Kalgoorlie WA

Now that we have reached Norseman WA, 2800km from Melbourne, we are going to slow down the pace. As we have previously explored around here in 2021, we leave the next morning after a quick visit to the dump point. Our destination is Kalgoorlie (also been here 4 years ago). This time we parked at our friend’s nephews’ house that is very centrally located but amazingly quiet at night. Our friend from Melbourne has been renovating his nephews’ house and Mark pitches in and helps whilst we are here.

We take a stroll down the main street, which shows the evidence of the wealth generated by the gold mines in the area known as the Golden Mile. Gold is still being mined here at the Super Pit (once 22 seperate mines) in town and surrounds. 

There were plenty of lovely murals about town.

Plaques in the pavement of famous people of the area.

We enjoyed a meal at the Palace Hotel, built in 1897, which had a beautiful staircase and huge mirror donated by Herbert Hoover - Mine manager at Gwalia and later USA’s 31st president.

After a couple of nights, we leave on Monday morning. We get some water at the dump point. Then go to visit Hannah’s North Tourist Mine ($18pp/$15con). Named after Paddy Hannan who first discovered gold here in 1893. 

We spent 3 hours exploring the 30 exhibits that highlighted the mining industry. 

We climbed aboard a 793c haul truck. 

Had a close look at a 994 wheel loader. 

We learn about the life saving Refuge Chamber.

Then enjoy the peaceful Chinese Garden. 

There is so much involved in getting gold out of the ground and so we read about…

The Dynamite Room.

Get to see how miners lived back in the 1800’s.

Then there is the Managers Office, The drilling shed,

Paddy’s tent, The Two-up shed,

First aid room, Engine room, Gold room,

Header frames,

Winder room, Boilers, Loco shed, Fire truck,

The National Bank, More miners cottages,

A crushed Ute,

We watched video on mining methods today and ended up with a chance to find gold flecks and gem stones in the panning ponds.no luck!

Phew…after a cuppa, we head north out of town. Spotting more mines.

And drilling activity.

Along the way we manage to get some fire wood. We have brief stop in Menzies.

Eventually turning off the Goldfields Highway and driving another 18km to a camping spot at Niagara Dam (2021).  We find our spot, have dinner whilst the sunsets and call it a day.

Our 2 legs… Norseman to Kalgoorlie and then to Niagara Dam.