Kalgoorlie Gold, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Apr 30th, 2002
The town was built over a hundred years ago through funds raised from the gold that was recovered.
After the town was built the Loopline Railway was created and now the hour-long train ride is the best way to see the famous stretch of mines known as the Golden Mile.
The crop so to speak hasn't slowed in recent times either. In the last 12 years three and a half billion dollars worth of gold has been pulled from a singular mine.
Singular doesn't mean small as this particular mine is absolutely massive, measuring four and half kilometres in length and 300 metres deep. The depth of the mines is spectacular they go down literally hundreds of metres.
History and recognition is an important part of Kalgoorlie and the newest addition to the town is the twenty million dollar Mining Hall of Fame. Twenty dollars will get you entry into the museum, an old fashioned pouring demo and a retired miner to guide you through it. You also get a tour of the deep dark depths of an underground mine so make sure you're not claustrophobic
A mining town is never short of a pub and Kalgoorlie is no exception, with a pub on every corner there's literally dozens of them.
As far as places to stay, the grand Palace Hotel is the go; it even boasts the odd famous guest. US gold miner and former American President Herbert Hoover once enjoyed the hospitality of Kalgoorlie. The food at the pub is varied and starts at around $10 with fancier dishes such as roast duck around $20.
The facts
Qantas flies to Kalgoorlie from all capital cities. Prices start from $770 ex-Sydney return and $264 ex-Perth return. Additional taxes/levies/charges apply.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
Website: qantas.com
A stay at Kalgoorlie Accommodation Village in an en suite cabin that sleeps up to four will cost from $79 per night. Caravan sites start from $21.
Kalgoorlie Gold Fields Tourism
Tel: 08 9021 0211
Website: www.kalgoorlie.com
Find out more about The Goldfields region at Explore Australia.
