Kalgoorlie Things to Do - Tips for Your Visit

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Kalgoorlie is located in the heart of the Goldfields of Western Australia, basically right in the middle of the Outback. In 1989, the city was merged with the community of Boulder and has since been called Kalgoorlie-Boulder. It offers an exciting mix of mining history and Outback charm. Shaped by the legendary gold rush at the end of the 19th century, the city has preserved its historic character to this day. You can see this especially well in the impressive facades on Hannan Street, which are somewhat reminiscent of the Wild West and definitely count among the top Kalgoorlie tips.

9 Tips for Kalgoorlie, the City in the Gold Rush

The highlight for many visitors is the enormous Super Pit Mine, one of the largest gold mines in Australia. But there are also several other sights in Kalgoorlie that you can see in one or two days. They range from attractions about the history of gold mining, such as the Hannans North Tourist Mine, to quirky curiosities like the World’s Tallest Bin. If you would like to visit the Outback, a side trip to Kalgoorlie from, for example, Esperance, is a great idea.

Accommodation in Kalgoorlie – Our Hotel Tip

The Rydges Kalgoorlie is a quiet accommodation located just a few minutes from the historic city center. It has spacious and modern rooms, many of them even featuring a whirlpool bathtub. The hotel complex also includes an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness room, a business center, as well as the in-house restaurant Prime West Grill with an adjoining bar. Wi-Fi and parking are free, and the 24-hour front desk ensures a hassle-free stay. It is a great base for exploring our Kalgoorlie tips.

You can find even more hotels in Kalgoorlie, Boulder, or the surrounding area, including other price ranges, in this overview.

1. Super Pit Mine

The Super Pit Mine is the highlight among the Kalgoorlie tips for many visitors. It is one of the largest gold mines in Australia and impresses with its gigantic dimensions of around 3.5 kilometers in length, 1.5 kilometers in width, and more than 600 meters in depth. Gold has been mined here in an open pit since 1989. Today, the mine belongs to Northern Star Resources and is still in operation.

To visit the mine itself, you can book one of the guided tours, which cost between 70 and 90 AUD per person and last about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Since demand is high, especially in the peak season from April to October, it is best to book early, ideally online in advance.

But even if you do not want to visit the Super Pit Mine from the inside, you should at least pay a visit to the Super Pit Lookout. It is open daily from 7.00 AM to 7.00 PM. From here, you can look down into the huge mine, watch haul trucks from a distance, and just let the whole scene sink in. Really fascinating to see, in our opinion. The Super Pit Mine is not only a fascinating example of the modern mining industry but also a symbol of the gold rush era that made Kalgoorlie famous.

2. Hannans North Tourist Mine

Named after pioneer Paddy Hannan, who more or less triggered the gold rush in 1893, you can visit the Hannans North Tourist Mine. This is a large, interactive open-air museum where you can learn a lot about the history of gold mining and also try out many things yourself.

This includes, for example, original preserved buildings such as prospectors’ huts or a gold room. There are also highlights such as gold panning ponds, the “Chinese Gardens” and the chance to climb into a huge 793C haul truck or a 994 wheel loader. If you like, you can even pan for your own gold and keep it afterward.

The museum is open all year round, but the opening hours vary depending on the season. From May to October, it is open Monday to Saturday from 9.00 AM to 4.00 PM and on Sundays from 8.00 AM to 3.00 PM. From November to April, it is open daily from 8.00 AM to 3.00 PM. It is only closed on major public holidays such as ANZAC Day, Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission is not exactly cheap and is around 18 AUD for adults and 10 AUD for children. There are discounts for seniors, students, and also with family passes.

3. Mount Charlotte Reservoir and Lookout

If you would like to get out into nature a bit more, it is worth taking a trip to Mount Charlotte Reservoir and Lookout. Here you can take an easy walk up to the summit and enjoy the wonderful view over Kalgoorlie and Boulder. The panorama over Australia’s largest Outback city and the goldfields is especially impressive at sunset, when the sky is bathed in beautiful colors. There are no opening hours or admission fees here, so you can visit Mount Charlotte Reservoir around the clock.

The site is not only a viewpoint, it also marks the endpoint of the historic Golden Pipeline Water Supply Scheme. This is a vital water supply connection from Mundaring Weir near Perth, which has existed since 1903. You will find more information about it on an information board at the summit if you are interested in this kind of history.

4. Hannan Street

In the center of Kalgoorlie runs Hannan Street, which personally gave us a Wild West feeling. The wide main street transports you straight back to the days of the gold rush when you see the magnificent Victorian-style buildings. Like something from another era and truly impressive.

Along Hannan Street you will now find cafés, hotels, restaurants, pubs, and other small shops. While the street is a visual highlight, there was not much going on, at least during our visit. Nevertheless, it is worth strolling along the street once, as several sights (see the following points) are located directly on Hannan Street.

5. Kalgoorlie Town Hall

Right on Hannan Street you will also find Kalgoorlie Town Hall. The magnificent building reflects the boom and wealth brought by the gold rush around 1900. It was built between 1907 and 1908 and can be visited today, even though the city council still meets here. Admission is 10 AUD for adults and 4 AUD for children.

Inside Kalgoorlie Town Hall you can see ornate metal ceilings, chandeliers, and the elegant staircase, all of which are reminiscent of a theater. On the upper floor you will find the Sport Sporting Hall of Fame, where photos and memorabilia of local sports legends are displayed.

But you can also simply stop by the souvenir shop without having to take a tour. There is also free Wi-Fi here if you are out and about and need an internet connection. For us it was a nice but brief visit.

6. St Barbara’s Square

Not far from the Town Hall in the city center is St Barbara’s Square. It is a modern, functional, and cultural plaza that was extensively redesigned as part of the “Kal City Centre Project”. There you will find water play areas, a nature playground, event spaces, restaurants, and restrooms. There is also Silky Pear, a striking structure created after the Karlkurla fruit motif from which the city gets its name.

You will also find the Earth Canopy at St Barbara’s Square. This artistic, suspended structure combines architecture, sound, light, and water into an interactive hub designed to invite visitors to linger, play, and explore. In the evenings there are sometimes even light and water shows. Not to be forgotten is the statue of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners, who gives the square its name. The bronze statue honors the history and remembrance of the mining community.

7. Museum of the Goldfields

The Museum of the Goldfields is also located on Hannan Street. It is particularly interesting if you are curious about the history of Kalgoorlie. Here you can immerse yourself in the rich mining history of the Eastern Goldfields. It houses the largest collection of gold bar and nugget exhibits in the entire state of Western Australia. There are even original buildings such as the British Arms Hotel, a miner’s cottage from the 1930s, and the offices of businessman De Bernales from that time.

Open daily from 10.00 AM to 3.00 PM, you can visit the Museum of the Goldfields free of charge, although donations are welcome. The visit is also family-friendly and interactive, so children can be introduced to the history in a playful way. If you are interested, you should plan a good two hours to see everything at your leisure.

8. World’s Tallest Bin Park

At the northern end of Hannan Street, you will find a rather quirky curiosity. This is where the largest trash can in the world stands, about eight meters high and made from an old water pipe. This unusual attraction was built in 1980 by the local “Keep Kalgoorlie Klean Kommittee” as part of the Tidy Towns competition. Local school classes painted the container and added the humorous inscription: The World’s Tallest Bin.

It is a very short stop, but we still dropped by. Whether the largest trash can in the world is really worth a visit is something we would not necessarily say. However, it does seem to be a popular, quirky photo spot. That is why we wanted to mention it, and since it is almost next door to the Museum of the Goldfields, you can easily stop by. There is no admission fee.

9. Karlkurla Bushland Park

On the northern outskirts of town, you will find Karlkurla Bushland Park, which covers about 200 hectares. In the year 2000, more than 2,000 trees and shrubs were planted here to protect and regenerate the bushland. To explore the park, there are hiking and cycling trails that are several kilometers long, as well as a beautiful wooden boardwalk. Along the way you can read information boards that explain what there is to discover.

A highlight of Karlkurla Bushland Park is the popular Katunga Lookout, which offers beautiful views over the landscape. If you visit early in the morning or in the evening, you may even spot a few western gray kangaroos or other animals that usually hide during the daytime heat. Since July 2024, there has also been a large nature playground, which is especially interesting for families with children. It is also equipped with barbecue areas, wheelchair-accessible paths, and toilets. A great place to spend some time.

Bonus Tip: Street Art in Kalgoorlie

If you are interested in street art, keep your eyes open in Kalgoorlie as well. Between the historic buildings and wide streets of Kalgoorlie, you will repeatedly find colorful street art that gives the gold mining town a modern face.

Local and international artists have transformed walls, facades, and alleyways here into vibrant canvases. The works often reflect local themes such as mining, Aboriginal culture, and the Outback. A walk through the city center is therefore worthwhile not only for the architecture but also to discover these creative details.

How to Get to Kalgoorlie

Traveling to Kalgoorlie is easily possible from both Perth and the more southerly Esperance. You can drive yourself by car or camper, but you can also use public transportation. From Perth, the approximately 590 kilometer long Great Eastern Highway runs across the interior of the country, a drive of about six and a half hours. Alternatively, you can take the comfortable Transwa train “The Prospector”, which takes around 6 hours and 45 minutes, or a direct flight that takes only about one hour.

From Esperance on the south coast of Western Australia, Kalgoorlie is about 390 kilometers away. The drive by car takes around 4 to 4.5 hours and leads you from the turquoise sea through the dry, golden Outback. At times it is a very monotonous drive, as there is not much to see. Another option would be the Transwa bus. Several times a week there is a direct connection, which takes about five hours.

Have you ever been to the Australian outback or Kalgoorlie? Do you know any other things to do for Kalgoorlie? We’d love to hear about your experiences.