Explore Kalgoorlie
In June 1893, 3 prospectors stopped approximately 40 kms east of Coolgardie as one of their horses had cast a shoe. One of the men, Patrick Hannan, then accidentally discovered several gold nuggets whilst recasting the shoe.
Word quickly spread of Hannan's find and people eager to find their own fortune rushed to the same location. Suddenly buildings were erected and it resembled a small town, which was eventually named Kalgoorlie.
Now, 100 years on, Kalgoorlie's population has expanded to over 35,000 and it is the biggest and most prosperous gold mining city in Australia. It is more affectionately known as the capital of the Goldfields.
Kalgoorlie still continues to play an important role in Australia's growing wealth and economy by keeping the gold industry afloat.
Things to do and see
There are plenty of things to see and do in Kalgoorlie. If you're a bit stuck, we thought we'd give you a few suggestions.
Along with the "Great Wall of China", the Super Pit can also be seen from the moon, as the second biggest man made feature. Visit the biggest open cut mine; time it right and checkout the blast for yourself.
Explore Kalgoorlie's history at the WA Museum of Kalgoorlie. See the real gold nuggets for yourself and visit the lookout for an aerial view of the largest city in the Goldfields.
Enjoy the sites at the Boulder Markets. Every 3rd Sunday of the month, you can stroll down Burt Street at your leisure and delight in the local arts and crafts or maybe find that treasure you're looking for.
Travel underground at the Mining Hall of Fame and see how miners prospected for gold in the olden days. See a real gold pour and try your luck at panning for gold yourself.
Visit the Loopline Railway Museum which was once the busiest railway in Australia and get a commentated tour into the history of the Goldfields' past.
Take a walk down the historic Hay St and take a tour of the Langtrees 181 Brothel. The new entertainment complex retells the colourful and all too often sad tales of Kalgoorlie-Boulder's working girls.
If that isn't enough to keep you busy, go and talk to the friendly staff at the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Tourist Centre and we are sure they will be able to find something for you that you would be interested in.
Whether you are visiting Kalgoorlie for Business, Leisure or just passing through... visit Choice Hotels Australasia website for all your accomodation and travel needs throughout Australia and abroad.
