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The extraordinary mineral wealth of Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields was first unearthed by prospector Patrick ‘Paddy’ Hannan in 1893 at what is now known as Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Today this outback town, 600 kilometres east of Perth, reigns as one of the most famous gold mining centres on the planet — and it’s a fascinating blend of the past and present. Between exploring the exquisite period architecture and historical attractions, and immersing yourself in an array of nature-based experiences, there’s enough to keep active visitors on the go here for at least a week.
Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
1. Be amazed by the Super Pit
As you walk towards the edge of the public viewing platform, nothing can quite prepare you for the sheer size of the 24/7 Super Pit — one of largest open cut gold mines in existence. If you want to get closer to the action, the guided tour is money well spent. You’ll see the mine from an entirely different perspective and be awestruck at how one tyre from those gigantic mining dump trucks simply dwarfs the tour bus!
2. Step back in time on a self-guided stroll
Guided walks are always a good idea in our book, and you can wander the streets at your own pace on the excellent Kalgoorlie-Boulder Audio Walking Tour. This self-guided experience covers more than 50 sites across the city, including the iconic Boulder Town Hall and fabulously ornate York Hotel. Collect an audio device from the Visitor Centre and deep dive into the region’s gold rush days. We loved listening to the stories of colourful characters from that bygone era.
3. Raise a glass to the past
The York is just one of many atmospheric watering holes in which to wet your whistle around town. By the early 20th century, more than a mind-blowing 30 hotels were in operation. Gold mining was certainly thirsty work! Often referred to as ‘Gold Boom Architecture’, a number of these hotels have stood the test of time and retained their historical charm. The most famous patron at the Heritage-listed Palace Hotel (circa 1897) in Hannan Street was a young Herbert Hoover — a mining engineer who later become the 31st President of the USA.
4. Admire the views from Mount Charlotte
Hike up to the Mount Charlotte Reservoir Lookout for panoramic views of the city and its famous ‘Golden Pipeline’. None of what you see before you would be possible without a stable water supply, and this remarkable piece of infrastructure has carried fresh water from Perth to Kalgoorlie-Boulder since 1903. The original pipeline is still in use and interpretive signage about its construction lines the lookout walking path. It’s well worth a read.
5. Dig into the history of gold mining
Gold mining wasn’t always the largely mechanised operation you can see on display at the Super Pit. Visit the Museum of the Goldfields to learn how 19th-century prospectors searched for this precious metal and the many challenges they faced along the way. Some struck it lucky; others chased a dream that remained elusive. Either way, it was a tale of back-breaking toil!
6. Play a round of Two Up (legally!)
Come in spinner! If you’re looking for a completely unique holiday experience, you’ll find it at the Kalgoorlie Two Up School. Two Up was played extensively by Australian soldiers during WW1, and this is the only venue in Western Australia where this legendary form of gambling can legally be played today.
7. Learn about local Aboriginal culture
Get an insight into the significant role Aboriginal people played in the development of Kalgoorlie-Boulder through the eyes of local Ngadju Wangkatha man, Jason Dimer. An internationally acclaimed artist and storyteller, Jason’s spectacular artworks adorn many of the city’s buildings. You’ll see a number of these vibrant murals and hear captivating stories about the spiritual heritage of the First People on Jason’s popular walking tour of the CBD (Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
8. Ride a tram named Ruby
Exploring the city is a breeze on board ‘Ruby’ — Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s much loved tourist tram. Operated by the Visitor Centre and featuring live commentary, this 2.5-hour tour runs most mornings and some afternoons. It’s a great introduction for those visiting the region for the first time.
9. Pan for gold with Paddy Hannan
Walk in the footsteps of Paddy Hannan and other prospectors-past at Hannans North Tourist Mine — a few minutes’ drive north of the city centre. You can try your hand at panning for Kalgoorlie gold at one of the city’s oldest mine locations, and what’s even better is that you get to keep what you find! This is also another opportunity to step back in time and discover what life was like for the miners of yesteryear — and to compare their methods with modern mining techniques.
10. Do a day trip
If you love the great outdoors, you’ll adore getting out and about in the surrounding region. Whether it’s doing a day trip to the nearby heritage gold mining towns of Coolgardie, Menzies, and Leonora, or immersing yourself in the beauty of the region’s pink salt lakes and glorious wildflowers, Kalgoorlie-Boulder makes the perfect base for wider exploration.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.kalgoorlietourism.com.
Browse our range of Western Australia tours and experiences here.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best things to do in Kalgoorlie-Boulder? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Additional images: Depositphotos, Bigstock, and Envato
About the writer
Linda Hanan is a freelance photojournalist who travels for six to eight months a year around Australia with her travel writer partner Grant. With a number of touring setups available at their fingertips, this adventure-loving duo vary their travelling style between camping, caravanning, and off-the-grid 4WD-ing. When they’re not on the road, they’re either enjoying the great outdoors on their hobby farm in South Australia or sharing their travel experiences at My Aussie Travel Guide.
