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At the centre of the Goldfields is Kalgoorlie, bustling with the latest gold booms - the town's grand colonial architecture is well kept and lies testament to its success and the hardships that have been overcome. Responsible for producing a tenth of the world's gold until recently the current world gold price flashed across a screen on the main street to emphasise the central role this town plays in the gold industry.
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Men made massive fortunes overnight after Irishman Paddy Hannan found gold in 1893. The influx of miners was huge, by 1902 the town had grown to house over 30000 people in shanty shacks, tents and in gracious buildings. Kalgoorlie was the frontier, with an amazing 93 hotels in operation at its peak.
Again, the Irish immigrant engineer, CY OConnor was the genius responsible for opening up the harsh and cruelly dry outback of Western Australia. Today, gold mining continues with Kalgoorlie Boulder producing around ten percent of the worlds gold output. Nickel is mined at nearby Kambalda.
You can feel the living history of the gold rush through the magnificent colonial architecture of Kalgoorlie. Fine examples include the Town Hall, Post Office and Government Buildings complex. The grand buildings, many still intact, announce that the town was built on a foundation of gold, boasting all the pleasures and rewards that hard workingmen require. Located in the heart of Kalgoorlies town centre, The Palace Hotel was built in 1896 and is a local landmark and tourism icon of the Goldfields. Langtrees 181 is a major attraction on the red light districts Hay Street that tells the stories of the many oladies of the night that came to the area, following the camps and the nuggets the men found.
Enjoy the vibrancy of this bustling town. Visit one of the many proper Aussie pubs, grab a cold drink and explore the photos and memorabilia over the walls. You will feel the special country warmth of the Kalgoorlie welcome. Perhaps share a yarn with a local character or two. But don't be surprised if that unassuming looking fellow with the long beard just happens to be a gold prospecting millionaire.
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The Kalgoorlie Diggers and Dealers started as a meeting of like-minded businessmen and has grown to become the worlds foremost mining convention. The town fills up to the brim with corporate types and bush miners, all enjoying the mateship and rich ambience of wonderful outback Kal.
Paddy Hannans statue, on Kalgoorlies main street, has become a symbol of the immigrant Aussie battler who struck it rich. The Australian Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame just 7km north of Kalgoorlie highlights the past, present and future of Australian mining. The museum cost $25 million to create and is open every day. Here, you can visit its galleries, go on an underground tour, pan for gold and watch gold being poured. Admission also includes a visit to Hannans North Tourist Mine for an underground tour through old mine shafts, see a gold pour and try your luck panning for gold. The Golden Mile Railway, known as The Rattler, will take you on a tour of Kalgoorlie giving you a great overall perspective of the town and its surrounds.
Accommodation options in Kalgoorlie include original gold-rush hotels, family holiday parks, motel style, and even a luxurious modern 5 star resort. Fine dining can be savoured in award-winning renowned restaurants, or a casual lunch can be taken on the balcony of a heritage hotel overlooking the hustle and bustle of the Goldfields regional hub. Or you might choose to dine alfresco in a tropical garden setting.
The fabled Kalgoorlie Race Round is held annually in September. A serious must for fans of horse racing and an essential social event for everyone who wants to see and be seen enjoying the fun filled days of country racing at its' best.
Central Kalgoorlie South West WA - Western Australia
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Western Australia - Map of Kalgoorlie Australia
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