Kalgoorlie

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is located in the eastern goldfields of Western Australia, approximately 600km east of Perth. Bustling with the latest gold booms, the town's grand colonial architecture is well kept and lies testament to its success and the hardships that have been overcome. Responsible for producing a tenth of the world's gold until recently the current world gold price flashed across a screen on the main street to emphasise the central role this town plays in the gold industry.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder has gained a nickname of Kal by the locals and set within the Western Australia Goldfields, is in harsh outback conditions. However, the city deals with this extremely well and although has the characteristics of a raw outback town seems to also hold a slightly modern feel. It wasn't until 1989 that the two towns joined to become a city, after they had both serviced the famous Golden Mile.

Gold was first discovered in Kalgoorlie by Paddy Hannan in 1893, and Kalgoorlie is now the major producer of gold within the whole of Australia. The wonderful historical buildings show the town’s historical wealth, and are well worth wandering around. A trip around the Golden Mile is also interesting as you rattle along on the tourist train the 'Rattler'. If you would like to see what mining is really about, you should definitely take an underground tour of the Hannan’s Tourist Mine.

Other attractions around town include the interesting Museum of the Goldfields, which has some good exhibitions and hosts the narrowest hotel in Australia the British Arms Hotel. From the top of the hotel (31 metres high) are great views cross the city. Another city lookout is at Charlotte Lookout, while Super Pit Lookout gives views across the mining operations. There is also a good gallery in the Town Hall, and an interesting display at the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Evening entertainment around the town is great and a popular attraction is the Bush Two-Up School, a gambling event which is great to play or watch. If you'd prefer a night on the town, then Hannan Street is the place to be, with a number of pubs and clubs which you can't miss.

Kalgoorlie is also famous for the popular Kalgoorlie-Boulder Race Around, which is a large horse racing carnival. The event is held in September, which is also the start of the beautiful Western Australia Wildflower season. Kalgoorlie-Boulder also hosts the fun Undies 500 car rally in February, where participants compete wearing only underwear. Boulder Market Day each month displays a brass band and stalls along Burt Street. Royal Show and Mining Expo occur in October.

With first class amenities and facilities located within the city including an aquatic centre featuring a giant waterslide and Flow Rider, it is a great place to come and visit on those hot summer days.  There is also an abundance of parks and leisure facilities all throughout the city, for everyone’s enjoyment, so pack a picnic or jump on a bike and go exploring.

The weather is temperate with average temperatures reaching 32° in summer and 18° in winter. Most days during winter and summer the sky is clear and the bushland surrounding the city is always lush. There are many ‘hidden’ spots located within a short drive of the city suitable for picnics and camping. There are a number tropical landscaped botanical gardens in the centre of Kalgoorlie, with picturesque walking tracks, BBQ’s and grassy areas with playgrounds that is perfect for the little ones. The City’s climate allows for a very active outdoor lifestyle that many residents embrace wholeheartedly.

Accommodation options in Kalgoorlie include original gold-rush hotels, family holiday parks, motel style, and even a luxurious modern 5 star resort. Fine dining can be savoured in award-winning renowned restaurants, or a casual lunch can be taken on the balcony of a heritage hotel overlooking the hustle and bustle of the Goldfields regional hub. Or you might choose to dine alfresco in a tropical garden setting.... it is completely up to you!

So make Kalgoorlie your next holiday destination and come and discover the hidden secretes of this gold rush mining town for yourself.  You will be glad that you came and so will the rest of the crew! With so many attractions, fun filled excitement, al fresco dining, luxury accommodation and so much more, it certainly will be a holiday to remember.