A Golden Past

The origins of the name Kalgoorlie are derived from an aboriginal word for the native silky pear “Kulgooluh” or “Karlkurla” (pronounced gull-gurl-la).

596kms east of Perth, Western Australia, Kalgoorlie-Boulder is one of the most important mining areas in the world. It is a place like no other – grown from a wild and heady past to what can be described today as a cosmopolitan bustling City of 30,000 residents. Gold was discovered in June 1893 by three Irish prospectors, Paddy Hannan, Daniel Shea and Tom Flanagan, when the trio stumbled across 100 ounces of alluvial gold nuggets. In today’s terms, that would equate to approximately $52,000 AUD, which is quite a find in anyone’s language. Some days after the discovery, Paddy Hannan registered a reward claim in Coolgardie that started one of the biggest gold rushes in Australia’s history and soon after led to the unearthing of the ‘Golden Mile’, the richest square mile of gold bearing earth in the world!

As rumour would have it, although Paddy Hannan’s name is now synonymous with Kalgoorlie, with streets, pubs and shopping malls all bearing his name, the outcome may have been a little different had Flanagan and Shea learnt to read and write and were able to register their own claims!

Men came in their thousands. Many were unprepared for the harsh conditions – the inadequate food, scarcity of water, poor living conditions, lack of sanitation and few medical supplies. Thousands died from thirst and disease from drinking contaminated water.

It was a time when water was more precious than gold.

An influx in labour and capital investments followed. As the ‘fields’ grew, so did the water crisis. It was at this time the brilliant State Chief Engineer, Charles Yelverton O’Connor devised the Goldfields Water scheme. In 1903 this foresight saw water being pumped from Mundaring Weir in Perth to the Goldfields, some 550kms. This project is still seen as one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th Century.

Of course today, the city no longer deals with the hardships of the past and enjoys the modern facilities common to all of civilisation.

Although the Goldfields region was built on the backbone of the mining industry, the area offers more than just big trucks and headframes. Western Australia is renowned for its beautiful wildflowers and our inland region plays its role in staging its own colourful spectacular. From the yellows of the wattle, the pastel pinks of the everlastings, to the reds of the flowering gums, nature’s own artist’s palette. The region is also one of the few in Australia where you will find the distinctive aromatic sandalwood tree. The sandalwood industry was established in this area long before the gold rush and remains a valuable export today.

Contrary to belief, the desert isn’t always as dry as imagined. Our vast landscape boasts large watering holes, natural water catchments and huge salt lakes, creating homes and food for wildlife. These liquid gems also create fabulous recreational playgrounds for visitors and locals.

A strong arts culture is evident, with many local and national exhibitions and artists gracing the city. Whether it’s music, paintings, crafts, dance or theatre that takes your interest, then you are sure to enjoy what’s on offer here in Gold country.

If wining and dining is your bag, then you can choose from more than 30 pubs and restaurants.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the surrounding areas have come a long way since those early days, and has blossomed over the years to become a modern hub, with much history to brag about and a bright future to look forward to.

We hope your visit is a wonderful one.