sat 8.30am - 12.30pm) T (08) 9039 0040
E tourism@dundas.wa.gov.au W visitdundas.com.au or dundas.wa.gov.au
Tin Camels, Norseman
Old Telegraph Station, Eucla
Lake Cowan, Norseman
Images courtesy Lynn Webb Photography
Norseman the Horse
Woodlands, Norseman
SHIRE OF LAVERTON: A small town with hidden surprises
Once known as the ‘wildest town in the West’, Laverton is an outback mining town located in the far northern Goldfelds. Predominantly desert and pastoral country, it has everything from spinifex plains, mulga woodlands and unique granite rock outcrops to rich Aboriginal and European history and culture.
Gold was frst discovered in the area in 1886 and eager prospectors arrived in droves eager to strike it rich. One such prospector was Dr Charles Laver, who rode his bicycle from Coolgardie and went on to become an enthusiastic promoter of the region. In July 1900 the new town was gazetted as Laverton, in honour of Dr Laver who had done so much to ensure the prosperity of the area.
Situated 955km north-east of Perth and as the northern most site on the Golden Quest Discovery Trail (site 13), Laverton ofers a range of accommodation options including a caravan park, hotel and motel as well as a supermarket, service station and sports club. It has several places of interest.
The Great Beyond Explorers’ Hall of Fame
Take a step back in time with explorers who led challenging expeditions through central Australia during the mid to late 19th century. Using cutting-edge technology, the characters and their stories of the past are brought back to life, providing visitors with a rich visual history of history of the area.
Windarra Mine Site Lookout
This lookout provides panoramic views over the famous
Windarra Mine Site Lookout and its mining structures, which still remain standing today.
Lonely Bush Graves
For those intrigued by the ghoulish and macabre, the Lonely Bush Graves will leave you with a chill down your spine as you note that disease, accidents, suicide and murder were the common causes of death in this small town.
The Outback Way
Also known as ‘Australia’s Longest Shortcut’, this 2,800km route links Winton in Queensland to Laverton in Western Australia via Alice Springs and Uluru. It is an awe-inspiring journey through the heart of Australia’s most breathtaking and remote desert landscapes.
Laverton Aboriginal Art Gallery
Adjacent to the hotel, the Laverton Aboriginal Art Gallery displays a wide range of local Indigenous art that you can view and purchase.
Billy Goat Hill Lookout
Situated at the top of Hawks Place, you’ll get a bird’s eye, panoramic view over the township and beyond.
Old Police Complex
Visit the original Police Sergeant’s house, as well as the police ofce and gaol, all of which have been extensively refurbished. These buildings are open from 11am to 1pm daily or by appointment.
TOP ATTRACTIONS • Laverton Aboriginal Art Gallery • The Outback Way • Old Police Complex • Great Beyond Explorers' Hall of Fame • Golden Quest Discovery Trail (site 13) The Great Beyond Visitor Centre Augusta Street, Laverton T (08) 9031 1361 E greatbeyond@laverton.wa.gov.au W laverton.wa.gov.au
Old Police Complex
Billy Goat Hill Lookout
The Outback Way Laverton Outback Gallery
The Outback Way, Laverton
SHIRE OF LEONORA: Where whispers of the past dance with the spirit of the land
Beneath the vast, cerulean canvas of the Australian sky, where the ochre earth bleeds into the distant horizon of Wangkatja Country, lies Leonora
More than just a dot on the map, this northern Goldfelds settlement stands as a living testament to resilience, a place where the whispers of history are carried on the arid breeze and the stark beauty of the landscape captivates the soul.
The European narrative of Leonora began in 1869 with John Forrest's expedition, his camp located near a prominent hill he christened Mount Leonora. Long before this encounter, the land held a profound signifcance as a sacred Aboriginal site interwoven with the ancient Dreamtime story of Baba Ngoorrba - the dingo - a silent sentinel watching over generations.
The transformative spark of gold discovery in 1895 ignited a boom that irrevocably shaped Leonora's destiny. Driven by the fervent hopes of prospectors and the established presence of pastoralists, the fedgling town blossomed into a vibrant hub and its population swelled beyond 1000 people.
Unveiling the layers of time
A short drive from Leonora leads to the tranquil embrace of Malcolm Dam's refuge. Once a vital artery for the railway, it is now a sanctuary to a diverse chorus of birdlife.
Venture north-east, and The Terraces' panorama unfolds, presenting sweeping vistas from dramatic breakaways. Here the vastness of the landscape invites quiet contemplation.
TOP ATTRACTIONS:
Back in town, the Leonora Heritage Trail is a curated journey through time. Historic banks stand as proud relics of a prosperous era; grand old hotels whisper tales of bygone gatherings; and the iconic Barnes Federal Theatre remains a silent stage where the echoes of laughter and drama linger. For a deeper immersion, the Leonora Loop Trail ofers selfdrive odysseys through the region's rich tapestry.
Gwalia - A Ghost Town's poignant legacy
South of Leonora lies Gwalia. Walking its silent streets lined with the skeletal remains of miners' cottages is a powerful and poignant connection to the gold rush era.
The meticulously curated Gwalia Museum safeguards the stories of this once-thriving settlement, while Hoover House commands elegant views overlooking the still-active mine.
Leinster - An oasis forged anew
Further afeld, the planned community of Leinster emerges as a contrasting vision. Born from the nickel boom, this ‘oasis in the desert’ provides contemporary amenities against the timeless backdrop of the arid landscape.
Leonora and its environs ofer the raw, untamed beauty of the Australian outback interwoven with the profound threads of history. From the ancient spiritual sites held sacred by Aboriginal custodians to the remnants of the gold rush's fervent energy, it’s a unique and unforgettable experience.
• Hoover House • Abandoned Gwalia cottages • The Terraces
• Malcolm Dam • Poison Creek
Leonora Information Centre
Cnr Tower and Trump Streets, Leonora T (08) 9037 7016 E library@leonora.wa.gov.au W leonora.wa.gov.au
Views from Leonora
Gwalia townsite Hoover House, Gwalia Leonora townsite
The Terraces
SHIRE OF MENZIES: Echoes of gold and enduring spirit in the outback heart
Menzies stands as a compelling testament to the cyclical nature of Australian outback life. Located 730 kilometres northeast of Perth, it was once a roaring gold rush town boasting a population of 10,000 people, as well as thirteen hotels and the industrious hum of a burgeoning frontier. Although today it presents a quieter visage, beneath the serene surface there is still a rich tapestry of history and cultural resilience that invites exploration and refection.
The town, named after the pioneering Leslie Robert Menzies, provides a tangible link to the 1890s gold boom. Visitors can delve into this legacy through the ‘Our Place’ and ‘Gubbee Menzies Wongi Our Way’ self-guided walking tours, which ofer profound insights into the town's heritage and the enduring Aboriginal connection to the land. This dual narrative is vital, acknowledging the complex interplay of settlement and indigenous experience.
Architectural relics punctuate the landscape with the 1898 railway station, a federation brick structure, serving as a poignant reminder of the era's infrastructural ambitions. The former Warden’s House, now a nursing post, and the repurposed butcher shop, Laurie’s Café, further illustrate the town's adaptive reuse of its historical fabric. The Pioneer Store, incorporating an art gallery, signals a contemporary cultural infusion. There is also the War Memorial and the heritage listed cemetery, with its tin headstones.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Beyond the town, the region ofers diverse attractions. The Tjuntjuntjara Community, located 700km east, showcases the Spinifex people's artistic expression and is a vibrant manifestation of their cultural heritage. Lake Ballard, a short drive away, features Antony Gormley’s ‘Inside Australia’ exhibition, which is a surreal and captivating installation. Set over 10 square kilometres, the 51 sculptures represent the residents of Menzies whose bodies were scanned for casts. With its vast, star-studded sky and absence of any light pollution, Lake Ballard is also a prime stargazing destination. Kookynie, named as a ‘Living Ghost Town’, is located to the north of Menzies and forms part of the Golden Quest Discovery Trail. Whereas in 1903 it was a thriving township of 400 buildings and 2500 people, today there are ruins and the defant Grand Hotel, which evokes the boomand-bust cycles inherent to outback settlements. Finally the Niagara Dam, completed in 1898 to provide water for steam trains, now provides a tranquil recreational space and demonstrates the region’s ability to repurpose its history for contemporary enjoyment.
Menzies is far more than a historical footnote. It is a living archive, a place where the echoes of gold intersect with the enduring spirit of its people, ofering a nuanced and compelling portrait of outback Australia.
• Menzies Town Hall and historic buildings • Lake Ballard
• Niagara and Kookynie ghost towns • Mount Owen stargazing site
Menzies Visitor Centre and Menzies Community Resource Centre
Cnr Shenton and Brown Streets, Menzies T (08) 9024 2702
E visitors@menzies.wa.gov.au W menzies.wa.gov.au
Antony Gormley sculptures at Lake Ballard
The Grand Hotel
Ruins at Kookynie The Menzies Town Hall
Menzies streetscape
SHIRE OF WILUNA: The edge of the desert
Tucked at the edge of the vast Western Australian outback, Wiluna is a hidden gem brimming with history, culture and adventure. As the southern gateway to the Canning Stock Route and the western start of the Gunbarrel Highway, this remote yet welcoming town ofers visitors an unforgettable taste of the real outback.
Step into adventure
Wiluna is the perfect launch pad for two of Australia’s most iconic 4WD journeys. The Canning Stock Route stretches more than 1800 kilometres north through red sands and remote deserts, whereas the equally rugged and captivating Gunbarrel Highway ofers a challenging drive east through untouched wilderness towards Uluru. Whether you are chasing a bucket-list road trip or exploring the real outback of Australia, Wiluna is your assembly point to gear up and go.
Wiluna Caravan Park
For travellers looking for comfort and convenience, the Wiluna Caravan Park is a standout. With its 23 powered caravan sites; 7 queen-bed cabins with ensuites; 2 spacious family suites, plus a camping ground, it is perfect for short stops or extended stays. It also ofers free laundry facilities, free WIFI, modern showers and toilets plus a well-equipped camp kitchen.
Culture and history
Wiluna is rich in Martu culture and heritage. The Tjukurba Art Gallery is a vibrant working gallery, showcasing powerful artworks that refect deep connections to Country, culture
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and storytelling. Visitors can meet the artists, purchase original pieces and gain insight into the traditions of the Martu People.
To dive into the town's pioneering past, head to the CanningGunbarrel Discovery Centre, which is housed in the beautifully restored old hospital building. This unique museum tells stories of Wiluna's history and its natural environment.
North Pool
Just 15 km out of town, North Pool is a peaceful waterhole surrounded by red earth and gum trees - a perfect spot for a picnic, walk or sunset photo.
Fun for all ages
Wiluna is a great stop for families and active travellers. The Wiluna skate park, pump track and playground ofer a modern and safe space for kids to play, ride and burn of energy. As the area is well shaded, it’s ideal for a relaxed afternoon spent outdoors. During the warmer months, take advantage of the free community swimming pool which ofers a refreshing escape under the wide blue outback skies.
Convenience in the outback
Wiluna Traders IGA and the Mantjiljarra Store stock all the essentials, from fresh groceries to camping supplies. The town also ofers excellent medical services.
From legendary tracks and rich cultural experiences to modern community facilities and welcoming accommodation, Wiluna is the perfect place to begin or end your outback journey.
• Tjukurba Art Gallery • Canning-Gunbarrel Discovery Centre
• Gunbarrel Highway • Wiluna skate park, pump track and playground
• Canning Stock Route • North Pool
Wiluna Shire Ofce 72 Wotton Street, Wiluna T (08) 9981 8000 E stay@wiluna.wa.gov.au W wiluna.wa.gov.au
Wiluna Caravan Park
Wiluna Caravan Park BBQ facilities Wiluna skate park and playground
North Pool - Image courtesy Phil Bianchi
Tjukurba Art Gallery, Wiluna
Kalgoorlie’s largest retailer of local gold nuggets, handmade gold nugget jewellery, local and international minerals and crystals, souvenirs and gifts.
150 Hannan St, Kalgoorlie
(08) 9021 5555 sales@naturalgoldnuggets.com.au naturalgoldnuggets.com.au
The View on Hannans Kalgoorlie
Central location, just minutes from the town centre
The View on
• Central location, just minutes from the town centre
Motel rooms & self-catering apartments including executive rooms & spa suites
• Self-catering apartments, executive rooms & spa suites
• Central location, just minutes from the town centre
• Onsite restaurant Kal Brew Co.
• Self-catering apartments, executive rooms & spa suites
• Free Foxtel & Free Car Parking
• Onsite restaurant Kal Brew Co.
Cnr Maritana & Hannan St, Kalgoorlie
Tel: (08) 9021 2788 | Fax: (08) 9021 1813
Email: admin@palacehotel.com.au palacehotel.com.au
Onsite restaurant – Kal Brew Co open for breakfast and dinner Free laundry facilities, Free WiFi, Free Car Parking
• Free Foxtel & Free Car Parking
430 Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie WA, 6430
E: reservations@theviewonhannans.com.au
T: (08) 9091 3333 www.theviewonhannans.com.au
430 Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie WA, 6430 | T: (08) 9091 3333 E: reservations@theviewonhannans.com.au | theviewonhannans.com.au
430 Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie WA, 6430 E: reservations@theviewonhannans.com.au T: (08) 9091 3333 www.theviewonhannans.com.au
Phone: 08 9093 3360 kalgoorliehistory.org.au
Australia’s largest ghost town right here in the WA Goldfields. Located only 22 km from Kalgoorlie, Kanowna offers a unique and quiet experience of an
Wake up to ocean views at RAC Esperance Holiday Park
With our recent expansion, there’s even more to love at our stunning beachside holiday park. Enjoy brand new amenities, a range of accommodation from self-contained villas, including accessible options, to ensuite and caravan sites. Plus, we are pet-friendly so the whole family can come along.
RAC members enjoy exclusive rates
DO IT ALL with Discovery Parks
Cool off in the pool, fire up the BBQ, and settle into a comfy cabin or spacious site.
Discovery Parks - Kalgoorlie Goldfields and Boulder: your outback base to Do It All.
