Nestled along the rugged southern coastline of Western Australia, the small town of Walpole boasts not only natural beauty but a rich history and heritage that reflects the region’s early European settlement, Indigenous culture, and environmental significance. From its Indigenous roots to its timber and agricultural industries, Walpole’s past has shaped the character of this picturesque wilderness town. Here’s a journey through Walpole’s history and heritage, exploring its key historical sites and stories.Indigenous Heritage: The Noongar PeopleBefore European settlement, the area now known as Walpole was traditionally home to the Noongar people of the Minang and Pibelmen groups. The Noongar people have a deep spiritual connection to the land, waters, and forests of the region, and their cultural heritage is embedded in the landscape. Many of the rivers, forests, and coastal areas around Walpole hold special significance to the Noongar people, who used the region for hunting, gathering, and ceremonial purposes.Visitors can learn about Noongar culture through guided tours and interpretive signs that provide insight into the Indigenous history of the area. The Dreamtime stories of the Noongar people, which explain the creation of the land and its features, are particularly fascinating and offer a glimpse into the deep connection between the people and their environment.Tip: Visit Mount Frankland or Coalmine Beach to explore areas of cultural significance, where you can reflect on the ancient connection between the Noongar people and the natural world.Image © Tourism Western Australia

Halls Creek, located in the heart of Western Australia’s Kimberley region, is not only known for its gold rush history but also for its deep cultural connection to the land. The town is situated on the traditional lands of the Jaru and Kija people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. This part of the Kimberley is rich with Indigenous stories, art, and cultural sites that reflect the ancient traditions and deep spiritual significance of the land. For visitors looking to connect with the region’s Indigenous culture, Halls Creek offers a range of must-visit sites and immersive tours that provide an authentic and respectful experience. Here’s your guide to discovering the Indigenous heritage of Halls Creek.1. Yarliyil Art Centre: Celebrating Local ArtistsOne of the best places to experience the creativity and cultural expression of the local Indigenous community is the Yarliyil Art Centre. Located in the heart of Halls Creek, this community-run centre showcases the work of talented local artists, many of whom are Jaru and Kija people. The artworks at Yarliyil are a reflection of the deep connection the artists have with the land, featuring vibrant paintings that depict traditional Dreamtime stories, landscapes, and native animals.Visitors to the art centre can meet the artists, learn about the cultural significance of the pieces, and even purchase original artworks directly from the creators. Supporting the Yarliyil Art Centre is a meaningful way to contribute to the local community while taking home a unique piece of Indigenous art.What we love: The chance to meet local artists and learn about the stories behind their work while supporting Indigenous culture.Good to know: The art centre also offers workshops where visitors can try their hand at traditional painting techniques under the guidance of experienced artists.

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 BoomtownHalls 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 AustraliaOld Halls Creek: A Ghost Town of the Gold Rush EraFor 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.

Kununurra, a town nestled in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and agricultural success. But beyond its natural beauty, Kununurra has a rich history that tells the story of transformation, innovation, and resilience. From ancient Indigenous heritage to the modern development of the Ord River Scheme, Kununurra’s history is a journey through time that reflects the cultural and agricultural evolution of the region. Here’s a closer look at the key moments that shaped Kununurra into the vibrant town it is today.Indigenous Heritage: Miriwoong CountryLong before European settlement, the land around Kununurra was home to the Miriwoong people, who have lived in the East Kimberley region for thousands of years. The Miriwoong people have a deep spiritual connection to the land, and their culture is closely tied to the natural environment, including the rivers, wetlands, and rocky escarpments that define the landscape.The Miriwoong people’s stories, traditions, and art are rooted in their connection to Ngarranggarni (Dreaming), which explains the creation of the land and its features. Indigenous rock art sites, sacred landscapes, and stories passed down through generations offer a glimpse into the ancient history of the region, making Kununurra a place where the past and present coexist.Today, visitors can explore this rich Indigenous history through cultural tours and visits to art centers like Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, where local artists share their stories and traditions through paintings, sculptures, and performances.What we love: The deep connection between the Miriwoong people and the land, which remains an integral part of Kununurra’s cultural landscape.

The Kalgoorlie Super Pit is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring landmarks in Western Australia’s Goldfields region. As one of the largest open-cut gold mines in the world, the Super Pit offers visitors a unique glimpse into the scale and power of modern mining operations. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply curious about Australia’s gold mining heritage, a visit to the Super Pit is an unforgettable experience. Here’s your complete guide to visiting the Kalgoorlie Super Pit.A Brief History of the Super PitThe Super Pit, officially known as the Fimiston Open Pit, was created by combining multiple smaller underground mines into one massive open-cut operation in the late 1980s. Gold was first discovered in Kalgoorlie in 1893, and the region has been a hub of mining activity ever since. The Super Pit is currently operated by Northern Star Resources, producing around 700,000 ounces of gold each year.Spanning over 3.5 kilometers long, 1.5 kilometers wide, and more than 600 meters deep, the Super Pit is a true marvel of modern engineering and mining technology. It’s an active mine, so visitors can witness the daily operations, from the massive trucks transporting tons of ore to the heavy machinery working deep within the pit.The Super Pit Lookout: The Best ViewsThe best place to take in the sheer size and scale of the Super Pit is from the Super Pit Lookout. The lookout offers sweeping panoramic views of the entire pit, allowing you to see the layers of exposed rock and the tiny (but actually massive) trucks that look like ants as they move loads of ore from the depths of the mine.The lookout is located just outside of Kalgoorlie, making it an easy and convenient stop for visitors. You can spend time marveling at the enormity of the pit while learning about its history and operations through informative displays located at the lookout.