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Coolgardie Goldfields Exhibition Museum — Image credit: Tourism WA

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Coolgardie Goldfields Exhibition Museum

The Goldfields Exhibition Museum is housed in the grand historic two-storey former Wardens Court Building which was erected in 1898. Wander through each of the rooms to view a range of fascinating displays including Aboriginal artefacts, photographs, models and authentic prospecting equipment. See one of the largest antique bottle collections in Australia with an array of colours, shapes and sizes of bottles and glassware on display date from 300BC to the present day. The Goldfields Exhibition Museum will give you a greater understanding and appreciation of the lives of the Goldrush pioneers of the 1890s. The exhibits are a testament to the discovery, growth, boom and decline of Coolgardie and the surrounding goldfields. Coolgardie is a six-hour drive east of Perth, approximately 40 kilometres west of Kalgoorlie.

Coolgardie WA

0.0 km away

Coolgardie Historical Cemetery

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Coolgardie Historical Cemetery

Reflect on the lives and hardships encountered during the gold rush years with a visit to the Coolgardie Cemetery. Commissioned in 1894, it has over 3,000 graves. Over a quarter of these contain a child under the age of five. Typhoid took hold of the town at the start of the Gold Rush, and as a result, a large number of the graves remain unmarked. The identities of many of the victims were not recorded due to the rush of prospectors migrating to the eastern goldfields. Much of Coolgardie's fascinating history is reflected in the old weathered headstones. Visit the grave site of Coolgardie’s legendary ghost, Elizabeth Gold, who is buried not far from the resting place of her murderer. The graves of several Afghan camel drivers are located at the rear of the cemetery and are also worth visiting. Coolgardie Cemetery is located 750 metres out of town along the Great Eastern Highway on the western side of town. Coolgardie is located just over six six-hour drive east of Perth, approximately 40 kilometres west of Kalgoorlie.

Coolgardie WA

0.0 km away

Coolgardie Historic Railway Station — Image credit: Shire of Coolgardie

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Historic Coolgardie Railway Station

The Coolgardie Railway Station was opened on 23 March 1896. Traffic in the early period included a train each way, every day to and from Perth and was known to be one of the busiest stations in the state. The building is made of stone and brick with a ribbed iron roof and is similar in design and detail to other railway stations of the period in the state. The last passenger train to pass through Coolgardie was the evening express from Kalgoorlie to Perth on 28 November 1971 and was farewelled by local citizens. The old locomotive and carriages can be viewed from the platform at the back of the station, and the station itself has been repurposed as a recording studio for regional artists.

Coolgardie WA

0.2 km away

Ben Prior Park — Image credit: Shire of Coolgardie

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ben Prior Park - Open Air Museum

If you are looking for a museum with a difference whilst in Coolgardie, visit Ben Prior Park - Open Air Museum. Featuring a collection of machinery collected by the museum’s namesake, you will gain an appreciation of the life led by the early settlers of this gold-mining town. Much of the collection was owned by the pioneers of the town during the gold rush of the late 1800s. See the steam engine used in the mines, view the wagons driven by the town’s citizens and examine an array of equipment used by the town’s residents in their homes and whilst out looking to discover gold. With a nature playground for the kids and a gazebo and picnic table facilities, enjoy a break from your travels with a visit to this unique outdoor museum. Learn more about this fascinating town that carved a significant mark in Australia’s history by visiting various other museums in the area. These include Warden’s Court which houses the town’s official museum, Warden Finnerty’s House which captures the life of one of the town’s early residents and the Old Coolgardie Railway Station. Coolgardie is a six-hour drive southeast of Perth.

Coolgardie WA

0.5 km away

Old Pioneer Cemetery Coolgardie

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Old Pioneer Cemetery Coolgardie

A visit to the Old Pioneer Cemetery Coolgardie will give you an appreciation of the hardships experienced by the gold mining opportunists who flocked to the gold rush town in the 1890s. This historic site became the final resting place of a significant number of unknown hopefuls who were struck down by an outbreak of typhoid. With assistance from Outback Gravemarkers, most of the individuals in our Pioneer Cemetery have now been identified and markers have now been placed here to acknowledge these early pioneers. Prior to your visit, stop in at the Coolgardie Visitor Centre and collect a map to guide you to graves of historical significance including the famous explorer Ernest Giles and early pioneers John and Agnes Holland. Stroll around this fascinating gold rush town learning about its significant role in Australia’s history. Signs scattered throughout the town signify important historical sites. Take a short five-minute drive to the original site of the gold discovery or wander around several museums in the town offering an insight into the gold rush years. Coolgardie is located just over six-hour drive east of Perth, approximately 40 kilometres west of Kalgoorlie.

Coolgardie WA

0.6 km away

Lindsay Pit - disused open cut gold mine — Image credit: Shire of Coolgardie

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Lindsay's Pit

The disused Lindsay's Pit open-cut gold mine on the north side of Coolgardie was named for G.S. Lindsay, brother-in-law of explorer David Lindsay. Upon hearing of the gold rush, Lindsay travelled from South Australia to Coolgardie with three Afghan cameleers and 50 camels selling them on arrival for a profit. He then turned to prospecting, discovering gold at the old Lindsay's Pit.

Coolgardie WA

0.9 km away

Coolgardie Bluff Sunrise — Image credit: Shire of Coolgardie

Natural Attractions

Coolgardie Bluff Cultural and Heritage Walk Trail

On the north-east of the Coolgardie townsite, the Bluff Cultural and Heritage Walk Trail includes heritage signage and explains the cultural significance of the area to the local Indigenous people. With iron sculptures to see and beautiful lookout points along the way, this trail is also a dog friendly space.

Coolgardie WA

1.0 km away

Gold pouring demonstration — Image credit: Tourism WA

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Bayleys Reward Fly Flat

Bayleys Reward Fly Flat is the site where gold was first discovered in Coolgardie in the late 1800s by Arthur Bayley and William Ford. Look out over the vast countryside and imagine the harsh climate and environment that welcomed numerous hopefuls who flocked to Coolgardie in their search for fortune. This discovery sparked the greatest gold rush in Australia’s history. A five-minute drive from Fly Flat will lead you into the historic mining town of Coolgardie. Stroll through the town to view the historic buildings and gain appreciation of the life of the early settlers thanks to over 60 markers located in and around the town. Each marker indicates where significant events took place and historical sites where some buildings still stand. If you wish to learn more about the town’s significance in Australia’s history, include a visit to the Warden’s Court building which houses the town’s museum and the Ben Prior Open Air Museum. Coolgardie is a six-hour drive east of Perth.

Coolgardie WA

2.4 km away

Goatcher Curtain

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Goatcher Curtain

The Goatcher Curtain is a priceless work of art hung in the Boulder Town Hall. It is believed to be the last remaining working stage curtain of its kind, which was rediscovered entirely by accident. This spectacular curtain depicts the scene of the Bay of Naples and has hung in the hall since 1908. Visit the historic hall on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday or on Boulder Market Days to see the rare and famous Philip Goatcher Stage Curtain being lowered by its original pulley system. The Boulder Town Hall was built in 1908 and demonstrates the architectural style of the prosperous gold rush days. It is a beautifully preserved historic hall with pressed tin ceilings and wrought iron balustrades. The Hall was formerly a theatre famous for celebrity performances by Dame Nellie Melba, Eileen Joyce and Joan Sutherland. Located on the corner of Burt and Lane Streets, Boulder is a seven-hour drive east of Perth. You should allow at least two or three days to soak up the unique gold rush history of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Boulder WA

29 km away

Kunanulling Premier Hotel — Image credit: Shire of Coolgardie

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Kunanalling

At Kunanalling you will find the ruins of the Premier Hotel, once a grand sprawling establishment popular amongst the early gold miners and travellers of the era. It was one of the first hotels in the Goldfields to have electricity, which was provided by a nearby mine. The Premier Hotel opened in 1901, it had 10 bedrooms, a large parlour and a billiards room. All that remains of the stone hotel are its ruins and its three prominent chimneys.

Mount Burges WA

33 km away

The Miners Monument, located in Boulder — Image credit: Tourism WA

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Miners Monument Boulder

A visit to the town of Boulder provides you with an opportunity to visit the Miners Monument located in the centre of the town. The monument was created to commemorate over 1,300 miners who have been killed since the gold rush of the 1890s. Examine the realistic detail of the statue that depicts a miner using an air leg drill, which is often used in underground mines. After viewing the monument, continue down Burt Street on foot, and join into the Boulder Historic Walk. The walk encompasses one of the most significant historical streetscapes in Western Australia. Each building along the route has a story and makes for an attractive photograph. The Miners Monument is just 10 minutes drive from Kalgoorlie and a six-hour drive east of Perth.

Boulder WA

36 km away

Signpost Racing Museum — Image credit: Image from operators website

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Signpost Racing Museum

This is the perfect place to research local horse racing history. The Museum began after the Palace Hotel was renovated and a diverse collection of racing items were uncovered. The collection includes original silks, ticket stubs, betting machines, bookies bags and stands. The Museum is housed in the "Tote" (Totaliser) Building which was built in 1896 for 400 pounds and still has several of the original betting windows, although no longer used for betting, they can still be opened to display the beauty of this Victorian era building.

Kalgoorlie WA

36 km away

Kalgoorlie Golf Course

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Kalgoorlie Golf Course

Surrounded by unique Western Australia flora and fauna, Kalgoorlie Golf Course is a premier, 18 hole grass golf course designed by top course architect Graham Marsh. Lush green fairways are surrounded by deep red sand, a unique experience only found in this part of the world. The course design boasts many holes with spectacular desert views and highlights the contrast between the green fairways, golden sand traps and the dramatic outback red earth all set against the plentiful local gum trees and fauna. The 8th hole ‘The Super Pit’ will leave all golfers with a view they will never forget. The inclusion of multiple island tee positions offers a variety of teeing options depending on your golfing ability. Couch fairways provide generous landing areas to bent grass undulating greens which will test the putting skills of all golfers. Home to the Goldfields Golf Club, Kalgoorlie Golf Course offers a fantastic facility in one of the most remote parts of the country - Welcome to Australia!

Karlkurla WA

36 km away

Kalgoorlie Arboretum

Natural Attractions

Kalgoorlie Arboretum

Kalgoorlie Arboretum provides some excellent interpretive walk trails enabling you to explore the region's native flora. Take a leisurely walk through the trees allowing time to stop and identify the various species, whilst reading the informative plaques. Relax with a picnic on the grassed area under the shade of the river gum trees before continuing to explore the arboretum. Birdwatchers will enjoy viewing the large number of bird species that live within the parkland and small dam. The whole family will enjoy a day at the arboretum as there is even a dog exercise area within the park. The Kalgoorlie Arboretum is set amidst 26 hectares of bushland. Kalgoorlie is a six-hour drive east of Perth. Alternatively, take an hour's flight from Perth.

Kalgoorlie WA

36 km away

Boulder Town Hall

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Boulder Town Hall

The Boulder Town Hall was built in 1908 and demonstrates the architectural style of the prosperous gold rush days. It is a beautifully preserved historic hall with pressed tin ceilings and wrought iron balustrades. The Hall was formerly a theatre famous for celebrity performances by Dame Nellie Melba, Eileen Joyce and Joan Sutherland. It still houses a rare and famous Philip Goatcher Stage Curtain, believed to be the last remaining one of its kind. This spectacular curtain depicts the scene of the Bay of Naples and has hung in the hall since 1908. See the lovingly restored curtain be lowered by its original pulley system each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and on Boulder Market days. On 7 January 2019, the museum was reopened in the Boulder Town Hall. Walk through the exhibition and discover the significant involvement residents of the town made during the Boer War, World Wars I and II, through to the 21st Century. Examine photographs, documents and original artefacts to gain an in-depth understanding of the wars and how they impacted those enlisted and on the home front. Located on the corner of Burt and Lane Streets, Boulder is a seven-hour drive east of Perth.

Boulder WA

37 km away

Goldfields War Museum (at the Boulder Town Hall)

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Goldfields War Museum

The Goldfields War Museum was established in 1989 to showcase the Goldfields community contribution to conflicts in which Australia has been involved and was realised through the vision, drive and dedication of local resident Ross Rogers and his family. In April 2010, the museum was devastated by a 5.0 magnitude earthquake, the highest ever recorded in the area. The Goldfields War Museum relocated to the Kalgoorlie Town Hall with a long-term commitment from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to redevelop the museum and return it to Boulder. On 7 January 2019, the museum was reopened in the Boulder Town Hall. Walk through the exhibition and discover the significant involvement residents of the town made during the Boer War, World Wars I and II, through to the 21st Century. Examine photographs, documents and original artefacts to gain an in-depth understanding of the wars and how they impacted those enlisted and on the home front. The Goldfields War Museum is located in the historic town of Boulder, 6.5 hours drive east of Perth. The town of Boulder and nearby Kalgoorlie offers a plethora of fascinating attractions.

Boulder WA

37 km away

Centennial Park

National Parks and Reserves

Gribble Creek Walk and Cycle Way

The Gribble Creek Walk and Cycle Way provide a well-planned route you can follow to discover the town of Kalgoorlie and many of its attractions. Walk or ride through the town's historic streets stopping at the many points of interest along the way. Take a leisurely ride through the Kalgoorlie Arboretum to discover the diversity of native flora and fauna. Choose from several picturesque parks to stop for lunch including the arboretum and Centennial Park. Examine the Kakoda Track Memorial during your stop-off in Centennial Park. Read the informative plaques about the gruesome battle in Papua New Guinea back in 1942. The memorial is a tribute to the servicemen and women who lost their lives during World War II. Visitors to the charming mining town can take a two-hour flight or a six-hour drive from Perth. Collect a brochure about the walk and cycle trail from the visitor centre and find out about a multitude of other tourist attractions on offer from the friendly staff.

Kalgoorlie WA

37 km away

Evening in Hannan Street — Image credit: Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Kalgoorlie Courthouse

The Kalgoorlie Courthouse and Government Buildings are among the most impressive heritage landmarks in the heart of Kalgoorlie. Completed in 1899, the grand Government Buildings were constructed from distinctive local pink stone and originally accommodated a number of important government services, including the Post and Telegraph Office, Warden's Court and Offices, Mines Department and Courts of Justice. The former Post Office section of the building has since been beautifully restored and transformed into the Kalgoorlie Courthouse, combining contemporary court facilities with the character and grandeur of one of the city's most significant heritage buildings. One of its most striking features is the magnificent gold-leaf dome crowning the clock tower. During the building's restoration, the dome was covered in 23-carat gold leaf, creating a fitting tribute to the precious metal that shaped Kalgoorlie-Boulder and continues to define the city today. The gilding project was driven by local community and business support and has created a spectacular landmark that gleams above Hannan Street. The courthouse forms part of Kalgoorlie's historic Government Precinct, which was developed during the late 1890s under Government Architect J H Grainger. Centrally located on Hannan Street, the Government Buildings make a major contribution to Kalgoorlie's historic streetscape. Visitors are encouraged to admire the architecture from St Barbara's Square and look up to see the distinctive golden dome.

Kalgoorlie WA

37 km away

Paddy Hannan Statue — Image credit: Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Paddy Hannan's Statue

A familiar sight to visitors of Kalgoorlie is the bronze commemorative statue of Paddy Hannan. Standing proudly on the main street of the gold mining town, you will be able to photograph the statue and then visit the original statue in the town hall. Hannan is credited with discovering the first gold in Kalgoorlie that started the greatest gold rush in Australia’s history in the late 1800s. The remarkable sight of the largest goldmine in Australia is best captured from the Super Pit Lookout. Kalgoorlie also forms part of the Golden Quest Discovery Trail, a well-planned self-drive tour of the West Australian Goldfields. Drive through the towns of Kalgoorlie, Boulder, Coolgardie and Laverton to see over 25 significant and historic sites. Paddy Hannan’s Statue is located in the mining town of Kalgoorlie a six-and-a-half hours drive northeast of Perth. Alternatively, take a one-hour flight from Perth.

Kalgoorlie WA

37 km away

The Old Boulder Municipal Power Station — Image credit: EGHS

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Eastern Goldfields Historical Society

The Eastern Goldfields Historical Society preserves, promotes, researches and records the history of the Eastern Goldfields. They hold a large range of historic photographs, interesting museum pieces, an extensive source of reference materials and an impressive collection of Goldfields books in their library and bookshop. The Society is a non-profit organisation run mostly by volunteers dedicated to the collection and preservation of Goldfields history. Each year, members share this history by helping hundreds of visitors and researchers learn about the region and the people who built it. Come and view their displays and explore the extensive collection of historical photographs, reference materials, books and significant objects.

Boulder WA

37 km away

Entrance at Hammond Park — Image credit: Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre

Parks and Gardens

Hammond Park (Kalgoorlie Boulder)

Hammond Park is a lush green oasis in the middle of the outback mining town of Kalgoorlie. It has a diverse range of attractions to suit the whole family. Enjoy the walk through the park to the animal sanctuary, where you can get up close to kangaroos, emus and a variety of birds in the enclosed aviaries. Children will enjoy feeding the ducks at the large pond and looking out for the fish that come close to the surface in search of food. Visit the impressive miniature Bavarian castle that is said to have 40,000 gemstones decorating the façade. Keep the children entertained in the playground whilst preparing lunch on the barbeque. Enjoy a relaxing picnic under the trees or sit in the heritage-listed rotunda. This beautiful structure is over 100 years old and is one of the largest in Australia. Hammond Park is in the centre of Kalgoorlie which is a six hour drive east of Perth.

Lamington WA

37 km away

Nickel pots at the Entry Station in Boulder — Image credit: Tourism WA

Agritourism

WMC Resource Nickel Pots

As you drive along the Goldfields Highway in Kalgoorlie, you cannot miss the massive WMC Resource Nickel Pots on display at the Tourist Information Bay. The pots make a great photograph; you can even get inside one to give your shot some perspective of the immense size of these big pots. The Nickel Pots are owned by WMC Resources which is Australia's largest and the world's third-largest nickel producer. Be sure to pull over to find out all the local tourist information, and at the same time read the interpretive panels to find out all about the enormous nickel pots. You can also find out about the history and development of the nickel industry in Western Australia.

Kalgoorlie WA

37 km away

Goldfields Arts Centre

Entertainment Venues

Goldfields Arts Centre

The Goldfields Arts Centre (GAC) is the hub of the region’s vibrant cultural and arts scene. Home to two premier art galleries and a 700-seat theatre, it plays host to many nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and acts, while providing unique opportunities for local Goldfields artists, thespians and musicians to showcase their work. The centre is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Kalgoorlie Boulder Pure Gold Visitor Centre in central Kalgoorlie, six and a half hours from Perth by road, or a little over an hour by air. You can also reach Kalgoorlie by train, or on a guided tour. You’ll find a diverse year-round program of shows and events at the theatre, including plays, concerts, comedy shows and dance performances. The fine art gallery, one of only three museum-standard ‘A’ class galleries in Western Australia, offers a similarly rich array of exhibitions. Take in a show, explore the latest exhibit, then pick up a memento at the gift shop, where you’ll find a range of artworks, crafts and jewellery from local artists and craftspeople. Admission to the art gallery is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.

Kalgoorlie WA

37 km away

Kalgoorlie Town Hall — Image credit: Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Kalgoorlie Town Hall

The prominent Kalgoorlie Town Hall is an impressive heritage building which was completed in 1908. With its grand facade and rich interior decoration, it reflects the town's immense wealth during the gold boom. The building consists of a municipal office, council rooms, a Mayor’s parlour, a banqueting room, an auditorium and stage facilities. The building has been restored to retain its original character and Edwardian grandeur. Internal features include the intricate stamped metal ceilings, beautiful chandeliers, a sweeping staircase and a majestic theatre. View an extensive collection of art and memorabilia upstairs and in the Council Chamber. Sit in the town hall and soak up the atmosphere, imagining it as it was in yesteryear. Allow at least two to three days to soak up the unique gold rush history of the area.

Kalgoorlie WA

37 km away

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