12 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Planning a trip to Kalgoorlie-Boulder and wondering what to do? Don’t worry – this outback town is packed with history, character, and activities for everyone.

From touring the iconic Super Pit (yes, it’s as massive as they say!) to enjoying the laid-back charm of Hannan Street, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.

Maybe I’m biased because this is where I live, but I think Kalgoorlie-Boulder is one of the best places in Western Australia with lots to see and do.

Whether you’re here with the family, taking a solo adventure, or scouting the area for a potential move, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.

Let’s get into it and discover why this place is worth your time!

Aerial view of the Kalgoorlie Super Pit, a massive open-pit gold mine in Western Australia, featuring terraced, layered rock walls descending in steps. Dusty, winding roads traverse the pit’s levels, illustrating the scale of this vast excavation under a clear blue sky. — Kalgoorlie Super Pit, taken from the Viewing Platform

1. Kalgoorlie Super Pit

🌏DISTANCE FROM KALGOORLIE: 7km |📍LOCATION: KCGM Super Pit Lookout, Outram St, Fimiston WA | Google Maps

Why You’ll Love It:
The Kalgoorlie Super Pit is a must-see attraction when you visit Kalgoorlie-Boulder. If you want to see the heart of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder mining industry and the scale of it’s operations, this attraction offers a glimpse into a world unlike any other.

What Makes It Unique:
At 3.5 kilometers long, 1.5 kilometers wide, and over 500 meters deep, the Super Pit is one of the largest open-cut gold mines in the world. From the Super Pit Lookout, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the entire operation. Watching the enormous trucks maneuver through the site is a humbling reminder of the mine’s scale and efficiency. Informative displays at the lookout also provide fascinating insights into the mine’s history and how it operates.

If you’re lucky, you might witness one of the scheduled blasts – an unforgettable experience where the controlled explosions shake the ground and send clouds of dust into the air.

Check the the Super Pit’s official website for daily updates on blast times. Even if you’re elsewhere in town during a blast, you may feel the ground tremble and hear the distant rumble – a true “only in Kalgoorlie” moment!

Personal Tip:
Arrive at least 30 minutes early if you’re planning to catch a blast – trust me on this one! I’ve been caught out twice, thinking I had plenty of time, only to hear the explosion just as I stepped out of the car! The Super Pit waits for no one! If you have binoculars, bring them along for an even closer look at the trucks and equipment in action.

Rustic sign reading "Welcome to Hannans North Tourist Mine," with cut-out silhouette of a gold prospector examining a pan, set against a background of red earth and native Australian shrubs. Industrial-style buildings and equipment are visible in the background, giving a sense of the mining heritage at this tourist site. — Hannans North Tourist Mine entry

2. Hannans North Tourist Mine

🌏DISTANCE FROM KALGOORLIE: 4km |📍LOCATION: 130 Goldfields Highway, Mullingar WA | Google Maps

Why You’ll Love It:
Hannans North Tourist Mine brings Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s rich gold mining history to life. This interactive site lets you experience what it was like for the early gold miners.

What Makes It Unique:
Located just 4 kilometers from Kalgoorlie, this historic site offers a look into the past. Guided tours walk you through mining techniques, with vintage equipment and authentic mine shafts transporting you back in time.

Kids will be thrilled by the chance to climb into a massive dump truck for photos, and the Gold Pour Demonstrations are a must-see. Watching molten gold being poured into ingots is a mesmerizing moment that captures the magic of mining.

Check their Facebook Page for updates on the schedule for these demonstrations. It’s worth planning your visit around one!

Personal Tip:
Don’t skip the gold panning! It’s a hit with kids, and who knows – you might find a speck of gold to take home. When we visited, my kids couldn’t stop talking about climbing the giant dump truck – it’s a photo op you won’t want to miss. Arrive early in the day to take advantage of the cooler weather and explore the entire site without rushing.

Tall, red metal headframe structure at the Museum of the Goldfields, standing prominently against a bright blue sky. Surrounded by trees and greenery, the structure reflects the historical mining architecture of the area, symbolizing the region's rich gold mining heritage. — Museum of the Goldfields entry

3. Museum of the Goldfields

🌏DISTANCE FROM KALGOORLIE: 1km |📍LOCATION: 17 Hannan St, Kalgoorlie WA | Google Maps

Why You’ll Love It:
The Museum of the Goldfields offers a fascinating journey through the region’s gold rush era, offering a captivating glimpse into the gold rush era that shaped Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

What Makes It Unique:
Located just 1 kilometre from Kalgoorlie’s centre, the museum boasts an impressive collection of gold nuggets, mining equipment, and historical artifacts.

Interactive exhibits bring the stories of early prospectors to life, making it a hands-on learning experience for kids and adults alike. Outside, restored mining equipment and a serene botanical garden featuring local flora add to the museum’s charm.

Personal Tip:
The underground vault is always a hit, especially with kids, so make it a priority on your visit. The viewing deck offers panoramic views of the town and is the perfect spot for a family photo. I also recommend checking their calendar for special exhibitions or events – these can add an extra layer of interest to your visit.

A person stands at the Mount Charlotte Reservoir and Lookout, gazing over the expansive view of Kalgoorlie-Boulder under a bright blue sky. The landscape features scattered trees, buildings, and stretches of land, illustrating the mix of natural and developed areas in this historic mining region. — View from Mount Charlotte Reservoir and Lookout

4. Mount Charlotte Reservoir and Lookout

🌏DISTANCE FROM KALGOORLIE: 2km |📍LOCATION: Sutherland Street, Williamstown WA | Google Maps

Why You’ll Love It:
Mount Charlotte Reservoir and Lookout is perched above Kalgoorlie-Boulder and offers panoramic vistas of the town and surrounding landscape.

What Makes It Unique:
The reservoir is an engineering marvel designed by the legendary CY O’Connor, whose work transformed Kalgoorlie’s water supply. Informative displays at the site share the incredible story of how water was transported to this arid region via the iconic Goldfields Water Supply Scheme – a feat of ingenuity that still amazes visitors today.

Personal Tip:
The short walk to the lookout is accessible and rewarding, providing sweeping views that showcase the scale and beauty of the goldfields. If you want to learn more about CY O’Connor, check out this documentary Constructing Australia – Pipe Dreams, I found it absolutely fascinating!

Rustic, weathered shed known as the Kalgoorlie Two-Up Shed, surrounded by sparse Australian bushland under a clear blue sky. The shed has a corrugated metal roof with various rust and wear, while two vehicles are parked nearby, and a person stands near the entrance, evoking the region's historical connection to the game of two-up. — Kalgoorlie Two-Up Shed

5. Kalgoorlie Two Up Shed

🌏DISTANCE FROM KALGOORLIE: 8km |📍LOCATION: Follow the Signs off Goldfields Highway, Mullingar WA | Google Maps

Why You’ll Love It:
The Kalgoorlie Two-Up Shed is a slice of history where you can learn about Two-Up, an iconic Australian gambling game with deep roots in Kalgoorlie’s mining culture.

What Makes It Unique:
Just a 10-minute drive from Kalgoorlie, this tin shed in the bush is one of only two places in Australia where you can legally play two-up year-round, outside of the traditional ANZAC Day games.

On Sundays from about 1pm, the shed comes alive with friendly games of Two-Up, giving you a chance to test your luck and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Even if you’re not there to play, the Two-Up Shed is worth a visit to see its unique setup and snap a photo in this historic spot.

Personal Tip:
Want to learn more? Watch this short segment ABC Australia put together on YouTube about Two-Up in Kalgoorlie!

Roundabout on Hannan Street with a landscaped garden bed and a sign reading 'Historic Hannan Street', on a sunny Kalgoorlie Boulder street. — View of the main roundabout on Hannans Street and Lane Street

6. Hannan Street

Why You’ll Love It:
Hannan Street is the heart of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. It features many grand buildings from the gold rush era.

What Makes It Unique:
Start your journey at the Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre. It’s housed in a charming heritage building and offers maps for self-guided walking tours.

By day, you can explore charming shops and admire the ornate facades that reflect the town’s prosperous history. By night, the street transforms into a social hub with buzzing bars and restaurants, making it an excellent spot to unwind and mingle with locals.

Personal Tip:
Take your time exploring the side streets off Hannan Street – you’ll often stumble upon quaint cafes or boutique shops. If you’re venturing out in the evening, the energy and friendliness of the locals make for a truly memorable night out.

Front view of Questa Casa, Australia's oldest operating brothel, located in Kalgoorlie, featuring a white and pink exterior with signage promoting tours. The building has a vintage look with simple, corrugated walls, and various signs invite visitors to learn about the history of this unique establishment.

7. Questa Casa

🌏DISTANCE FROM KALGOORLIE: 1km |📍LOCATION: 133 Hay Street, Kalgoorlie WA | Google Maps

Why You’ll Love It:
Questa Casa is a one-of-a-kind attraction that offers a fascinating glimpse into Kalgoorlie’s colourful past. As Australia’s oldest working brothel, this iconic pink building on Hay Street is steeped in history, giving visitors a rare opportunity to explore an often-overlooked side of the gold rush era.

What Makes It Unique:
Operating continuously since the 1890s, Questa Casa is a living piece of history. Daily tours at 3pm (bookings recommended) allow you to step inside and learn about the lives and stories of the women who have worked there over the decades. The tour is a respectful and informative experience, offering insight into a world that has been an integral part of Kalgoorlie’s heritage for over 120 years.

Personal Tip:
This tour is unlike anything else you’ll do in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. I recommend booking ahead, as spots fill up quickly. The guide’s stories bring the history of Questa Casa to life, and the building itself is full of surprising details.

Front of the Broad Arrow Tavern, a rustic pub located near Kalgoorlie, with a corrugated metal and brick exterior. A dusty four-wheel-drive vehicle is parked outside, reflecting the tavern's outback setting and its appeal as a stop for travelers. The sign above the entrance reads "Broad Arrow Tavern," adding to the building’s authentic, historic charm. — The Broad Arrow Tavern, a 30-minute drive from Kalgoorlie-Boulder

8. Outback Pubs

Why You’ll Love It:
Kalgoorlie-Boulder boasts a rich pub culture that you won’t want to miss. The city once had 96 pubs, and while that number has decreased to around 15, by my count, there are still plenty of great spots to grab a drink and soak in the local atmosphere.

What Makes It Unique:
One must-visit spot is the Broad Arrow Tavern, located 30 minutes north of Kalgoorlie. Built in 1896, this pub offers true Australian outback style and provides food, drinks, and accommodation.

In town, you’ll find the Kalgoorlie Hotel, Hannans Hotel, the Exchange Hotel, and the Palace Hotel, amongst others.

For beer enthusiasts, don’t miss the Beaten Track Brewery. It’s the only brewery in town and proudly holds that title.

When you visit these pubs, you might notice some unique local customs:

Boards outside pubs listing the names of “skimpies” working that night (this is not all the pubs by the way, just some of them!)
Local mining workers wearing hi-vis and often covered in dirt
A mix of visitors and regulars creating a lively atmosphere that’s quintessentially Kalgoorlie

Personal Tip:
If you’re looking for a truly authentic experience, head to the Broad Arrow Tavern for a hearty meal and a cold drink- it’s worth the drive! In town, I love stopping by Beaten Track Brewery for a relaxed vibe and great beer. Don’t let the hi-vis or local quirks intimidate you; the people are incredibly friendly and always happy to share a yarn about life in the goldfields.

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9. Skimpies

Why You’ll Love It:
Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s pub culture is steeped in tradition, and one of the more unique and talked-about aspects is the presence of skimpies. These scantily clad barmaids have been serving drinks and adding a touch of flair to the local pub scene since the 1970s.

What Makes It Unique:
Skimpies are an enduring part of Kalgoorlie’s identity and set its pub culture apart from other Australian destinations. While you’ll find skimpies in several pubs around town, the vibe is more about fun and tradition than anything else. For visitors, it’s an interesting way to experience a piece of local history and culture that’s evolved over decades.

If you’re curious to see this custom in action, many pubs display schedules or boards listing when skimpies will be working. It’s a reminder of Kalgoorlie’s laid-back and quirky spirit!

Personal Tip:
Even if skimpies aren’t your thing, don’t let this tradition deter you from exploring Kalgoorlie’s pub scene. I’ve found that the pubs themselves are friendly and welcoming, with plenty to enjoy beyond the skimpy side of things. If you do visit, keep it lighthearted – it’s all part of the unique Kalgoorlie experience!

Entrance to Hammond Park, featuring a rustic stone gate with metal fencing decorated with cut-out animal shapes. A wooden sign overhead reads "Hammond Park," while a young child stands near the gate, adding a sense of scale and charm to the park's welcoming atmosphere. Lush greenery and shaded areas are visible beyond the gate. — Hammond Park entry

10. Hammond Park

🌏DISTANCE FROM KALGOORLIE: 3km |📍LOCATION: Memorial Drive, West Lamington WA | Google Maps

Why You’ll Love It:
Hammond Park is a family-friendly oasis in the heart of Kalgoorlie. This free and well-maintained park offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages. You can enjoy picnic facilities, playgrounds, and beautiful gardens.

What Makes It Unique:
This well-maintained park is home to a charming mix of wildlife and flora. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos, emus, and peacocks roaming freely in certain areas. There are also aviaries where you can admire various bird species.

For the little ones, Hammond Park offers great play areas. The playgrounds are shaded, making them perfect for hot days.

Personal Tip:
Pack a picnic and enjoy the shaded tables – it’s one of our family’s favorite weekend spots. My kids love spotting the roaming peacocks and kangaroos, while I always enjoy a stroll through the gardens.

11. Karlkurla Bushland Park and Nature Playground

🌏DISTANCE FROM KALGOORLIE: 4.7km |📍LOCATION: 57 Paddington Drive, Hannans WA | Google Maps

Why You’ll Love It:
Looking for a peaceful escape in Kalgoorlie-Boulder? Head to Karlkurla Bushland Park, where you can immerse yourself in the unique beauty of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s native landscape. With a 4-kilometer walking trail, a scenic lookout, and a nature playground for the kids, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.

What Makes It Unique:
Spanning 200 hectares, this park is a testament to community spirit, with over 2,000 native trees and shrubs planted by local volunteers. The name ‘Karlkurla’ (pronounced “gull-gurl-la”) means Silky Pear in the local Aboriginal language, connecting the park to its cultural heritage.

The walking trail is a highlight, offering a chance to spot native plants and animals unique to the region. For the best experience, climb to the lookout point – it’s breathtaking at sunset when the sky lights up in shades of gold. The nature playground adds a layer of fun for families, letting kids climb, swing, and explore in a safe, natural setting.

Personal Tip:
This is one of our family’s favourite places in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. We often pack a few snacks, our water bottles, a sun hat, and a flynet and settle in for a few hours.

12. Golden Quest Discovery Trail

Why You’ll Love It:
The Golden Quest Discovery Trail is an epic self-drive adventure through the Goldfields region. Spanning 965 kilometers, this trail offers an unforgettable journey through historic ghost towns, vast wilderness, and charming communities that capture the spirit of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

What Makes It Unique:
Starting right in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the trail loops through iconic stops like Coolgardie, Menzies, and Leonora. Along the way, you’ll uncover stories of early prospectors, explore old mine sites, and visit ghost towns frozen in time. Each stop offers a glimpse into the area’s gold rush heritage, paired with stunning views of the rugged outback.

This 3-5 day adventure is well-supported, with guidebooks and a trail app available from the Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre. The app is especially handy for points of interest, accommodations, and road condition updates, ensuring a smooth and memorable journey. Best of all, the trail is accessible with a 2WD car during good conditions – just be sure to check road updates before you go..

Personal Tip:
We’ve only done sections of this trail, just a day here and there, and it’s always an adventure! Pack plenty of water and snacks for the road, and download a podcast or twom as services can be sparse between towns. I recommend starting early in the day to make the most of each stop – there’s so much to see! The stories and history you’ll discover along the way truly bring the Goldfields to life.

Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Kalgoorlie-Boulder

I hope this guide has sparked some excitement for all the fun and unique things you can do here in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Keep going

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