When you live in Kalgoorlie, you have to actively try to find things to do to not get stuck in the mundane “All work and no play” that is so easy to do in a mining town like Kalgoorlie. One of the best things you can do to get the most out of Kalgoorlie is actually go exploring a bit further than the city limits.
My best recommendation is to get out on one of the many day trips there are just a little way from Kalgoorlie. All the following in the list are less than two hours away to give you a large amount of time to enjoy once you arrive.
Many of these roads venture into bushland and are unsealed, however, it’s not essential to have a four wheel drive. They’re my kind of adventure too, because they’re all free to enter.
These are THE best day trips that’ll give you a better understanding of living like a local in Kalgoorlie:
1. Rowles Lagoon
Just over 70kms north of Coolgardie, Rowles lagoon is a lake at the end of a long, corrugated, unsealed road. It has a lot of different species of bird. It’s perfect for families, great for swimming, canoeing and kayaking. If you’d like to, you could even camp here the night. Depending on the season, though, the lagoon sometimes dries out.
2. Cave Hill
90kms south of Coolgardie is Cave Hill. It is such a vast area and you could easily explore here all day. Made up of ancient cave formations. Another great camping spot with barbecues, picnic tables and even a toilet to use.
3. Burra Rocks
If coming from Kalgoorlie, Burra Rock Dam is such a surprising sight to see. A beautifully lush body of water surrounded by some greenery. It’s like something out of a fairy tale if you’re used to the dry and barren conditions in Kalgoorlie. Another perfect spot for camping on their camp sites. There are toilets, barbecues and picnic tables.
Climb the large rock mountain to see breathtaking views of the woodlands that surround. I once screamed my head off when climbing the rock and halfway up the summit, a snake had dislodged and couldn’t grip the rock face. It slid toward us unable to stop itself…Luckily it skidded past and I was on edge for the rest of the day haha.
4. Lake Douglas
Also referred to as “The Big Puddle” by some locals, Lake Douglas is about a 5 minute drive from Kalgoorlie. Often used as a place to ride dirt bikes, swim, kayak, catch yabbies sometimes or even just explore the surrounds.
I’ve even used it as a location for a special date idea in Kal cos ya know…I’m lovely like that haha. There are camp sites and also toilets here too. It can get busy during the nicer seasons on nicer days as it’s one of the only locations many people in Kalgoorlie know of. It’s also a great spot to bring your dog.
5. Lake Ballard
It’s about 180km from Kalgoorlie to Lake Ballard, mostly on a sealed road, but the last 50km leg will be an unsealed road. Lake Ballard is a vast salt lake about 20km wide and 50km long. It is a well known landmark to visit in Australia due to the art sculptures placed in it’s vast emptiness. 51 Large, metal sculptures, based off of residents that live in Menzies. They’re huge, eerie and majestic all at once.
Camping spots are available and toilets too, but no water. The cooler months are the best time to visit so either autumn or spring. There are positives about visiting during Summer too, but it can get so hot out there that it’s unpleasant.
6. Kambalda
Only a 40 or so minute drive from Kalgoorlie, Kambalda is a quaint town, divided into West and East Kambalda. There is a healthy rivalry between the two. There are so many mines in Kambalda and a few mining camps. You’ll usually see more miners around than just locals.
There are a few things to do that are worth mentioning. They have a lovely outdoor pool down Barnes Drive that is only $5 for adults and $3 for kids and spectators. There are also snacks and other things you can purchase.
If you’re looking for something free that’s a bit of an experience, there is also a dam the locals very regularly swim in. It’s a BHP dam.
You could also check out some of the mine sites around. If you’re unable to get a good view, Red Hill Lookout is a great vantage point. My favourite is at night when the mines are all lit up.
Lastly, you could try your hand at wind surfing! Just a bit further than Kambalda at Lake Lefroy is some of the best wind surfing you’ll come across in all of Australia. Look up Blokarts and give them a call.
7. Coolgardie
Coolgardie is another small town not far from Kalgoorlie. It takes about 20 minutes to drive there from Kal, but it’s that small, if you blink you’ll miss it. There is a town pool right next to the town playground, skate park and park. Best part? It’s free.
The other reason people enjoy Coolgardie is the Visitor’s centre and museum. Just a few dollars for entry is well worth it. Ben Prior Park is also interesting with a display of authentic vintage mining machinery.
Everything in Coolgardie is within walking distance and you can easily spend a whole day out here with the family.
8. Kanowna
Kanowna Belle is the mine site, but Kanowna is a mining ghost town, about 20km east of Kalgoorlie. Kanowna was once a busy and active community and now all that remains are remnants of the old ruins. The Western Australian Tourism Commission has described it as “Perhaps the most incredible of all ghost towns.” When you go there, however, you MAY be disappointed when you realise it’s not old buildings, but just signs that show where the buildings once stood.
9. Gwalia
There is another option for those of you who do wish to see a ghost town of actual buildings, however it’s about 2 hours away. Gwalia a ghost town and museum that you can explore. The buildings and contents are in astounding condition (if you could say that about old shacks). There are old shacks, buildings and abandoned cars. People have also reported ghostly figures in photos they’ve taken is Gwalia too. I may or may not be one of those people.
10. Woodlands National Park and Victoria Rock
Woodlands National Park has a variety of scenery to be in awe over. Climb the large Boondi Rock to get beautiful views in all directions. In Spring, see the wild flowers bloom into life. It’s quite unlike anything you’d expect to see in the outback.
The road in is very corrugated, but a 4×4 isn’t really necessary. There are camp sites and toilets, salt lakes and a place to splash in the freshwater swamps.
This is a roundup of all the best day trips from Kalgoorlie (less than a couple of hours away). How did we do? Do you know of any that I missed? Did you learn anything new? Have you been on any of these day trips or planning to go to one soon? Let me know in the comments which ones sound the best (Psst…The first 3 are my favourite).
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