Kalgoorlie, with its rich gold mining heritage and outback charm, is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Goldfields region. From ghost towns and historic sites to stunning natural landscapes, there are plenty of day trips that offer a deeper look into this fascinating part of Western Australia. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or off-the-beaten-path adventures, here are the top day trips from Kalgoorlie to help you discover the Goldfields region.

1. Boulder: A Step Back in Time

Just a short drive from Kalgoorlie, Boulder is a charming town filled with historical significance. Once a separate town, Boulder merged with Kalgoorlie in the 1980s, but it retains its own unique character and gold mining heritage. Take a stroll down Burt Street, where beautifully restored buildings transport you back to the early 1900s.

A must-visit is the Boulder Town Hall, home to a rare and meticulously maintained Goatcher Curtain, which has become a symbol of the town’s cultural heritage. Boulder is also the gateway to the Super Pit Lookout, offering stunning views of one of the world’s largest open-cut gold mines.

What we love: The old-world charm of Boulder and the impressive history showcased in its architecture and landmarks.

Good to know: Boulder is just 10 minutes from Kalgoorlie, making it an easy half-day trip for those interested in gold mining history.

Location: Boulder, WA 6432

Image © Tourism Western Australia

2. Lake Ballard: The Gormley Sculptures and Salt Flats

One of the most unique day trips from Kalgoorlie is a visit to Lake Ballard, about a two-hour drive northwest. This vast salt lake is home to the famous Inside Australia art installation by British sculptor Antony Gormley. The installation features 51 eerie, life-sized steel sculptures spread across the stark white salt flats, creating a surreal and haunting atmosphere.

Lake Ballard is an excellent spot for photography and offers a peaceful retreat into the Australian outback. The sculptures, set against the otherworldly landscape of the salt flats, make for a truly unforgettable experience.

What we love: The breathtaking beauty and isolation of Lake Ballard, combined with the haunting sculptures that seem to come alive in the landscape.

Good to know: Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water—Lake Ballard’s terrain is rugged, and the heat can be intense in the summer months.

Location: Lake Ballard, via Menzies, WA 6436

Image © Tourism Western Australia and credit @apertunity_ on social media

3. Gwalia Ghost Town and Museum

For a true taste of the Goldfields’ mining past, head to Gwalia, a historic ghost town located about two hours north of Kalgoorlie, near the town of Leonora. Gwalia was once a bustling gold mining town, but when the mine closed in the 1960s, the residents left, leaving behind a fascinating ghost town that has since been preserved as a museum.

Explore the old miners’ cottages, the former mine manager’s house (now a museum), and the impressive Sons of Gwalia Headframe, one of the largest surviving wooden headframes in Australia. Gwalia offers a glimpse into what life was like for the miners and their families during the gold rush.

What we love: The eerie yet captivating atmosphere of the ghost town, with its perfectly preserved historical buildings.

Good to know: The museum provides excellent guided tours, offering in-depth stories of the town’s past and its connection to future U.S. president Herbert Hoover, who worked as a mining engineer in Gwalia.

Location: Gwalia, WA 6438

Image © Tourism Western Australia

4. Coolgardie: The Birthplace of the Gold Rush

A 40-minute drive west of Kalgoorlie, Coolgardie is often referred to as the birthplace of the Western Australian gold rush. In the 1890s, Coolgardie was one of the most populous towns in WA, but today it’s a quiet historical town that offers insight into the early days of gold prospecting.

Visit the Coolgardie Museum and Goldfields Exhibition, where you’ll find fascinating displays about the town’s gold mining heritage, as well as old prospecting equipment, artifacts, and photographs from the gold rush era. You can also explore historic sites like Warden Finnerty’s Residence and the town’s many heritage-listed buildings.

What we love: Coolgardie’s well-preserved gold rush history and its significance as one of the first towns established during the gold rush.

Good to know: Coolgardie is easily accessible by road, making it a convenient and informative day trip from Kalgoorlie.

Location: Coolgardie, WA 6429

5. Kookynie: The Living Ghost Town

For an authentic ghost town experience, drive two hours northeast of Kalgoorlie to Kookynie, a once-thriving gold mining town that now has just a handful of residents. Known as the “living ghost town,” Kookynie is a fascinating place to explore, with crumbling buildings, an old hotel, and abandoned streets that offer a glimpse into the past.

While in Kookynie, visit the famous Grand Hotel, where you can enjoy a cold drink in a historic setting, and keep an eye out for the town’s unofficial mascot—Willie, the horse, who often roams the streets freely.

What we love: The unique experience of walking through a near-abandoned town and soaking up the quiet, atmospheric remnants of the past.

Good to know: Be sure to bring a camera—Kookynie’s decaying buildings and lonely streets make for excellent photo opportunities.

Location: Kookynie, WA 6431

6. Rowles Lagoon Conservation Park: Nature and Birdwatching

For families and nature lovers, a visit to Rowles Lagoon Conservation Park is a peaceful day trip just over an hour from Kalgoorlie. This freshwater lagoon is a haven for birdlife, with species such as black swans, pelicans, and ducks often spotted on the water. The park’s walking trails allow visitors to explore the surrounding bushland and enjoy the tranquility of this remote natural setting.

Rowles Lagoon is also a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely day of wildlife watching, making it ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of town.

What we love: The chance to experience the quiet beauty of the Goldfields’ natural environment and observe a variety of bird species.

Good to know: There are no facilities at Rowles Lagoon, so pack everything you need for a day in the bush, including water, snacks, and sunscreen.

Location: Rowles Lagoon Conservation Park, WA 6430

7. Ora Banda: A Historic Mining Settlement

Less than an hour from Kalgoorlie, the small settlement of Ora Banda offers a fascinating glimpse into the Goldfields’ mining history. Once a thriving town during the gold rush, Ora Banda is now a quiet village with a pub that serves as a popular stop for travelers exploring the region.

The Ora Banda Historical Inn is a must-visit, offering a traditional outback pub experience with hearty meals and cold drinks. The surrounding area is rich in gold mining history, and visitors can explore remnants of old mines and other historical landmarks.

What we love: The authentic outback atmosphere of the Ora Banda pub, combined with the area’s rich mining history.

Good to know: Ora Banda is a popular stop on 4WD and motorbike tours, so you may encounter fellow adventurers during your visit.

Location: Ora Banda, WA 6431

Image © Tourism Western Australia

Final Thoughts

The Goldfields region around Kalgoorlie is filled with fascinating historical sites, natural beauty, and unique experiences that offer a glimpse into Australia’s gold mining past. Whether you’re exploring ghost towns, discovering vast salt flats, or enjoying the tranquility of a conservation park, these day trips provide plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and stunning landscapes of the Goldfields. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.