The Goldfields has so much to offer – from historic goldrush tales to a vibrant arts scene. We’ve rounded up the top 14 things to do so you don’t miss a thing!
1. Have a beer with a horse name Willie in Kookynie.
In the bustling town of Kookynie, population 13, there is a bar called the Grand that has quite possibly the cutest patron – Willie the horse! Every day, Willie visits the local pub to greet customers and get some pats. It's an expected treat to share a pint with this local.
2. Check out the world’s most isolated art gallery at Lake Ballard.
An hour outside of Menzies, you will find the “Inside Australia” exhibition by artist Antony Gormley on the beautiful salt lake, Lake Ballard. You can explore for the day or camp at night – taking in the beautiful starry night, a true outback experience.
3. Visit the Super Pit
Kalgoorlie’s Super Pit is one of the largest open-cut mines on earth and the biggest gold mine in Australia. You have two options when it comes to touring it, with a hard hat or in the sky – the best way to grasp its mammoth size!
4. Gander at the world’s largest bottle collection
The famous Waghorn Bottle collection is one of the largest and most comprehensive antique bottle displays in Australia. It includes bottles and glassware dating back as far as 300BC through to the present day and is on display at the Coolgardie Museum.
5. Take in the colours on the Heartwalk
This colourful grassroots public art project has transformed the Kalgoorlie CBD with over 60 contemporary murals by local and visiting artists. It’s a 4km self-guided tour of all the street art with plenty of cafes to have a coffee or enjoy lunch.
6. Pan for gold at Hannans North Tourist Mine
A visit to Kalgoorlie isn’t complete until you’ve struck gold! Try your luck at this historic mining site and spend the day walking around the mines and the buildings. Its such an experience to contrast the modern facilities to the ways of the olden days – a special treat indeed!
7. Try your luck at two up
Are you feeling lucky? Try your luck with Two Up! This iconic pastime originated in an iron shed just 10 minutes from Kalgoorlie. It’s the only place where you can legally play this traditional gambling game year-round. Will you have a go? It takes place every Sunday at 2 pm at the Two Up Shed.
8. Tee off at the Kalgoorlie Golf course
This 18-hole grass golf course is in the top 10 desert golf courses in the world and guaranteed a perfect way to tee off in style! Look out for the kangaroos grazing at sunset from their gorgeous decked restaurant and bar.
9. Visit the Museum of the Goldfields
Feast your eyes on WA’s largest display of gold bars and nuggets! You’ll get the full experience of what it was like to live back in the day with numerous interactive and engaging re-enactments that so many endured in the hopes of striking it big!
10. Take a tour of Australia’s oldest brothel
Questa Casa, also known as the Pink House, has been in operation for 115 years and is possibly the world’s oldest working brothel. They offer tours daily where you can view history from a different perspective – learn about the “old” Kalgoorlie, the stories of the ladies that kept the lonely miners company
11. Have a pint (or 2) at Beaten Track Brewery
For locally brewed beer and excellent conversation, make your way to the Beaten Track Brewery. They’ve got loads beers available on tap with a seasonal ale that’s changed up regularly for something unique and fresh! Check their website as they often have live music, which goes nicely with the freshly made pizzas!
12. Leave your mark at Broad Arrow Pub
Head to this quintessential Aussie pub for an ice-cold beer and try their famous Broady Burger! Don’t forget to leave your mark before hitting the road – this pub encourages its patrons to sign their names on its walls. Once you step inside, you may recall it from the 1977 movie The Nickel Queen. Well worth the trip!
13. Explore Gwalia ghost town
This living ghost town is your doorway to a unique experience of WA’s rich mining history. This little settlement was once one of the largest gold mines in Australia, but the abandoned homes and businesses give us a clear snap shot of what daily life used to look like back in its heyday. You might be interested to know that the first mine manager was America’s 31st president, Herbert Hoover. Today, his home is a luxury Bed and Breakfast where you can spend the night in his personal room, tour the museum and enjoy coffee on the veranda overlooking the vast open pit.
14. Follow the Golden Pipeline Trail
Opened in 1903, the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme was once criticised as ‘a scheme of madness’ but it is now internationally recognised as a grand engineering feat. This trail starts in Perth and ends in Kalgoorlie – with plenty of stops along the way with museums, signage, and walkabouts all detailing the pipeline’s history and significance.
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