Kalgoorlie Beyond the Mining

Kalgoorlie is famous for being one of the richest gold producing regions in the world, and today, mining here also includes nickel, lithium and rare earth elements. While mining remains the most economically important industry in Kalgoorlie, visitors to the region will soon discover that there’s more to the town than digging, and all that glitters here is not necessarily gold.

Here are some suggestions for unearthing Kalgoorlie’s other attractions.

1. Indigenous cultures

ts. While mining remains the most economically important industry in Kalgoorlie, visitors to the region will soon discover that there’s more to the town than digging, and all that glitters here is not necessarily gold.

Here are some suggestions for unearthing Kalgoorlie’s other attractions.

Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre

There are up to 16 distinct Indigenous language groups in the WA goldfields, and tragically, most of these languages are in danger of disappearing. The Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre in Boulder plays a vital role in working with elders to record and sustain these languages. Drop in to the centre to view Indigenous language children’s books, locally made souvenirs, and bush tucker like seeds and nuts.

Goldfields Honey Ant Tours

Take a half-day tour from Kalgoorlie with the Tjupan people, and discover their favourite desert foods, like the honeypot ants, with their bulging bellies full of the sweet, native nectar. Other foods you’ll learn about include witchetty grubs, quandong fruits, bush pears and sandalwood nut. Enquire ahead about Goldfields Honey Ant Tours through Kalgoorlie Visitors Centre.

2. European history

Two-up Shed

Kalgoorlie has a long history with the gambling game of bush two-up, and every Sunday you’ll find locals and tourists alike in the Two-up Shed, down a bush track just outside town. The games here are legal, and even if you’re not betting, drop by the rustic corrugated iron shed just to witness this piece of outback Aussie culture.

Legacy of CY O’Connor

In the late 1800’s, CY O’Connor was WA’s engineer in chief, and tasked with the job of supplying the goldfields with its most critical resource; water. O’Connor’s brilliant 563km-long pipeline has been delivering freshwater to the goldfields from Mundaring Weir since 1903. Head up to Mount Charlotte Reservoir, a two-million-gallon tank on the edge of Kalgoorlie, to view the terminus of the pipeline.

Boulder Town Hall

Inside the grand Boulder Town Hall, you’ll find the original Philip Goatcher Stage Curtain depicting the Bay of Naples, possibly the last of its kind. The hall and the curtain date to 1908. Also in the hall, the Goldfields War Museum is a professionally presented tribute to those who served in various international conflicts, with moving stories of goldfields residents.

Signpost Goldfields Racing Museum

Named in honour of local racehorse Signpost who won the Triple Crown (the Kalgoorlie, Boulder and Coolgardie cups) in 1993, racing enthusiasts should not miss this display. Head out to the Kalgoorlie Boulder Racing Club to browse historic racing memorabilia, like a chronograph, a timekeeping device used until a couple of years ago, one of only two in Australia.

3. Goldfields Art Scene

Explore public art

Heartwalk is a self-guided mural trail with around 60 works painted by local and visiting artists. Using the phone App ‘Everythere’, follow the trail to discover each of the murals and artists. Enquire at the Visitors Centre about a guided tour with local artist, Linda Rae.

Goldfields Arts Centre

This modern facility in the heart of Kalgoorlie hosts art exhibitions, live theatre, big name musicians and movies. You can’t miss the sculpture in the front; a giant bronze Karlkurla, a local Wongatha name for the silky pear fruit. The name Karlkurla is said to have inspired the name Kalgoorlie.

Chunky Timbers Co.

In a workshop in Boulder, an artisan affectionately known as Chunky, is making classy furniture and homewares from recycled goldfields timbers. You may just leave with a timber chopping board under your arm.

4. Embrace Desert Nature

Karlkurla Bushland Park

Take a stroll in the 200-hectare Karlkurla Bushland Park, a triumph of successful land rehabilitation in a former dust bowl. Visit Katunga Lookout in the early morning or evening to appreciate the desert birdsong and the biodiversity of the vast Great Western Woodlands ecosystem.

Hammond Park

Join the locals for a picnic in Hammond Park, a grassy and shady oasis featuring an historic bandstand, and a mini Bavarian castle. Kids will love the duck ponds, bird aviaries, emus and kangaroos.

Arboretum

The Arboretum was planted in 1954, and covers 26 hectares offering shady picnic sites and a bird-attracting pond. Over 60 species of eucalypt trees are presented here with interpretive signage.