Face yourself north towards Kalgoorlie and Boulder and you will find yourself staring at The Real West. There is gold in the hills up there and this is truly the epicentre of Western Australia’s mining boom.
While Kalgoorlie is a thriving and prosperous family town today, it still manages to retain some elements of its rough and tough early years. The place has the highest concentration of lingerie barmaids- euphemistically known as ‘skimpies’ – that you will ever find in one place.
The discovery of gold was what initially placed Western Australia and Perth on the map. A one mile-long gold vein running through hard rock prompted a frenzy of British, Chinese, and European migration. The Golden Mile as it has come to be called is still producing a significant amount of gold today. While in Kalgoorlie check out the Mining Hall of Fame which pays homage to ‘Kal’s’ early set of shady characters. Also in Kalgoorlie is Hannan’s North Tourist Mine. Hannan’s was once an active mine that has since been converted for tourists.
Kalgoorlie is also now home to WA’s only FlowRider wave pool – a stationary wave that is the hottest new thing in extreme sports and ready to ride at the Goldfields Oasis Recreation Centre. While ‘FlowBoarding’ is fast becoming recognised as a high profile international extreme sport, it may still take some effort to convince people that Kalgoorlie is holding a surfing competition hundreds of kilometres from the coast! The Oasis Centre also boasts a 10 metre water slide and a Rapid River Ride. Check out www.kalbould.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9022 2922.
The Golddust Backpackers is a purpose built hostel located 10 minutes walk from the town centre. Experience a relaxed atmosphere that is clean and spacious. The pool is perfect for summer, while the wood fire is cosy in winter. The YHA can also help guests to find work. Call 08 9091 3737.
Also while you’re here step onto the beaten path and check out surrounding towns like Coolgardie, a surreal kind of ghost town. Coolgardie rapidly expanded during the gold rush yet predictably, once that was over the town kind of shrunk as well. While here definitely check out the cemetery. Each headstone contains a description describing the tragic ways people died. For more information on what to do in the area call the Kalgoorlie Visitor Centre at 9021 1966.
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