Nestled in the heart of Western Australia’s Kimberley region, Halls Creek is a small town with a rich and captivating history. Once the epicentre of Western Australia’s first gold rush, Halls Creek offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the legacy of this pivotal era in Australian history. From abandoned gold mines to fascinating historical landmarks, a visit to Halls Creek is a journey through time that tells the story of fortune, hardship, and exploration in the rugged outback. Here’s your guide to discovering the gold rush history of Halls Creek.
The Discovery of Gold: The Birth of a Boomtown
Halls Creek owes its origin to the discovery of gold in 1885 by Charlie Hall, a prospector who struck gold while travelling along the Kimberley Track. This discovery sparked Western Australia’s first major gold rush, as thousands of hopeful prospectors flocked to the area in search of fortune. The original settlement of Old Halls Creek grew rapidly, becoming a bustling town almost overnight, filled with miners, merchants, and adventurers.
Although the gold rush only lasted a few years, the discovery forever changed the region, leaving behind a rich legacy of historical sites and stories that continue to attract visitors today.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Old Halls Creek: A Ghost Town of the Gold Rush Era
For a glimpse into what life was like during the gold rush, a visit to Old Halls Creek is a must. Located about 15 kilometres from the modern town of Halls Creek, Old Halls Creek was the original settlement established during the gold rush. Today, it stands as a ghost town, with only a few remnants of its once-thriving community still visible, including stone buildings, abandoned mine shafts, and crumbling walls.
Wandering through the ruins, visitors can imagine what life was like for the early prospectors who endured extreme heat, isolation, and harsh conditions in their quest for gold. The Old Halls Creek Post Office is one of the most well-preserved buildings on the site, offering a window into the past and a chance to reflect on the town’s short-lived but impactful boom.
What we love: The haunting beauty of Old Halls Creek, where the remnants of the past create a powerful sense of history.
Good to know: Interpretive signage at the site provides historical context and information about the gold rush era and its impact on the region.
Location: Old Halls Creek, WA 6770
China Wall: A Natural Wonder with Gold Rush Ties
One of the most unique and visually striking sites near Halls Creek is the China Wall, a natural quartz rock formation that stretches for several kilometres across the landscape. Resembling the Great Wall of China, this natural phenomenon is a geological wonder that also has ties to the town’s gold rush history.
Located just outside of Halls Creek, the China Wall sits on the traditional lands of the Jaru and Kija people. During the gold rush, prospectors used the area around the China Wall as a reference point as they explored the region for gold deposits. Today, the site is a popular tourist attraction, where visitors can admire the stunning quartz ridge and its connection to the town’s past.
What we love: The breathtaking beauty of the China Wall, a natural wonder that offers a glimpse into both the geological and historical significance of the area.
Good to know: The China Wall is accessible by a short walk from the parking area, making it an easy stop for visitors.
Location: China Wall, Halls Creek, WA 6770
Caroline Pool: A Historic Gold Rush Watering Hole
Another key site from the gold rush era is Caroline Pool, a natural waterhole located just outside of Halls Creek. During the gold rush, this tranquil pool served as a crucial water source for prospectors and their livestock as they made their way through the arid landscape in search of gold.
Today, Caroline Pool remains a beautiful and serene spot, perfect for a refreshing swim or a peaceful picnic. The pool’s historic significance and natural beauty make it a favourite destination for both locals and visitors, providing a place to cool off while reflecting on the challenges faced by early prospectors.
What we love: The chance to relax in a peaceful natural setting that also holds historical importance for the gold rush era.
Good to know: Caroline Pool is seasonal, so the best time to visit is during the wet season when the water levels are higher.
Location: Caroline Pool, Halls Creek, WA 6770
Wolfe Creek Crater: An Ancient Geological Marvel
While not directly related to the gold rush, the nearby Wolfe Creek Crater is another must-see natural attraction for anyone visiting Halls Creek. Located about 150 kilometres south of town, Wolfe Creek Crater is the second-largest meteorite crater in the world and was formed by a meteor impact around 300,000 years ago.
During the gold rush, prospectors would have passed near Wolfe Creek Crater as they explored the Kimberley region, though it wasn’t officially discovered by Europeans until 1947. Today, visitors can hike around the crater’s rim and take in the sheer size of this ancient geological marvel. The site also holds deep spiritual significance for the Indigenous people of the region, who have their own stories about its creation.
What we love: The awe-inspiring scale of Wolfe Creek Crater, one of the most impressive natural landmarks in Australia.
Good to know: The road to Wolfe Creek Crater is rough, so a 4WD vehicle is recommended for the journey.
Location: Wolfe Creek Crater, Tanami Road, WA 6770
Image ©Tourism Western Australia and credit @aeroture_au on social media
Halls Creek Heritage Centre: A Window into the Past
To gain a deeper understanding of Halls Creek’s gold rush history, a visit to the Halls Creek Heritage Centre is essential. The heritage centre showcases the history of the town, from its gold rush beginnings to the development of the modern-day community. The exhibits include photographs, artefacts, and historical accounts that bring the story of Halls Creek to life.
The centre also highlights the town’s rich Indigenous heritage, with displays that explore the cultural significance of the land and the stories of the Jaru and Kija people who have lived in the region for thousands of years. The heritage centre offers a comprehensive view of Halls Creek’s past, providing valuable context for the town’s unique place in Western Australia’s history.
What we love: The engaging exhibits that provide insight into both the gold rush era and the Indigenous heritage of the region.
Good to know: The heritage centre often hosts special events and exhibitions, so check ahead for any upcoming activities.
Location: 7 Thomas St, Halls Creek, WA 6770
The Ruby Plains Track: Following in the Footsteps of Prospectors
For adventurous travellers, following the historic Ruby Plains Track offers a chance to experience the rugged landscape that early prospectors once traversed. The Ruby Plains Track was one of the main routes used by miners during the gold rush, and it winds through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the Kimberley region.
Today, the track is a popular route for 4WD enthusiasts and hikers who want to explore the outback and connect with the history of the area. Along the way, you’ll encounter historic goldfields, scenic vistas, and plenty of opportunities to appreciate the raw beauty of the Kimberley.
What we love: The sense of adventure that comes with following a historic route through the Kimberley, retracing the footsteps of early gold prospectors.
Good to know: The Ruby Plains Track is best explored with a 4WD vehicle, and travellers should be prepared for rough terrain and remote conditions.
Location: Ruby Plains Track, Kimberley region, WA 6770
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Final Thoughts
Halls Creek’s gold rush history is a story of ambition, resilience, and exploration in one of Australia’s most remote and beautiful regions. Whether you’re walking through the ghost town of Old Halls Creek, learning about the town’s heritage at the local museum, or exploring natural wonders like the China Wall and Wolfe Creek Crater, a visit to Halls Creek offers a fascinating journey through time. Discover the gold rush legacy that helped shape this corner of Western Australia and experience the rich history and natural beauty of the Kimberley.