Tucked away in the south of Western Australia in the Goldfields-Esperence region, you’ll find the Outback city of Kalgoorlie Boulder. Proud to be an RV-friendly town, it’s renowned for its rich mining history; particularly the famous Super Pit, one of the largest open-pit gold mines in the world.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the mining history, experiencing the local culture, or simply enjoying the vast landscapes of Western Australia, Kalgoorlie Boulder offers a unique destination for travellers – especially those with an adventurous spirit and a love of the Outback.
Don’t miss these things on your Outback adventure in Kalgoorlie Boulder
Hop Aboard the Kalgoorlie Boulder City Tram Tour
Jump on board the City Tram Tour for an easy yet entertaining journey through the heart of Kalgoorlie Boulder. Available on Monday to Saturday mornings throughout the summer, and on Monday to Friday mornings and evenings during the winter months, as well as Saturday mornings, the tram stops at many attractions in the city. Taking around two-and-a-half hours on the iconic Ruby City Tram, this is a great way to see the city sights.
Prices: $40 adult, $35 concession, $15 children.
Witness a Blast at the Super Pit
Taking the crown as the top attraction in Kalgoorlie Boulder, the Super Pit is one of the largest open-cut mines on earth and the largest gold mine in Australia. 900,000 ounces of gold are harvested here every year; and so far, 50 million ounces have been found. Stretching for 3.7 kilometres long, 1.5 kilometres wide and around 600 metres deep, it’s hard not to be in awe.
Super Pit Tours are offered on most weekdays, or catch the breathtaking views of the Pit from the free viewing area which is open daily from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm. If you keep an eye on the website HERE, you’ll be able to see what time they are ‘blasting’ and ensure that you time your visit right.
Hammond Park
Immerse Yourself in Kalgoorlie Boulder’s Mining History at Hannans North Tourist Mine
Offering a fascinating blend of the area’s gold rush heritage and contemporary mining practice, Hannans North Tourist Mine is your gateway to a unique adventure. Explore the giant 793C haul truck, climb into the shovel of a 994F loader, and hear the interesting tale of discovery from none other than Paddy Hannan himself. Test your luck with gold panning, try your hand at the classic game of ‘Two-Up’, and even witness a gold pour.
Afterwards, take advantage of the free BBQ facilities or enjoy a picnic in the serene Chinese Garden of Remembrance. But before you bid farewell, make sure to snag a one-of-a-kind souvenir from the gift shop. Open daily from 9.00am to 4.00pm.
Explore the Museum of The Goldfields in Kalgoorlie Boulder
Step into a treasure trove of history at the Museum of The Goldfields. Open daily from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm, this museum promises an immersive experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Don’t miss the 10.30 am daily tour to witness the underground vault, which showcases a spectacular gold collection. That’s not all; here you can delve into the Aboriginal history of the area, marvel at the narrowest pub and also see the world’s tallest rubbish bin.
You’ll discover the pivotal role that Kalgoorlie Boulder has played in Western Australia’s development, both as a mining hub and a frontier town on the edge of the Nullarbor Plain.
Visit a Historic Brothel: Questa Casa in Kalgoorlie Boulder
Discover the allure of the Questa Casa Brothel Tour, the final vestige of Kalgoorlie’s historic brothels, easily recognisable by its distinctive pink doors. Carmel, the charismatic madam, regales visitors with an engaging and informative history of life at the brothel during her daily tours at 3.00 pm.
Hannans North Tourist Mine
Marvel at the Grandeur of Kalgoorlie Town Hall
Kalgoorlie Town Hall is a distinguished heritage-listed building and a prominent landmark in the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder. Steeped in history, this impressive building showcases the original Paddy Hannan Statue and the bust of CY O’Connor, the visionary behind the crucial water pipeline from Perth to the Goldfields. The town hall is also home to the Sporting Hall of Fame.
Constructed in 1908 as a state-of-the-art theatre, this Federation Free Classical style building boasts stunning architectural features. Adorned with ornate pressed metal ceilings, chandeliers, a sweeping staircase, a fly tower with original theatre rigging, and an expansive backstage area with 11 dressing rooms, the Kalgoorlie Town Hall is a visual marvel. With an initial construction cost of almost £20,000, it officially opened its doors on 8 November 1908.
Guided tours are available ‘cash only’ on Mondays (excluding public holidays) and Wednesdays at 10.30 am. The admission costs are $10 for adults, $8 for concessions and $4 for children under 16.
Feel the Thrill at Kalgoorlie Boulder Racing Club
With over 20 race meetings annually, the Kalgoorlie Boulder Racing Club is the proud host of the iconic Kalgoorlie Boulder ‘Race Round’, a nationally acclaimed event drawing enthusiasts from all corners of Australia. The spectacle of style, colour and sheer excitement is nothing short of contagious.
Open Monday to Friday daily from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, a gold coin donation is appreciated; and you’ll find some wonderful memorabilia here including one of only two Chronographs in Australia.
Step Back in Time at Boulder Town Hall and War Museum
The Boulder Town Hall and War Museum can transport you back in time. This magnificent old gem features the incredible Goatcher curtain – rumoured to be the last of its kind in Australia. This historic venue also houses the War Museum, where military relics and the Goldfields region’s wartime history come to life.
Constructed in 1908, the Boulder Town Hall stands as a testament to the architectural grandeur of the prosperous gold rush era. This impeccably preserved heritage-listed hall, adorned with pressed tin ceilings and intricate wrought iron balustrades, gained fame as a hosting ground for renowned performers like Dame Nellie Melba, Eileen Joyce, Joan Sutherland and even iconic rock band AC/DC.
Embark on a guided tour every Tuesday and Thursday at 10.30 am, with admission prices set at $10 for adults, $8 for concessions and $4 for children under 16.
Kalgoorlie Town Hall at sunrise
Take a Walk Through Karlkurla Bushland Park in Kalgoorlie Boulder
Embark on a pleasant journey through the Karlkurla Bushland Park, a magnificent haven offering well-sealed paths and clearly marked tracks. Set against the backdrop of natural regrowth bushland spanning 200 hectares, this oasis boasts over 2,000 trees and shrubs planted by dedicated community volunteers in 2000.
Named after the Silky Pear, known locally as ‘Karlkurla’ (pronounced gull-gurl-la), this Aboriginal term encapsulates the rich tapestry of native bushes, trees and small plants that adorn the park’s four kilometres of walking trail. Whether you choose to stroll, drive or cycle, Karlkurla Bushland Park beckons with its diverse flora and photo-worthy vistas – especially at Katunga Lookout nestled in the heart of the park.
Play a Round on the Nullarbor Links: Kalgoorlie Boulder’s Iconic Golf Course
If you haven’t heard of the Nullarbor Links before, it’s an 18-hole, par 72 golf course that stretches an impressive 1,365 kilometres. This extraordinary course boasts one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the iconic Eyre Highway, spanning from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia to Ceduna in South Australia. Each hole features a green and a tee, set against the backdrop of rugged Outback-style natural terrain fairways.
Nullarbor Links delivers an authentic Australian experience, offering a much-needed activity and attraction for roadtrippers navigating the renowned desolation of the highway. Scorecards are available for purchase at the Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre.
Where to Stay in Kalgoorlie Boulder
CMCA Traveller - Centennial Park Kalgoorlie - WA RVFT
Kalgoorlie Boulder extends a warm welcome to RV enthusiasts with a complimentary 72-hour rest stop for fully self-contained vehicles at Centennial Park (corner of Patroni and Hannan Streets, Kalgoorlie). For those without self-contained vehicles, fret not! You can enjoy a 72-hour stay at Lake Douglas Recreation Reserve – a free campground just 13 kilometres from Centennial Park on Muncaster Road, Yilkari.
Karlkurla Bushland Park
About CMCA Traveller
Plan your next adventure with ease, using CMCA Traveller. Exclusive to members of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia, this platform will assist you in navigating across Australia. Giving travellers access to an extensive range of RV services and facilities, Traveller is a resourceful tool that aims to simplify time on the road.
With over 200,000 points of interest, Traveller identifies campgrounds, caravan parks, national parks, dump points and other facilities and services travellers may be trying to locate nearby. The benefits of a sidekick like Traveller are endless, especially with its improved user-friendly interface.
The information stored within this platform is collated by a team of highly trained staff members who ensure all data is accurate and timely. Contribute to this repertoire by submitting reviews, adding images and identifying new points of interest, enhancing fellow members’ journeys and experiences.
Also available as an application across iOS and Android devices, Traveller will never have to leave your side. Step outside your comfort zone, load your RV and explore the wide-open road with Traveller.
