Gold Capital of Australia
Kalgoorlie-Boulder, in the heart of the goldfields is home to the country’s biggest gold producers. It is one of Australia’s most thriving inland cities. Magnificent Victorian buildings with ornate facades and verandahs line wide streets, reflecting the prosperity and entrepreneurial spirit of days past.
The City’s facilities are second to none. The climate averages 25 degrees maximum and 12 degrees minimum with 300 days of sunshine.
The Goldrush set off in 1993 by Paddy Hannan’s discovery of gold, led to the richest square mile of gold bearing earth ever discovered- The Golden Mile. Kalgoorlie and Boulder had a population of about 30,000 with 93 hotels and eight breweries.
Today the Golden Mile Superpit Lookout, (off Goldfields Highway) overlooks the massive Superpit, part of The Golden Mile. There are spectacular views of the workings from the lookout. Holes in the side of the pit are from historic workings once proliferating the area. Some days onlookers can watch the company blasting - Kalgoorlie-Boulder Tourist Centre signposts times.
Fimiston Open Pit (the Superpit) and Mount Charlotte underground operations are part of Australia’s largest gold mining and milling complex, operated by Kalgoorlie Consolidated Mines Pty Ltd (KCGM). Mining is undertaken 24 hours a day, 364 days a year.
The Pit is currently 290 metres deep, 3 km long and 1.5 km wide. Within ten years it is expected that the mining will extend to a depth of 600 metres. The trucks that look like Dinky toys are 200 tonne dump trucks and the giant face shovels scoop up as much as 40 tonnes of dirt in a single pass.
Museums of the goldfields capture the excitement, prosperity and hardships of the era. There are heritage walks.
As well as enjoying the attractions, heritage and ambience of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Coolgardie there are ghost towns - drive north to where huge populations once lived. Towns like Gwalia, with its Mine Office (Gwalia Museum), Broad Arrow, Menzies and the site where a large town like Malcolm disappeared from the face of the earth. Heritage Trail guides are available at the Tourist Centre.
Rocky outcrops and outback scenery are also worth seeing, especially in wildflower season.
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Some of the activities:
* See the Mining Hall of Fame and go
on an underground tour
*Visit the Superpit Lookout
*Play Fun Time Two-up
*Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Base
*See the gold collection at the Museum
*Wander through the magnificent architecture
along Burt and Hannan Streets
*Visit the Kalgoorlie and Boulder Town Halls
*Walk through Karlkurla Bushland Park
*Take a tour around the city
*Go shopping
A stay of at least 3 days is recommended for visitors to discover and explore the largest Outback City. There is a large range of accommodation and restaurants, sporting and entertainment facilities and many special events during the year.
We have maps and guides, information on tours and attractions in the Goldfields and Regional Western Australia. Book your travel or accommodation with us.
Call us or call in to make the most of your visit.
Kalgoorlie Goldfields Visitor Centre
250 Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie.
Telephone (08) 9021 1966 Fax (08) 9021 2180
Website: www.kalgoorlie.com
THE STONEFISH - IT’S ALL LUCK
Three lucky prospectors couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces when they discovered a huge 7.2kg gold nugget while out prospecting north of Kalgoorlie recently. Called “Stonefish” because it resembles the poisonous tropical fish, the nugget’s estimated value is in excess of $140,000.
“I dug just over a foot deep and the (metal detector) was screaming.” Ian said. “We have found something quite unique from WA. But it’s all luck, you have to walk over it.” As with all successful strikes, the location remains a mystery.
Perth Mint bullion officer Gordon Smith said “A nugget this size is extremely rare and is a collector’s item.” Recent discoveries of other large nuggets in WA include the “Evening Star" in 1992 weighing 16kg and the 8.3kg Golden Aussie found in 1980.
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