Coolgardie is located in the Goldfield Region of Western Australia and was once the centre of the gold rush in the State. Arthur Bayley and Bill Ford discovered a seam of gold in 1892 which they named Bayley's Reward. The town was thus inundated with prospectors and by 1900 Coolgardie had a population of 15,000 with two stock exchanges, 60 stores, 23 hotels and three breweries as well as numerous churches and 6 newspapers.

Today Coolgardie has declined to a town of around 1,500 people and visitors to the town can experience all the old grandeur of the once vibrant mining town.

Museums

The Goldfields Exhibition traces the story and lifestyle of a typical prospector in the region during the gold rush days. A series of photographic exhibits and models tell the life story of one such prospector. The Museum building was built in 1898 from local stone and also serves as a Mining Registrar's Office and Courthouse. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.

The Railway Station Museum, built in 1896 houses historical transport displays as well as sandalwood exhibits and a display recounting the daring Varischetti Mine Rescue.

Ben Prior's Open Air Museum is situated in Bayley Street and was initiated by BA Prior in 1961. The Museum is dedicated to those explorers and pioneers of the Western Australia goldfields and has collections of mining equipment and other types of machinery used in the during the turn of the century.

A display of Aboriginal artefacts and exhibitions of the skills demonstrated by these remarkable people in surviving the arduous conditions of the outback, long before any European settlers arrived can be seen in the Exhibition Building.

The Bottle and Curio Museum is an engaging collection of various artefacts that are both unusual and rare. Also located in the Exhibition Building.

Warden Finnerty's Residence was built in 1895 to house Warden Finnerty and family and is an excellent example of early Australian architecture. Fully restored and furnished with period items, the house is open weekdays and Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm. Closed Tuesday.

Historic Attractions

A number of historic markers are placed around the town and visitors can compare the modern day scene to the scene depicted in the provided photograph. The trail guide can be obtained from the Tourist Office.

The Gaol Tree in Hunt Street was once used by the constabulary as a prison cell due to shortage of buildings in the initial development of the town.

Old Coolgardie Gaol and Prospectors Camp can be viewed in Bailey street. Those wishing to trace their ancestors in the area might find the Coolgardie Cemetery and the Pioneer Cemetery in the town an ideal place to start research.

Natural Attractions

The Lions Bicentennial Lookout is situated 11 kilometres from the town and offers great views of the area.

Gnarlbine Rock was once an important watering hole for prospectors in the area. Victoria Rock has many examples of unusual formations and walks through the surrounding bush can be enjoyed. Picnics are ideal at both formations. Wallaroo Rocks 83 kilometres west of Coolgardie are also worth visiting.

Rowles Lagoon is a freshwater lake situated 63 kilometres north of the town and is an ideal venue for bird watching, camping, bushwalking and picnicking.

Other Attractions

Kurrawang Emu Farm invites visitors to view the unusual emu. Informative tours are available as are a range of emu products such as leather garments, emu oil products and carved eggs. Open every day except Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

Camel farm is 3 kilometres from Coolgardie and offers visitors the chance to ride on the "ship of the desert". Rides range from short yard rides to one treks to day treks. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.

0 of a possible 0 points from 0 votes