Australia's Golden Outback 2024 Holiday Planner

How to Get There

F rom the fervor of the early gold rush days to the vast expanse of contemporary mining, Kalgoorlie/ Karlkurla and the Goldfields encapsulate the essence of adventure and the allure of the outback. Dive deep into Western Australia’s golden core and unearth its wonders for yourself. Anchored by the ambitions of early prospectors, the bustling cityscape of Kalgoorlie Boulder showcases exquisite colonial designs, transporting you to a golden age of audacious adventurers and their dreams of prosperity. Start your exploration at the Museum of the Goldfields . This treasure trove dives deep into the region’s gilded history, allowing visitors to relive the days of the gold rush and understand its profound impact on Australia’s development. Here, vibrant exhibits narrate tales of fortune, dreams, and the indomitable human spirit that thrived during the gold frenzy. From the museum, visitors naturally gravitate to Hannan’s North Tourist Mine , named after Paddy Hannan, whose discovery in 1893 triggered the gold rush. Today, it stands as an evocative monument to those tumultuous times, transporting visitors back to an era of adventurers, dreamers, and fortune-seekers. Yet, what’s history without a touch of grandeur? The Super Pit delivers this in spades. As one of the largest open pit mines globally, it’s a testament to human ambition. Viewing platforms around this massive expanse allow visitors to witness mining operations, offering an awe-inspiring perspective of the sheer scale and determination that drives the industry. For a truly immersive experience of the area’s goldrush heritage, hit the road along The Golden Quest Discovery Trail (GQDT). This 965km adventurous drive from Coolgardie to Laverton weaves through historic gold rush towns, revealing tales of fortunes, tragedies, and the indomitable spirit of pioneering gold seekers. Nature, however, offers a pristine counterpoint to the Goldfields’ industrial

By Road: Kalgoorlie is the transport hub of the Goldfields, with a good network of sealed roads that link Kalgoorlie with Perth, Esperance and the Northern Goldfields, Murchison and Gascoyne. By Rail: Transwa operates the Prospector train, with daily services between Perth and Kalgoorlie. Tel: 1300 662 205. If you have a valid Western Australia Pension Concession Card you are entitled to one free return trip or two single trips per calendar year on the Transwa network. Book your Transwa Seniors Break in person at the WA Visitor Centre or call on 1800 812 808 or Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre on 08 9021 1966. The coast to coast Indian Pacific rail service, travelling between Sydney, Adelaide and Perth, travels through Kalgoorlie weekly in each direction. Tel: 13 21 47. By Air Kalgoorlie-Boulder is serviced by Qantas and Virgin Airlines with multiple daily flights from Perth. Skippers flies from Perth to Leonora, Laverton and Wiluna. Tel: Qantas 13 13 13 | Virgin 13 67 89 | Skippers 1300 729 924 By Coach Goldrush Tours operates a weekly service linking Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Menzies, Leonora and Laverton. Tel: 1800 620 440. Top Trails Coolgardie Bluff Cultural and Heritage Trail Kalgoorlie Heart of Gold Discovery Trail (1.9km) Karlkurla Bushland Park walking trail (4km) Malcolm-Laverton Rail Trail (37.8km) Leonora Heritage Trail (1.6km) The Breakaway Trail at Niagara Dam (1.6km) Wiluna Heritage Trail (2.9km)

spirit. Lake Ballard — a highlight along the GQDT — stands as a silent witness to the region’s timeless beauty. Famous for its statues by artist Antony Gormley, this vast salt lake offers a surreal landscape where creativity thrives. Equally enchanting is Lake Lefroy in Kambalda, a gleaming expanse that mirrors the sky, presenting a breathtaking tableau of reflections, especially during sunset. The spirit of exploration is celebrated grandly at Laverton’s Great Beyond Explorers’ Hall of Fame . Honouring the brave souls who charted unknown terrains in search of gold, it’s a tribute to the adventurers who laid the foundation for the Goldfields’ legacy. If you’re driven by the urge to traverse, the Outback Way beckons. Often dubbed as ‘Australia’s longest shortcut’, this epic six-day journey departs Laverton and weaves through ancient landscapes, Indigenous communities, past the iconic Uluru while venturing through the Northern Territory, arriving in Winton, Queensland. In the heart of the Goldfields lies Gwalia , a ghost town that whispers tales of yesteryears and is home to an insightful museum. Here, Hoover House stands out, once home to the 31st US President Herbert Hoover during his stint as a mining engineer. It’s a rare opportunity to step into a dwelling that has hosted world leaders, offering glimpses into the personal side of history. For a more intimate look into the lives of those who shaped the region, the Warden Finnerty Cottage in Coolgardie stands as a preserved piece of the past. This historic residence, with its authentic furnishings and artifacts, paints a vivid picture of life during the gold rush. Nearby, the Coolgardie Bluff offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscapes, making it a popular spot for picnics and reflection. In Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields, every corner, from the shimmering lakes to the hallowed halls of history, beckons with a story. For those who seek adventure, knowledge, and beauty, Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields promise a journey gilded with memories.

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