Things to do in Kalgoorlie-Boulder

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Things to Do in Kalgoorlie-Boulder

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Mines
Open-cut gold mine with guided tours and viewing platforms. Learn about mining operations, see retired equipment, and witness the scale of the excavation.
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Speciality Museums
Museum in a historic hotel with gold mining heritage, showcasing gold nuggets, a mine rig, and panoramic views from an observation deck. Includes historical insights and indigenous narratives.
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Visitor Centres
Visitor centre located in a heritage building provides comprehensive maps and a self-guided walking tour, plus a selection of local souvenirs.
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Mines • History Museums
Mining history museum showcasing interactive exhibits like gold panning, plus serene Chinese gardens and a collection of large machinery.
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Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic brothel-turned-tour spot in the Red Light District with a blend of humor and history, providing engaging storytelling and insights into the local past.
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Showing results 1-30 of 56

What travellers are saying

  • Mark E
    Whitianga, New Zealand796 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took our friends up to the lookout as they had never been.

    We had been here 15 years ago and it didn't look like it had changed much but it's been going constantly.

    It's a big hole, the huge machinery look like ants working at the bottom.

    There was a blast happening but we wouldn't see it as it was close to the viewing area and it would be shut for the blast. The weather wasn't playing ball either.

    It's a free attraction and we'll worth a look.
    Written 20 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mark E
    Whitianga, New Zealand796 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a free attraction but there is a donation box.

    The staff were great, had a great conversation with them.

    Great exhibits, a lot of gold in the safe in the basement.

    Good views of Kalgoorlie from the mine head.

    Allow a couple of hours.

    Situated at the top of the main street.
    Written 20 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Petrice S
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The staff were super helpful, we had just one night in Kalgoorlie, so highlight activities were suggested. We loved the museum and the retro photo exhibit on at the time. Also, the Kimberley VR experience, which was a welcome reprieve from the scorching out back heat. Thank you
    Written 16 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joycee S
    21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our first point of contact at the Hannah’s North Tourist Mine was with a young lady at the entry desk who was a wealth of knowledge and explained everything we needed to see in detail.
    We spent more than an hour following in the footsteps of miners/supervisors/manager etc. at the old mine. The highlight was a story by (the very real in appearance) Mr Hannan - who the mine is named after. Make sure you visit when passing through Kalgoorlie - you won’t be disappointed! Amazing value for the small entry fee.
    Written 14 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 188petere
    Brisbane, Australia1,620 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A unique experience with a real brothel madam showing a real brothel as it was. It was tge last of the Kalgoorlie brothels to close & her story is an amazing one.

    The history of how the Govt controlled the industry for a century was very interesting.

    A very laid back, ad lib tour & a fun experience. Probably wouldn't take the kids.

    Free on street parking. Worth booking as only a small venue & was booked out the day we visited & people turned away at the door. Takes credit but would prefer cash.
    Written 28 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Janetta B
    Geraldton, Australia113 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This one of the kind tavern and is well worth a visit. We went to Ora Banda and then on way back to Kalgoorlie we stopped and had lunch. Hamburgers with cheese and salad. Freshly made and were good. $16.00 each and beer for hubby. Speedy service and sat outside and talked to the pink and grey galah and ate our lunch. Would recommend if you like one of kind places. If we come back this way would go for lunch again.
    Written 22 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jparke35
    Melbourne, Australia30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful park which is definitely worth a visit. Lots of animals to see and a big playground. This was an enjoyable experience.
    Written 24 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • OrderintheHouse
    Brisbane3,614 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Kalgoorlie / Boulder, in the heart of the Western Australian goldfields, approximately 600 kilometres east of Perth, is a worthwhile place to visit.

    As my wife and I discovered on our short stay there in May 2024, these twin towns are rich in history personified by the discovery of GOLD by prospector Patrick (Paddy) Hannan on 14 June 1893.

    We had just enjoyed a national Conference in Perth for 5 nights and as a post conference tour we decided on Kalgoorlie/Boulder travelling there and back from Perth on the more than satisfactory Prospector train and staying three nights in the comfortable Quality Inn Railway opposite the Kalgoorlie Railway Station.

    Two ‘must do’ places to visit and admire are the two heritage Town Halls – the Kalgoorlie Town Hall and the Boulder Town Hall (both built in 1908). Out of interest Boulder and Kalgoorlie were once separate twin towns with separate municipalities, but amalgamation took place on 27 January 1989 to form one municipality known as Kalgoorlie-Boulder with the sole ‘seat of power’ now being the Kalgoorlie Town Hall, where the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Visitors’ Centre is located. The Boulder Town Hall has been retained and is rich in history like its Kalgoorlie counterpart.

    This review, however, will concentrate on extolling the virtues of the Kalgoorlie Town Hall on the corner of Wilson and Hannan Streets as seen through an excellent guided tour for a modest fee. The building was originally built as a theatre and officially opened on 8 November 1908. Its many beautiful architectural features include ornate pressed metal ceilings, chandeliers, and a most beautiful polished wood sweeping staircase with a delightful red carpet on each step.

    The tour we did was very comprehensive and the guide was very knowledgeable offering good insights into all the great features of this impressive Federation Free Classical style building. Tours can be booked through the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Visitors’ Centre. It’s worth mentioning the Visitors’ Centre is located on the ground floor of this fine building. Here you get friendly advice about all the attractions and tours available in the region. I have reviewed this Centre separately

    Here then are insights of my guided tour of the Kalgoorlie Town Hall -

    “First cab off the rank” is the original, restored Paddy Hannan Statue created by sculptor John Macleod in 1929, located near the glass door front entrance on the ground floor at the base of the impressive polished wooden sweeping staircase. This original 99.9% copper statue is housed inside the Kalgoorlie Town Hall to keep it vandal proof. Outside the Visitors’ Centre’s entrance of the Town Hall on the footpath is a replica of this Statue commissioned in 1983, which doubles up as a novel public water drinking fountain with the tap neatly attached to Paddy’s waterbag.

    Our tour continued on to the magnificent former Theatre within the building, passing interesting history posters depicting the history of the Town Hall along the way. Unfortunately little time was provided on our tour to be able to digest the facts contained in the posters adequately. And so to the magnificent Theatre with its stage and original red velvet silk curtain and an arch over the curtain in original paint colours. There is an impressive upper floor dress circle at the back of the Theatre accessed by stairs from the ground floor. Throughout its existence the Town Hall has continuously hosted important Goldfields civic and social events. It has been the venue for musical, vaudeville, and variety performances including fine talents such as Dame Nellie Melba and Percy Grainger.

    An interesting aspect of the tour of the old Theatre was to go back stage, a large area which was highlighted by a fly tower with original theatre rigging, a system of ropes, pulleys, counterweights and related devices enabling a stage crew to fly (hoist) quickly, quietly and safely components such as curtains, lights, scenery, and stage effects. This was well explained to us by the guide.

    Theatre tour over, we were then shown the Banquet room where official receptions are held, adorned with paintings on the walls (14 permanent artworks on display from the Sir Claude Hotchkins bequest, and other artworks by local artists).and delightful ceiling chandeliers. Before going up to the next floor via the beautiful staircase we pass the imposing C Y O’Connor pure white bust honouring Charles O’Connor (1843-1902) who in 1895 completed details of a plan to construct a 560km pipeline that would pump water from Mundaring to the Goldfields. The pipeline would be capable of supplying these communities with more than 20 million litres of water each day. O’Connor’s vision was realised but in the face of immense public opposition to his proposal at the time, sadly he took his own life before the pipeline was officially opened. Charles O’Connor is indeed one of Western Australia’s favourite sons. Another observed item of interest close by was the Olympic torch cauldron in a glass display case which was lit at Sir Richard Moore Oval, Kalgoorlie by local Olympian David Henneker as part of the Sydney 2000 Olympic torch replay.

    On the first floor foyer is home to the Sporting Hall of Fame, where photographs of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s sporting heroes are on display, alongside artefacts and memorabilia of events and important occasions in the history of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. We entered the “inner sanctum” – the actual Council Chambers where the town council still meets today. What a privilege to have been given a rare look into the Councillors’ meeting place, admiring the delightful polished wood furnishings, interesting historic framed photographs adorning the walls, yet another memorial to the great C Y O’Connor and glass cabinets containing an array of interesting historical artefacts. From the Council Chambers the tour allowed us a look in the Mayor’s Parlour, a narrow room where Royalty and distinguished celebrities have dined, with all the former Mayors of the town displayed in framed photographs around the walls.

    The last part of the tour gave us an opportunity to sit in one of the 224 sturdy, iron framed, red padded velvet seats in the dress circle of the Theatre. It was clear to us that these were indeed the best seats in the house. Seats 11 and 12 in front row A, I am informed were reserved for the Mayor and Mayoress. It was an opportunity just for a moment to let one’s thought processes run wild by imagining listening to the stirring , pure, operatic voice of the great Dame Nellie Melba in such palatial surroundings.

    I will make a comment about the beautiful sweeping staircase which is such a prominent feature throughout the building. Our guide pointed out that of all the wooden railings making up this splendid piece of architecture, there was one that is different to the rest. It has been given two ornate carved endings whereas all the rest only have one. It smacks of a little bit of good humoured “civil disobedience” on the part of the builder wanting to leave a special mark on the structure so that he would always be remembered. That’s a neat story in itself.

    As you can see there was a lot on offer by doing a tour of the Kalgoorlie Town Hall and for just $10 each or $8 senior concession in our case. It has to be one of the best value tours on offer anywhere and well worth the experience. My wife and I were totally enthralled throughout.
    Written 11 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Daniel B
    Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Australia3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had a pint of summer ale which was very tasty the venue is always clean and tidy staff are friendly
    Written 9 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • OrderintheHouse
    Brisbane3,614 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My wife and I had just enjoyed a national Conference in Perth for 5 nights during May 2024 and as a post conference tour we decided on Kalgoorlie/Boulder travelling there and back from Perth on the more than satisfactory Prospector train and staying three nights in the comfortable Quality Inn Railway opposite the Kalgoorlie Railway Station.

    Visitors to the Western Australia Goldfields should aim to include visits to the two Town Halls of the twin towns of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to get a feel for the rich history on offer at each.

    My wife and I were fortunate enough to be in Kalgoorlie on the day of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Visitors’ Centre’s guided tour of the Kalgoorlie Town Hall and that was well worth the two hour’s experience. I have reviewed this Town Hall tour separately.

    As luck would have it during our very short stay, we also booked with the Visitors’ Centre on their excellent City Tram Taster Tour travelling on a heritage style road tram to six local attractions which included a thirty minute stop to view the Boulder Town Hall. This was fortunate, because we were unable to add the guided tour of the Boulder Town Hall in our short itinerary.

    By way of explanation Boulder and Kalgoorlie were once separate twin towns with separate municipalities, but amalgamation took place on 27 January 1989 to form one municipality known as Kalgoorlie-Boulder with the sole ‘seat of power’ now being the Kalgoorlie Town Hall, where the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Visitors’ Centre is located. The Boulder Town Hall has been retained and remains rich in history like its Kalgoorlie counterpart and both Town Halls were opened in 1908.

    This review is all about our experience of the Boulder Town Hall, forming part of the City Tram Taster Tour.

    The Boulder Town Hall is a Federation Free Classical style building. It is an imposing brick and stone building with a clock tower on the street corner (Lane and Burt Streets). It comprises municipal offices, a council chamber, library, main hall, theatre and eight dressing rooms. Community activities and performances have always been a strong feature of the Town Hall’s activities.. The Hall was formerly a theatre famous for celebrity performances by Dame Nellie Melba, Eileen Joyce and Joan Sutherland.

    Its centrepiece is its Theatre or grand main hall with a polished wooden floor and impressive stage and back stage curtain. It has impressive dimensions, being 21 metres long by 17 metres wide and enjoys a good height of around 10 metres. A great feature is the horse shoe shaped dress circle on the floor above which wraps around the entire theatre. The dress circle is supported by ornate iron pillars. A great view of the Theatre below can be gained from this dress circle. The original dress circle seats are no longer there, replaced by more modern individual seats scattered throughout the dress circle. The balustrade of the dress circle is enhanced by its gorgeous fine filigree wrought iron railings. Under the dress circle on the perimeter of the Theatre are a selection of interesting posters giving insight into the history and activities of the Boulder township.

    The stellar highlight of any visit to the Boulder Town Hall is that it is home to a very rare Theatre curtain painted by Phillip Goatcher in the Tromp-l’oeil painting style. The curtain is a priceless work of art and is believed to be the last remaining working stage curtain of its kind in Australia. The curtain depicts the Bay of Naples, a Neapolitan scene with Mt Vesuvius in the background, and surrounded by tranquil water. Regrettably the Council staff member on duty was unable to bring out the original, due to maintenance, but instead showed our tour group a replica version – “second best is better than nothing at all” and a nice gesture to produce this replica version to satisfy our curiosities. It was easy to see who beautiful a Curtain it is and such a coup for the Town Hall that it holds and cherishes the original.

    Another outstanding exhibit was the ANZAC Day Commemoration with a patchwork of Poppies on one set of the stairs – vibrant red and purple and even white poppies making a kaleidoscope of glorious colour. Needless to say these stairs were definitely out of bounds.

    In the absence of a guide, we were able to roam the place freely ourselves and at every new venue there was a staff member able to answer our questions. A notable visit was to the old, no longer used Council Chamber – full of history at every turn and neat black and white framed photographs of former Mayors on the walls to admire. There was one very interesting photo poster depicting a Council meeting in progress in this very Chamber in 1950. The Chamber spill out to an outside verandah sporting a decorative concrete balustrade and providing a good view of Burt Street below with its array of interesting buildings including the very ornate Court Hotel (est. 1900) opposite.

    It would have been nice to have viewed the war museum within the building. However, this was not possible because we were not on the official guided tour. Nevertheless, our visit looking over the place at our own pace by ourselves was still a worthwhile experience.
    Written 14 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mark E
    Whitianga, New Zealand796 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Only a short distance out of the cbd.

    Good parking.

    Good views.

    Interesting history about how they got water from Perth to Kalgoorlie.

    Unfortunately the engineer who designed the pipeline committed suicide before the water arrived.

    Truly a feat of engineering.
    Written 20 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 2Ad2Ch
    Perth, Australia95 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are so many paths to choose here, most are around 4km, but some are only just over 2kms long. Although there were a few people there, jogging and just walking around, the place is so huge that you really don't see them. There are signs at various intervals, although they could be a little closer so you know you're on the right track. The lookout is amazing, a total 360 panoramic view, stretching as far as the eye can see. It was incredibly windy when we went but good bracing walking weather. I imagine it would get quite warm there in summer and probably quite generous with flies...
    Written 15 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • EJSWA
    Perth, Western Australia, Australia143 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I drove out from Kalgoorlie to explore this spot and was just about the only person around. Lovely and quiet with just the birds for company. Pleasant spot to picnic. Good, easy, signed walking trail across rock and through the bush. Bush camping available.
    Written 4 June 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Annie M
    Launceston, Australia9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place to cool down and relax away from the heat. Outside area for toddlers was excellent and the other pool areas was well patronized.
    Written 5 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dio1967
    Perth, Australia13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The walk was easy and fun. Great art and artists. We enjoyed this way of finding our way around Kalgoorlie inner city . A lot to see that we wouldn’t have seen otherwise .
    Written 31 October 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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