Coolgardie Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Coolgardie with this comprehensive travel guide, from top attractions to local culture and customs.


Introduction to Coolgardie

Coolgardie, a former gold mining town in Western Australia, is now a charming destination for travelers seeking a taste of life in the outback. Located in the Goldfields-Esperance region, it offers unique opportunities to explore both natural and historical attractions. Visitors will enjoy trying local cuisine, exploring museums and historical sites, hiking and biking through the breathtaking landscape, and experiencing the hospitality of the friendly locals.

List of Places to Visit in Coolgardie

Coolgardie has several places to visit. Here’s a list:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Coolgardie Museum: This museum showcases the history and development of the town, showcasing the 5300 artifacts and memorabilia.
  • Coolgardie Cemetery: It is the burial site of people from different ages, cultures, and backgrounds. Visitors may find the exceptional grave with an unusual story.
  • Old Goal Museum: This national trust museum houses several interrelated rooms that house interactive displays on the town’s mining history.

Natural Attractions of Coolgardie: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Burges Lookout: This scenic lookout allows visitors to take a glimpse at the mesmerizing views of the town and its surroundings. It is situated on Burges Drive.
  • Niagara Dam: Constructed in 1897, the dam is one of the world’s oldest concrete constructions generating hydroelectricity for Coolgardie and the nearby region, including Kalgoorlie. Today, it also serves as a recreational facility with picnic spots, walking trails, and shady areas to relax.
  • Coolgardie Ghost Trail: This trail uncovers the abandoned goldfields of Coolgardie. Visitors can see the old ruins of bush hospitals, brothels, and pubs as they travel the 1.4km trail after parking at Hunt Street or Bayley St.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Coolgardie

Coolgardie provides some amazing hiking and biking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s a list:

  • Coolgardie Ghost Trail: as mentioned earlier, it is a great bike and hike trail for the history buffs, showcasing the abandoned goldfields of the region.
  • The Boulder Loop Trail: A picturesque 10km biking circuit around Boulder, starting from Burt Street.
  • Lake Lefroy: The lake is famous for windsurfing and offers scenic lookouts for visitors.

Best Things to Do in Coolgardie: Activities and Tours

Coolgardie is an exciting hub for activities, from knowing the region’s history to immersing in adventure sports. Here are the top things to do in Coolgardie:

  • Coolgardie Museum Tour: The tour showcases the region’s rich history before, during, and after the gold rush. This two-hour tour covers all the major museums, cemeteries, and historical sites.
  • Lake Lefroy Windsurfing: Experience windsurfing with some of the best instructors at Lake Lefroy. It is an adrenaline-rushing activity that allows visitor to explore the scenic views of Lake Lefroy while windsurfing along its waters.
  • Adventure flights: Visitors can experience the breathtaking views of the unique outback terrain on a scenic flight. Visitors can be flown over the mining sites or taken for a sunset flight over the town itself.

Week-Long Itinerary for Coolgardie

Here’s a robust 7-day itinerary that will allow travelers to experience the best of Coolgardie:

Day Activity
1 Arrival and settling in, exploration of Coolgardie
2 Tour of the Coolgardie Museum and Old Goal Museum
3 Hike at Mount Burges Lookout
4 Niagara Dam visit followed by a picnic
5 Bike ride along the Boulder Loop Trail
6 Coolgardie Ghost Trail exploration followed by souvenir shopping
7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Coolgardie

Coolgardie’s food and drink scene is a blend of traditional as well as modern Australian cuisine with international flavors. Here’s what you must try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kangaroo Steak at The Coolgardie Gold Rush Motel and Cabins
  • Sausage Rolls at Coles Express (Main St)
  • Classic Aussie Pies at the York (Bayley St)
  • Fish and Chips at Victoria Hotel Coolgardie (Bayley St)

Local Beverages

  • A bottle of Western Australia’s Great Southern Chardonnay
  • Swan Valley Shiraz

Where to Stay in Coolgardie: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Coolgardie has many options for accommodation, extending from budget to luxury. Here are some of the places you can check:

  • Coolgardie Gold Rush Motel and Cabins: A mid-range motel with modern facilities. The rates at the cool-gardi.com range from AUD 110 to AUD 140 per night.
  • Duke’s Inn Coolgardie: A mid-range option with well-maintained rooms, a pub, and restaurant. The rates at the dukesinn.com.au range from AUD 130 to AUD 160 per night.
  • Camping and Caravanning: Visitors can also book a camping spot at Niagara Dam (nearer to Kalgoorlie) or Coolgardie Caravan Park.

What to Buy in Coolgardie: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

From antiques to gold nuggets, Coolgardie is a heaven for collectors and shoppers. Here are some souvenirs and local products to buy:

  • Gold Nuggets from Goldfields Refinery
  • Antiques from the Coolgardie Collectables Store
  • Western Australian Wines from Victoria Hotel Coolgardie

Local Culture and Customs of Coolgardie

The residents of Coolgardie are friendly and hospitable. Visitors should know that the town is relatively small and that locals value their privacy. Visitors should greet with a courteous “Hello” or “Good Day” and follow etiquette when interacting with the locals.

Best Time to Visit Coolgardie

The ideal time to visit Coolgardie is between March to May and then from September to November. These months offer a pleasant climate with milder temperatures during the daytime and cooler evenings. Avoiding summertime (December to February) and wintertime (June to August) is recommended as the temperature is extreme during this period.

Do’s and Don’ts of Coolgardie

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Greet neighbors and locals with a warm smile or a “Hello.”
  • Follow etiquette while visiting historical sites and museums.

Don’t:

  • Don’t intrude on the privacy of residents.
  • Don’t take cultural artifacts home as souvenirs.
  • Don’t litter or destroy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Safety and Health

Safety in Coolgardie

Coolgardie is a safe place to travel, but visitors need to take standard precautions. Visitors should be aware of the potential for bushfires in the hotter months and watch for snakes and spiders in the wild.

Health in Coolgardie

Visitors to Coolgardie should bring mosquito repellent as mosquitoes are frequent, particularly in the vicinity of water sources like Lake Lefroy and Niagara Dam.

Getting to Coolgardie: Transportation Options and Logistics

Coolgardie is well-connected via road and airways. Here are some options:

Airports Near Coolgardie

  • Kalgoorlie Airport: 40 km away from Coolgardie. Daily flights of Regional Express Airlines fly from Kalgoorlie to Perth, Albany, and Esperance.
  • Perth International Airport: Served by several domestic and international airlines that connect several parts of the world.

Bus Stations Near Coolgardie

  • Transwa Bus Station Kalgoorlie: Transwa provides regional and inter-regional bus services from Kalgoorlie.

Other Options

  • Car Rental Services are available at both Perth and Kalgoorlie Airports.
  • Taxis (Silver Taxi Services) are also available in Kalgoorlie.

How to Get Around in Coolgardie

Visitors can walk or bike to explore the town and its attractions. Visitors can also hire a car or taxi from Kalgoorlie for a more personalized travel experience.

Where to Go Next from Coolgardie: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Goldfields Highway East: The highway leads towards other gold-mining towns such as Menzies, Norseman, and Lake Ballard.
  • Esperance: Esperance is a good option for visitors who want to experience the Southern Australian coastline. It is about 400 km away from the town.

Conclusion

Coolgardie is a charming town that offers a unique taste of life in the outback. With its rich history, natural attractions, cultural offerings, and friendly locals, it makes for a wonderful travel destination. This comprehensive guide provides all the information that visitors need to plan their perfect trip to Coolgardie.

View of Coolgardie View of Coolgardie