Lake Douglas, Kambalda, Cave Hill WA

Travelled: 210km to free bush camp Lake Douglas (Kalgoorlie), 70km to RV park Kambalda 228km via Cave Hill to RV park Norseman WA

The next morning we heard the news that South Australia has closed it borders. We decide that we want to stay in the eastern part of WA in the hopes that restrictions may ease soon. SA will allow us to travel though to Victoria within 72hours but at this time we don’t need to take that option. So we drive back to Kalgoorlie, did some shopping and went 15km out of town to Lake Douglas in the hope that it would offer us a peaceful night.

Unfortunately it was quickly apparent that there was a mine close by which to our annoyance continued working throughout the night. So then next morning we packed up and continued south to Kambalda which has a pleasant RV parking area that is close to amenities as well as $2.50 hot showers at the recreation centre. Also on the plus side we had a very peaceful night. We plan to stay for a few nights as our options are somewhat limited at the moment as we wait and see the outcome of the latest Covid outbreak.

Kambalda was founded in 1897 with the gold rush that ended quickly. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that it came alive again with one of the discovery of the world’s largest nickel sulphide deposit which is still being mined today and is the life blood of this town. Unfortunately FIFO and 12 hour shifts have had an adverse effect on the businesses in town.

We unhook the caravan and drive out to East Kambalda and go up to Red Hill Lookout which offered great views of Lake Lefroy and some of the mines.

The lake is also used for land sailing due to its size and texture of the surface. 

The next morning we set off south. At the Widgiemooltha Roadhouse we turned off to go 50km to Cave Hill.

The area has one of the largest and highest granite outcrops in the region.

We explored an ancient cave.

 

There was also wave like formations. We saw evidence of the wild donkeys that were once part of the early pioneers workforce. 

We went to have a look at the area called 3 Dams which were constructed to trap the much needed water during the time the pioneers came out here to collect wood to supply the goldfields.

 We returned the way we came back to Widgiemooltha and then continued to Norseman. We found a spot in the RV park and walked into town for a Thai lunch. Back at camp we chatted to fellow Victorians also waiting for the SA border to open…let’s hope it’s soon.