Kalgoorlie-Boulder Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Kalgoorlie-Boulder with this comprehensive tour guide featuring culturally important attractions, natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, activities and tours, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, nearby destinations, and more.


Introduction to Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Located in the region of Goldfields-Esperance in Western Australia, Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a town rich in history and culture. Known for its mining industry and beautiful natural scenery, this region has something to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether it’s hiking through stunning landscapes, exploring local museums and historical sites, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Australia.

List of Places to Visit in Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Western Australian Museum - Kalgoorlie-Boulder
  • The Super Pit Lookout
  • Questa Casa: The Pink House
  • Hannans North Tourist Mine
  • Boulder Market Day

From the Western Australian Museum, where you can learn about the town’s rich history and the impact of the gold rush, to the Super Pit Lookout, where you can gaze into one of the largest open-pit gold mines in the world, Kalgoorlie-Boulder is home to plenty of culturally significant attractions. Make sure to visit Questa Casa, the town’s most famous brothel which dates back to 1904, or Hannans North Tourist Mine, where you can experience gold panning and underground mining tours. Don’t forget to stroll through the Boulder Market Day, showcasing unique treasures crafted by the locals themselves.

Natural Attractions of Kalgoorlie-Boulder: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Karlkurla Bushland Park
  • Mount Charlotte Lookout
  • Lake Douglas
  • Hammond Park
  • Menzies Dam

Kalgoorlie-Boulder also offers a variety of natural attractions for visitors to enjoy. Over 2000 hectares of bushland, animal life, and bird watching can be found at Karlkurla Bushland Park, while Mount Charlotte Lookout boasts stunning panoramic views of the town. Visit Lake Douglas, a man-made lake surrounded by beautiful parklands, or explore Hammond Park featuring a children’s playground, picnic areas, and walking trails. Don’t miss out on visiting Menzies Dam, a popular location for fishing and camping with spectacular sunset views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Hiking Routes

  • Mount Charlotte Trail
  • Pipeline Trail
  • Goongarrie National Park
  • Gribble Creek Walk Trail
  • Golden Quest Discovery Trail

Kalgoorlie-Boulder is home to many incredible hiking trails catering to all levels of experience. For beginners, Mount Charlotte Trail provides a scenic and easy walk only a few kilometers from the center of town. Pipeline Trail explores the historic pipeline which carries water from Mundaring Weir to the Goldfields, while the trails at Goongarrie National Park present breathtaking views of wildlife and wildflowers. The Gribble Creek Walk Trail is situated further north near Leonora and the Golden Quest Discovery Trail, a 965 km self-drive route from Coolgardie to Laverton suitable for experienced hikers.

Biking Routes

  • Karlkurla Dreaming Trail
  • Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail
  • Karkula Loop Trail
  • Oroya to Menzies Trail
  • Goldfields Esperance Discovery Trail

Kalgoorlie-Boulder also has plenty of cycling opportunities available for enthusiasts. The Karlkurla Dreaming Trail follows the footsteps of the traditional custodians of the land and takes in picturesque Karlkurla Bushland Park. Another great option is the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail, which is a perfect long-distance cycling experience that follows the Golden Pipeline which transported water from Hills to the Goldfields. The Karkula Loop Trail leads through various terrains with stunning nature alongside old mining history, the Oroya to Menzies Trail, or cycle the Goldfields Esperance Discovery Trail starting in Esperance, approaching through Southern Cross and on to Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Best Things to Do in Kalgoorlie-Boulder: Activities and Tours

  • Jet Flight Simulator Experience
  • Star Gazing Tours
  • Goldfields Air Services Helicopter Flights
  • Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club
  • KCGM Super Pit Tours

If you’re looking for more exciting things to do in town, Kalgoorlie-Boulder does not disappoint. For aviation enthusiasts, the Jet Flight Simulator Experience is a must-try, allowing you to experience the thrill of flying a Boeing 737 plane. The Goldfields Air Services Helicopter Flights provide fantastic aerial views of the town, allowing you to appreciate it from a completely different perspective. Board a Star-Gazing Tour to observe the magical skies over the Goldfields and marvel at the beautiful celestial creatures. Drive to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club to experience and enjoy a day at the races or take KCGM Super Pit Tours located at the St Barbara’s Square in Kalgoorlie.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a destination that can be enjoyed to the fullest in a week. We’ve curated an itinerary that embraces the town’s unique experiences, available here.

Food and Drink Scene of Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Must-Try Dishes

  • National Hotel’s Parmigiana
  • Peking Duck from Yada Thai & Chinese Cuisine
  • Rocky Road Sundae from Ounces Ice Cream & Frozen Yoghurt

Kalgoolricious is a local initiative that has brought together an extensive number of cafes, restaurants, and pubs operating in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, offering a delicious array of local and seasonal produce. Sink your teeth into the National Hotel’s traditional Australian Parmigiana or feast on Yada Thai & Chinese Cuisine’s famous Peking Duck. For a sweet treat, make sure to indulge in Ounces Ice Cream & Frozen Yoghurt’s iconic Rocky Road Sundae, which is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Local Beverages

  • Australia-wide crafted Beer from Beaten Track Brewery
  • Goldfields Wine Collection from Cafe D’bar
  • Drambuie cocktails from Bar 120

Along with its food scene, Kalgoorlie-Boulder offers a vast selection of beverages to compliment your meal. Beer enthusiasts should try the Australian-wide crafted Beer from Beaten Track Brewery, and oenophiles will love the amazing collection of Goldfields Wine from Cafe D’bar. For a unique cocktail experience, try the beautifully crafted Drambuie cocktails from Bar 120.

Where to Stay in Kalgoorlie-Boulder: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kalgoorlie-Boulder offers plenty of accommodation options for travelers, catering to all budgets and preferences. Discover an extensive list of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, covering all the major areas of town listed here.

What to Buy in Kalgoorlie-Boulder: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kalgoorlie-Boulder has a distinctive collection of souvenirs and local products worth buying, including:

  • Bumble Bees Gallery and Gifts: Gifts, souvenirs, and unique jewelry
  • Discover the Goldfields: Unique art pieces
  • Heartwalk: Disused laneways revitalized with colorful murals
  • The Silver Artists’ Collective: High-end handmade jewelry
  • The Loopline Railway: Finds from the Goldfields

Local Culture and Customs of Kalgoorlie-Boulder

From the rich history of mining to the architecture of the town, Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s culture and customs greatly reflect its golden past. Residents of Kalgoorlie-Boulder are renowned for their welcoming nature, making it a friendly and safe destination for travelers of all types.

Best Time to Visit Kalgoorlie-Boulder

The best time to visit Kalgoorlie-Boulder is from September to November and March to May, with sunny days, pleasant temperatures, and an abundance of outdoor activities. These seasons are also less popular and more affordable than peak season (December to February). However, Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a year-round destination and always offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Do:

  • Respect the local indigenous culture and customs
  • Be cautious around wildlife
  • Take enough water for long hikes
  • Experience the town’s history

Don’t:

  • Litter
  • Swim in lakes and rivers
  • Touch or take anything from cultural sites
  • Wander alone through the outback

Safety and Health

Safety in Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a generally safe destination; however, it’s important to take precautions when exploring the remote areas of the outback, especially if traveling alone. Always stay on designated trails and bring enough supplies for the journey.

Health in Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Safety is provided by the Kalgoorlie Hospital in the event of any health emergencies. During the summer months, be sure to protect yourself against the sun’s harsh UV rays by wearing sunscreen, covering exposed skin, and drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Getting to Kalgoorlie-Boulder: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kalgoorlie-Boulder can be reached via air, road or train. The Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport is located just over 6 km northeast of the town and is serviced by Qantaslink, which has daily flights to and from Perth. Alternatively, Great Southern Rail operates “The Indian Pacific” train service, providing incredible experiences with stunning landscapes en route from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. Car rental services are also available from the local area.

Airports Near Kalgoorlie-Boulder

  • Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport

Bus Stations Near Kalgoorlie-Boulder

  • Great Southern Rail

Other Options

  • Car rental

How to Get Around in Kalgoorlie-Boulder

The town is easily navigable on foot, with all major attractions and points of interest within easy reach. However, you can also opt for taxi services, car rentals, or bicycle rentals for a more convenient and efficient way of touring the town.

Where to Go Next from Kalgoorlie-Boulder: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Ningaloo Reef
  • Fitzgerald River National Park
  • Esperance
  • Margaret River
  • Pinnacles Desert

Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a perfect base to explore nearby destinations and excursions. Head north to Pinnacles Desert, a unique natural wonder comprising thousands of limestone formations, or Ningaloo Reef, a world-famous diving and snorkeling location famous for its rich marine life. Explore the stunning wilderness at Fitzgerald River National Park or go surfing at Margaret River, which is known for its breathtaking coastline and beautiful vineyards. Esperance, located further south from Kalgoorlie-Boulder, features some of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia.

Conclusion

Kalgoorlie-Boulder may have made its name through gold mining, but the town’s uniqueness extends well beyond its rich heritage and opulence. With a plethora of attractions catering to all interests and an abundance of natural beauty and open spaces, it’s a destination worth putting on every traveler’s bucket list when visiting Western Australia.

Grand public architecture reflects the wealth drawn from the gold mining that the city is built on. Grand public architecture reflects the wealth drawn from the gold mining that the city is built on. The depth of the Super pit makes everything look small. The depth of the Super pit makes everything look small.