Kalgoorlie-Boulder has gained a nickname of Kal by the locals and set within the Western Australia Goldfields, is in harsh outback conditions.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder has a dry climate with hot summers and cool winters.
However, the city deals with this extremely well and although has the characteristics of a raw outback town seems to also hold a slightly modern feel.
It wasn't until 1989 that the two towns joined to become a city, after they had both serviced the famous Golden Mile.
Gold was first discovered in Kalgoorlie by Paddy Hannan in 1893, and Kalgoorlie is now the major producer of gold within the whole of Australia. The wonderful historical buildings show the towns historical wealth, and are well worth wandering around. A trip around the Golden Mile is also interesting as you rattle along on the tourist train the 'Rattler'. Goldrush Tours also offer tours around Kalgoorlie-Boulder, as well as many of the other surrounding gold towns. If you would like to see what mining is really about, you should definitely take an underground tour of the Hannans Tourist Mine.
Other attractions around town include the interesting Museum of the Goldfields, which has some good exhibitions and hosts the narrowest hotel in Australia the British Arms Hotel. From the top of the hotel (31 metres high) are great views cross the city. Another city lookout is at Charlotte Lookout, while Super Pit Lookout gives views across the mining operations. There is also a good gallery in the Town Hall, and an interesting display at the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Evening entertainment around the town is good. A popular attraction is the Bush Two-Up School, a gambling event which is great to play or watch (if you want to save yourself a lot of money). Another evening attraction is Hay Street which offers a number of brothels that lead the straying eye.
If you'd prefer a night on the town, then Hannan Street is the place to be, with a number of pubs and clubs which you can't miss. If you want to see some of the true kalgoorlie action, then you should head to either the Federal Hotel, or the Grand Hotel. These pubs feature tattooed bodies and 'skimpies', which is barely dressed bar staff.
Kalgoorlie is also famous for the popular Kalgoorlie-Boulder Race Around, which is a large horse racing carnival. The event is held in September, which is also the start of the beautiful Western Australia Wildflower season.
Most of the accommodation, restaurants and shops within Kalgoorlie-Boulder is based around Hannan Street, which runs off of the Eastern Bypass Road. Accommodation ranges from hostels, to motels, hotels and guesthouses, with many of the prices being generally quite reasonable. If you are visiting during one of Kalgoorlie-Boulder's large events then make sure you book early.
Getting around Kalgoorlie-Boulder is relatively easy, with a local bus service by Goldenlines. There is also plenty of transport to Kalgoorlie Boulder, with a couple of trains running through the city, as well as Greyhound and Westrail. There are also flights to Kalgoorlie-Boulder, by Qantas.
Kalgoorlie Boulder Accommodation
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