kalgoorlie Overview
Kalgoorlie, or often referred to as Kalgoorlie-Boulder, is 600 km ( 370 miles ) east of Perth on the Eastern Highway and is a quintessential Australian Gold rush town.
One of the largest centres in Western Australia, the city's past present and future still revolves around gold and more increasingly tourism and there is a good variety of hotels and accommodation to satisfy this demand.
Australia's Largest Open Pit Gold Mine
Like the Victorian cities of Ballarat and Bendigo there are many examples of grand ornate buildings built in the early twentieth century as a monument to the towns prosperity.
However, unlike its Victorian counterparts, gold is still mined here on a scale which is nationally significant.
Kalgoorlie has the biggest open pit gold mine in Australia, 'The Super Pit' which is an awesome 4 km long, 1.5 km wide and half a kilometre deep.
The gold mine has engulfed many former traditional underground mines and the gold deposits show no signs of being diminished.
The gold production from The Super Pit contributes to Australia being the World's third largest gold producing country.
Kalgoorlie Super Pit Tours do occasionally operate throughout the year.
On a much more modest scale, visitors can try their hands at panning for gold and prospecting alongside the professional gold miner as several companies operate tours.
You may get lucky!
Kalgoorlie's Famous Pubs
Since this is principally a mining town there are plenty of pubs to satisfy the thirsty workers, roughly one per 1000 residents.
Famous Kalgoorlie pubs include the ornate looking York Hotel but you will not be short of pubs to choose from.
Kalgoorlie is an interesting holiday destination and tours which include Kalgoorlie operate from Perth.
Although much of life here revolves around the precious yellow metal there are a variety of other attractions worth seeking out.
The city is surrounded by typical Western Australian 'bush' which is famed for its wildflower displays, particularly in the Spring.
Kalgoorlie accommodation
See Kalgoorlie accommodation for hotels and resorts and Backpacker accommodation for hostels.
Location
Kalgoorlie is located in south eastern Western Australia and has a Latitude of 30.7°S and a Longitude of 121.5° E.
Driving To Kalgoorlie
Some approximate driving times to Esperance:
7Hrs From Perth (600Km)
24Hrs From Adelaide (2200Km)
Driving through the Outback and remote or isolated areas of Australia is not recommended for the un prepared or in experienced.
See Route and Distance Calculator for more accurate driving times and routes from additional locations.
Flying To Perth:
Perth Airport, which has both international and domestic terminals, is around 15km (9 miles) north east of the city, along the Great Eastern Highway.
The journey should take approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Taxis, hire cars and airport shuttle buses are available.
Taxis, hire cars airport buses are available.
As a guide, the approximate flying time from:
to Sydney 5 hours
Times do not include travel time to and from airports and adequate time prior to check in etc.
Western Australia School & Public Holidays
New Years Day Tue 1st Jan.
Australia Day Mon 28th Jan.
Labour Day Mon 3rd March
Good Friday 21st March.
Easter Monday 24th March.
Anzac Day Fri 25th April.
Foundation Day Mon 2nd June.
Queens Birthday Mon29th Sept.
Christmas Day Thu 25th Dec.
Boxing Day Holiday Fri 26th Dec.
(End and start school on preceding and next week day (Mon - Fri) respectively)
Easter Holiday 12th April To 28th April.
Winter Holiday 5th July To 21th July.
Spring Holiday 27th Sept To 13th Oct.
Summer Holiday 18th Dec To 2nd Feb
Starts Sunday 26th October
Ends Sunday 29th March 2009
Note: Dates for guidance only. Always check with your individual School as variations may occur for individual education authorities or establishments and dates may be subject to change. Always check with relevant State or Territory education department to confirm holiday periods at the commencement of each school year. Not all Public Holidays for individual regions within each state and territory are shown and public holidays falling on weekends are not listed. Not all Public Holidays may be applicable to all employers, organisations etc so always check with your employer, education authority etc which public holidays are applicable.
Kalgoorlie Climate
These figures are for guidance only:
Approximate Max Average Temperature
Deg C/ Deg F
Winter(June-Aug):18/ 64
Spring(Sep-Nov):21 / 69
Summer(Dec-Feb):26 / 78
Autumn(Mar-May):23 / 69
Approximate Average Monthly Rainfall - mm
Winter(June-Aug): 90
Spring(Sep-Nov): 47
Summer(Dec-Feb): 20
Autumn(Mar-May): 51
