I almost came to Kalgoorlie decades ago but never made it. I have travelled across Western Australia’s 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi) from Esperance in the south to Wyndham in the north and many towns, beaches, deserts, and mountain ranges in between. I love the state. Kalgoorlie remained a place I had yet to visit…until now.
Location
Kalgoorlie-Boulder sits 595 km east of Perth, deep in Western Australia’s Goldfields region. The city is surrounded by a vast, arid landscapes, dotted with massive open-pit mines and historic mining infrastructure. Kalgoorlie is the largest town in this part of the outback and serves as the economic and cultural hub of the region.
History
The town was founded in 1893 after gold was discovered by Paddy Hannan (whose statue sits in the main street and at the Kalgoorlie Town Hall. This led to one of Australia’s greatest gold rushes. Thousands of prospectors flooded the region, establishing makeshift camps that soon became permanent settlements. The population in Western Australia in 1891 was 49,782. By 1895 it had doubled to 100,515, and by 1901 was 184,124. The massive population increase ultimately brought great wealth to Australia’s largest state. Capital works, including roads and railways followed and in 1896, construction of the ambitious Goldfields Water Supply Scheme brought water to the town.
More recently, Kalgoorlie merged with Boulder, another thriving mining town, to form Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Today, the city is home to Australia’s largest open-pit gold mine, the Super Pit, which continues to produce gold on a massive scale.
Despite the constant flow of gold from its massive mines, the town has felt somewhat stagnant over the years. While Kalgoorlie-Boulder is the largest urban centre in Western Australia’s Goldfields, its population has remained relatively stable, with 29,068 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. That’s actually down from a peak of 32,966 in 2013, showing that the city has struggled to grow even as its mining industry continues to thrive.
On my flight here, the plane was full of FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) workers, a reminder that Kalgoorlie’s official population numbers don’t reflect the huge transient workforce that cycles in and out.
Getting to Kalgoorlie
Despite its remote location, Kalgoorlie is well-connected by road, rail, and air:
- By Air – Direct flights from Perth (Rex, QantasLink, Virgin Australia) operate regularly. There are also smaller flights to regional towns in Western Australia.
- By Train – The Prospector train runs daily between Perth and Kalgoorlie, offering a scenic and comfortable way to reach the city.
- By Bus – Long-distance Transwa buses connect Kalgoorlie to Perth, Esperance, and other regional towns.
- By Car – The Great Eastern Highway links Perth to Kalgoorlie, with a 6.5-hour drive through Western Australia’s vast, open landscapes.
Getting Around
TransGoldfields provides six bus services across the town. Taxis operate but there is no Uber. The Kalgoorlie town centre itself is walkable, and pushbikes and cars can be hired.
Crime and Safety
Kalgoorlie-Boulder is generally a safe town, particularly during the day and around central areas like Hannan Street. However, as with many regional centres, there can be occasional reports of petty theft, alcohol-related incidents, and disturbances, particularly at night or around pubs. It’s wise to stay alert, especially after dark, and avoid isolated areas. Locals are friendly and helpful, and most visitors experience no issues.
Climate and Weather
Kalgoorlie-Boulder has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures (December to February) regularly reach 35°C (95°F) or higher, while winter nights (June to August) can drop close to 0°C (32°F). Rainfall is low and mostly occurs in the summer months. The best time to visit is Spring (September to November) or Autumn (March to May), when the temperatures are milder and conditions are great for exploring.
Costs
Kalgoorlie is moderately priced compared to other parts of Australia. Accommodation ranges from basic motels and heritage pubs to mid-range hotels, with a few higher-end options.
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant or pub: $20–30 AUD
- Mid-range restaurant (3-course meal for two): $70–100 AUD
- Hotel room (3–4 stars): $130–200 AUD per night
- Taxi fare for a 5 km trip: $10–15 AUD
Food
While Kalgoorlie isn’t a foodie destination, it delivers solid, satisfying meals with a few culinary surprises thrown in. There are some good coffee spots along Hannan Street (the main street) that serve good coffee, breakfast, and light meals—perfect for a midday break while exploring. There is also a nice range of bakeries and lots of Aussie-style meat pies.
Plenty of pubs and hotels, including the Kalgoorlie Hotel and Palace Hotel, serve hearty, meat-focused meals—steak, schnitzels, burgers etc
There’s also a decent selection of Asian cuisine, including Thai, Indian, and Chinese restaurants, reflecting the town’s diverse working population.
Top 10 Things to Do in Kalgoorlie-Boulder
- Visit the Super Pit – One of the largest open-pit gold mines in the world, offering breathtaking views of modern mining operations.
- Check Out the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Goldfields Museum – A fascinating museum showcasing the history of gold mining and life in the outback.
- Explore Hannans North Tourist Mine – A chance to step back in time and experience what mining was like during the gold rush era.
- Walk Down Hannan Street – The heart of Kalgoorlie, lined with historic buildings, pubs, and heritage-listed architecture. Visit the Town Hall for a tour.
- Go Underground at the Boulder Town Hall—Take a guided tour beneath this historic town hall to discover Boulder’s hidden history.
- Drive the Golden Quest Discovery Trail – A self-drive adventure through old mining towns, ghost towns, and stunning outback scenery.
- Relax at Hammond Park – A green oasis in the middle of the desert, home to picnic areas and local wildlife.
- Tour the Two-Up Ring – See where the traditional Australian gambling game was played by miners in the early 20th century.
- Visit Mount Charlotte Lookout – One of the best viewpoints to take in the vast outback landscapes and learn about Kalgoorlie’s water pipeline.
- Ride the Prospector Train – Experience the iconic journey between Perth and Kalgoorlie, something I’ve wanted to do for over 30 years.
.
Leave a Reply