Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Australia

Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a regional city (pop. 30,000) in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia.

Grand public architecture reflects the wealth drawn from the gold mining that the city is built on. Kalgoorlie is a mining town with a long history that contains much of interest to the adventurous traveller. Over a hundred years of mining wealth has produced some beautiful old buildings that house pubs, post offices and general shops.

The largest open cut gold mine in Australia abuts the town, though you are unlikely to notice it except for the mountain of dirt along the mines edge or the reverberations of the daily blast.

Kalgoorlie makes an ideal base to explore the other towns in the region that have an equally rich history.

  • Kalgoorlie Visitor Centre, Cnr Hannan and Wilson St, +61 8 9168 1177. M-F 8.30AM-5.00PM, Sa-Su 9AM-12PM. Your best source for free pamphlets, maps and gold encrusted souvenirs.

Kalgoorlie Visitor Centre, Cnr Hannan and Wilson St, +61 8 9168 1177. M-F 8.30AM-5.00PM, Sa-Su 9AM-12PM. Your best source for free pamphlets, maps and gold encrusted souvenirs.

The depth of the Super pit makes everything look small. You don't have to walk too far to see a plethora of historic buildings from different architectural eras. Some of the best examples line the length of Hannan St and adjoining streets. The businesses that occupy them now have preserved the original interiors in varying degrees, through design or neglect.

  • Boulder Pioneer Cemetery, Lynch St (50m past the southern roundabout on the Goldfields Hwy. Headstones with a story. Graves of mining pioneers from the early 1900s.
  • Herbert Hoover Mirror, Cnr Hannan St and Maritana St (In the Palace Hotel foyer.. An ornately framed mirror given to the hotel in 1898 by Herbert Hoover, later to become the US president. While working as a mine manager in nearby Leonora he frequented the hotel when in Kalgoorlie. He was said to be so smitten with a particular barmaid that on returning to the US he sent the mirror as a token of his affections.
  • The Western Australian Museum — Kalgoorlie-Boulder, 17 Hannan St, +61 8 9021 8533. 10AM-4:30PM. The towering framehead that marks the buildings entrance gives a hint that this is no ordinary museum. Gold nuggets and other glittering items are displayed in an underground vault and the second floor is taken up with Indigenous cultural objects, historical artifacts from the early mining days and a collection of crumbling trade union banners in the adjoining British Arms Hotel. A viewing platform on the headframe gives you a good look over the town and yonder. Gold coin donation.
  • Paddy Hannan statue, corner Wilson and Hannan St. A replica of the statue of the great man who found a nugget that founded a town. Sit on his knee and have a drink from the water fountain protruding from his water bag like every other visitor has for the past 100 years.
  • The Super-pit. 7AM-7PM. Watch trucks lumber in and out of the 3km long hole where most of the town's wealth is extracted. Information boards and a collection of antiquated mining equipment provide a background on the history and processes of the mine. You can call 08 9022 1100 to find out planned blasting times.
  • Hannans North Tourist Mine, off Goldfields Highway. 9AM-4PM. One of the early mine sites is now an open-air museum with many mining buildings, machinery and exhibits. $14.
  • Mount Charlotte Reservoir and Lookout, off Goldfields Highway. The reservoir is the end of a remarkable series of pipes and pumps that brought fresh water to Kalgoorlie. As well as a bit of information, the site on the hill is also the best lookout over Kalgoorlie city.

The past 100 years has seen the activity in the surrounding region flourish and disappear with the whims of gold discoveries, leaving behind a few crumbling scraps of their existence.

  • Kanowna, Yari Rd (29km east of Kal. A pair of cemeteries, a length of train platform and the occasional broken whiskey bottle are all that remains of a once thriving town of 12000 that occupies a flat plain pockmarked with abandoned mines. Take a drive around the streets past signs identifying where now invisible stores, hotels and businesses once stood.

Kanowna, Yari Rd (29km east of Kal. A pair of cemeteries, a length of train platform and the occasional broken whiskey bottle are all that remains of a once thriving town of 12000 that occupies a flat plain pockmarked with abandoned mines. Take a drive around the streets past signs identifying where now invisible stores, hotels and businesses once stood.

Boulder Pioneer Cemetery, Lynch St (50m past the southern roundabout on the Goldfields Hwy. Headstones with a story. Graves of mining pioneers from the early 1900s.

Herbert Hoover Mirror, Cnr Hannan St and Maritana St (In the Palace Hotel foyer.. An ornately framed mirror given to the hotel in 1898 by Herbert Hoover, later to become the US president. While working as a mine manager in nearby [[Leonora]] he frequented the hotel when in Kalgoorlie. He was said to be so smitten with a particular barmaid that on returning to the US he sent the mirror as a token of his affections.

The Western Australian Museum — Kalgoorlie-Boulder, 17 Hannan St, +61 8 9021 8533. 10AM-4:30PM. The towering framehead that marks the buildings entrance gives a hint that this is no ordinary museum. Gold nuggets and other glittering items are displayed in an underground vault and the second floor is taken up with Indigenous cultural objects, historical artifacts from the early mining days and a collection of crumbling trade union banners in the adjoining British Arms Hotel. A viewing platform on the headframe gives you a good look over the town and yonder. Gold coin donation.

Paddy Hannan statue, corner Wilson and Hannan St. A replica of the statue of the great man who found a nugget that founded a town. Sit on his knee and have a drink from the water fountain protruding from his water bag like every other visitor has for the past 100 years.

The Super-pit. 7AM-7PM. Watch trucks lumber in and out of the 3km long hole where most of the town's wealth is extracted. Information boards and a collection of antiquated mining equipment provide a background on the history and processes of the mine. You can call 08 9022 1100 to find out planned blasting times.

Hannans North Tourist Mine, off Goldfields Highway. 9AM-4PM. One of the early mine sites is now an open-air museum with many mining buildings, machinery and exhibits. $14.

Mount Charlotte Reservoir and Lookout, off Goldfields Highway. The reservoir is the end of a remarkable series of pipes and pumps that brought fresh water to Kalgoorlie. As well as a bit of information, the site on the hill is also the best lookout over Kalgoorlie city.

Some say there is nothing to do except drink. You can easily prove them wrong without much effort.

  • Karkula Bushland Park, Paddington Dr. On the edge of town is an expansive nature reserve filled with Salmon Gums, Blackbutt and the silky pear that gives the park its name. A network of trails criss-cross the main 4km loop that leads uphill to a elevated viewing platform, allowing good views over surrounding plain. Infrequent information boards identify salient tree and plant species. Wildlife tend to stay out of sight, though the flies are annoyingly abundant on warm afternoons. Free.
  • St Barbara's Festival. 1-3 December. Various events in celebration of the semi-mythical St Barbara who hid in a mine from her murderous father. The main event is a parade down Hannan St of miners in their building sized dump trucks.
  • Questa Casa Brothel Tour, 133 Hay St, +61 8 90214897. If you've ever been curious about what goes on in a brothel this could be a good way to answer your questions without all the embarrassment. Questa Casa is said to be the oldest operating brothel in town. You get to see around the facilities, learn about the history and hear the lurid stories of past patrons antics. Tours start at 3pm each day. Adults: $20, Seniors $18.

Karkula Bushland Park, Paddington Dr. On the edge of town is an expansive nature reserve filled with Salmon Gums, Blackbutt and the silky pear that gives the park its name. A network of trails criss-cross the main 4km loop that leads uphill to a elevated viewing platform, allowing good views over surrounding plain. Infrequent information boards identify salient tree and plant species. Wildlife tend to stay out of sight, though the flies are annoyingly abundant on warm afternoons. Free.

St Barbara's Festival. 1-3 December. Various events in celebration of the semi-mythical St Barbara who hid in a mine from her murderous father. The main event is a parade down Hannan St of miners in their building sized dump trucks.

Questa Casa Brothel Tour, 133 Hay St, +61 8 90214897. If you've ever been curious about what goes on in a brothel this could be a good way to answer your questions without all the embarrassment. Questa Casa is said to be the oldest operating brothel in town. You get to see around the facilities, learn about the history and hear the lurid stories of past patrons antics. Tours start at 3pm each day. Adults: $20, Seniors $18.

Kalgoorlie is famous for its gold, and so gold jewellery, nuggets or coins make excellent souvenirs. The business area in and around Hannan Street has a multitude of big name retail outlets and a smattering of local specialist stores.

  • Golden Mile Book Store, 264 Hannan St, +61 8 90227462. If you walk past the popular fiction and hardcovers you will find a small collection of small-run books on Kalgoorlie history selling for astronomical prices.
  • The Little Boulder Sweet Shop, 41 Burt St, +61 8 9093 0011. A bright pink shop with stacked with equally colourful old style lollies and other tasty oddments. If you don't have a sweet tooth, some say the bacon flavoured nuts are tasty.

  • Boulder Market Day. Every 3rd Sunday, 9:30AM-1:30PM. Stalls of crafty items and a bit of fresh fruit and veg.

Boulder Market Day. Every 3rd Sunday, 9:30AM-1:30PM. Stalls of crafty items and a bit of fresh fruit and veg.

Golden Mile Book Store, 264 Hannan St, +61 8 90227462. If you walk past the popular fiction and hardcovers you will find a small collection of small-run books on Kalgoorlie history selling for astronomical prices.

The Little Boulder Sweet Shop, 41 Burt St, +61 8 9093 0011. A bright pink shop with stacked with equally colourful old style lollies and other tasty oddments. If you don't have a sweet tooth, some say the bacon flavoured nuts are tasty.

There are quite a few good restaurants in the main part of town. Many are attached to motels but there are some fine 'stand alone' ones also. The usual fast food chains are scattered along Boulder Rd.

  • Montys Restaurant. 24 hours (may have limited hours nowadays). In a 100 year old textile warehouse, the restaurant has an assortment of tables, booths and couches under a high roof to accommodate a quiet lunch or a bit group. The food is typical cafe style fare but it is consistently good. They possibly, the best coffee in town.

Montys Restaurant. 24 hours (may have limited hours nowadays). In a 100 year old textile warehouse, the restaurant has an assortment of tables, booths and couches under a high roof to accommodate a quiet lunch or a bit group. The food is typical cafe style fare but it is consistently good. They possibly, the best coffee in town.

  • Blue Monkey, 418 Hannan St, +61 8 9091 3833. 5AM-10:30PM. A small stylish place with a relaxing alfresco area. Popular with locals. The menu is nothing out of the ordinary but the quality is better than average. The bar with limited beer and wine choices. The breakfasts are large and the coffee is great. $15-30.
  • Golden India, 2-3 Central Shopping centre, Wilson St (Corner Wilson and Hannan St, +61 8 90227703. Daily. Lunch 11AM-2:30PM, Dinner 5PM-10:30PM. Authentic tasting and well prepared dishes that tend toward subtle spices rather than a full on curry burn. Some say it's a bit salty. Quick service for both dine in and take away. $16-24.
  • Krua Thai and Japanese, 84 Hannan St. 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30PM-9:30PM. Authentic taste of both styles, though the Japanese menu wins for number of dishes you can't get anywhere else in town. The $8-15 lunch sets are popular. $7-35.

Blue Monkey, 418 Hannan St, +61 8 9091 3833. 5AM-10:30PM. A small stylish place with a relaxing alfresco area. Popular with locals. The menu is nothing out of the ordinary but the quality is better than average. The bar with limited beer and wine choices. The breakfasts are large and the coffee is great. $15-30.

Golden India, 2-3 Central Shopping centre, Wilson St (Corner Wilson and Hannan St, +61 8 90227703. Daily. Lunch 11AM-2:30PM, Dinner 5PM-10:30PM. Authentic tasting and well prepared dishes that tend toward subtle spices rather than a full on curry burn. Some say it's a bit salty. Quick service for both dine in and take away. $16-24.

Krua Thai and Japanese, 84 Hannan St. 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30PM-9:30PM. Authentic taste of both styles, though the Japanese menu wins for number of dishes you can't get anywhere else in town. The $8-15 lunch sets are popular. $7-35.

  • Cava Restaurant, 90 Egan St, +61 8 9022 7453. 10AM to 9PM M-Su. Licensed restaurant just off the main street that serves flavourful tapas and slow cooked meats. New menu Mar 2017.
  • Balcony Bar and Restaurant, 137 Hannan St, +61 8 9021 2788. 4PM to Late M-Su. Modern Australian cuisine overlooking the main street, located in the historic Palace Hotel.

Cava Restaurant, 90 Egan St, +61 8 9022 7453. 10AM to 9PM M-Su. Licensed restaurant just off the main street that serves flavourful tapas and slow cooked meats. New menu Mar 2017.

Balcony Bar and Restaurant, 137 Hannan St, +61 8 9021 2788. 4PM to Late M-Su. Modern Australian cuisine overlooking the main street, located in the historic Palace Hotel.

Independent travellers might want to take the opportunity restock supplies before heading as your options are limited till you reach Esperance or Perth.

  • Coles, Cnr Wilson St & Brookman Rd, +61 8 90218466. 8AM-5:30PM M-W,Fr-Sa, 8AM-8:30PM Th. Tucked away behind the visitor centre, it has all the things you'd expect.
  • IGA 24hr, 18 Maritana St. 24hr daily. A range of basics foods and a little deli counter with some pre-made dishes. Other IGA stores in town are open till 8:30.
  • Oriental Gourmet & Seafood, 271 Hannan St, +61 8 90215794. A mishmash selection of sauces, spices, noodles and fishballs from all over the Asia map.
  • Woolworths, Cnr Wilson St & Brookman Rd. 8AM-5:30PM M-W,Fr-Sa, 8AM-8:30PM Th. A wider variety of fruit and veg than the place across the road.

Coles, Cnr Wilson St & Brookman Rd, +61 8 90218466. 8AM-5:30PM M-W,Fr-Sa, 8AM-8:30PM Th. Tucked away behind the visitor centre, it has all the things you'd expect.

IGA 24hr, 18 Maritana St. 24hr daily. A range of basics foods and a little deli counter with some pre-made dishes. Other IGA stores in town are open till 8:30.

Oriental Gourmet & Seafood, 271 Hannan St, +61 8 90215794. A mishmash selection of sauces, spices, noodles and fishballs from all over the Asia map.

Woolworths, Cnr Wilson St & Brookman Rd. 8AM-5:30PM M-W,Fr-Sa, 8AM-8:30PM Th. A wider variety of fruit and veg than the place across the road.

There are around 25 operating pubs where you can have a 'middy' with the locals.

  • Eastern Hotel, 1 Hannan St, +61 8 9021 2426. 10AM - midnight 7 days. Recently renovated this pub features a cosmopolitan beer garden with acoustic sessions on weekends, a workers bar with skimpys most days at the front of the property, and a PUB TAB betting agency. Great views of the street at dusk, especially from the top verandah.
  • Paddy's Ale House Irish Pub, 135 Hannan St, +61 8 9021 2833. An Irish themed pub that also has some good food. Traditional place for after work drinks. The front bar of the Exchange Hotel (where Paddys is located) has skimpys most hours of the day.
  • Palace Hotel, 137 Hannan St, +61 8 9021 2788.

  • Dome, 149 Hannan St, +61 8 9022 2111. Daily 7AM-6PM. Consistently decent coffee. It's generally packed with breakfasters on weekend mornings, so even if you can find a seat, expect a lengthy wait for your order to come. Long black $3.40.

Dome, 149 Hannan St, +61 8 9022 2111. Daily 7AM-6PM. Consistently decent coffee. It's generally packed with breakfasters on weekend mornings, so even if you can find a seat, expect a lengthy wait for your order to come. Long black $3.40.

Eastern Hotel, 1 Hannan St, +61 8 9021 2426. 10AM - midnight 7 days. Recently renovated this pub features a cosmopolitan beer garden with acoustic sessions on weekends, a workers bar with skimpys most days at the front of the property, and a PUB TAB betting agency. Great views of the street at dusk, especially from the top verandah.

Paddy's Ale House Irish Pub, 135 Hannan St, +61 8 9021 2833. An Irish themed pub that also has some good food. Traditional place for after work drinks. The front bar of the Exchange Hotel (where Paddys is located) has skimpys most hours of the day.

Palace Hotel, 137 Hannan St, +61 8 9021 2788.

  • Kalgoorlie Miner. The only one of the towns original newspapers still published. Its glory days are long behind it as it is now a mix upcoming event listings, local news, mundane filler and advertisements for car yards. Get it at supermarkets, service stations and hotels. $1 M-F, $1.40 Sa.

Kalgoorlie Miner. The only one of the towns original newspapers still published. Its glory days are long behind it as it is now a mix upcoming event listings, local news, mundane filler and advertisements for car yards. Get it at supermarkets, service stations and hotels. $1 M-F, $1.40 Sa.

Free wifi can be found at the McDonalds on the corner of Roberts and Boulder Rd. The public library on Roberts Rd has paid internet terminals for $8 per hour.

  • Coolgardie - is 40 km away and has a couple of things to look at.
  • Menzies - is almost a ghost town but has the spectacular Lake Ballard and its resident statues nearby.
  • Leonora - has a mining museum with exhibits about Herbert Hoover.