Kalgoorlie holds a place in the heart of almost every West Australian. Whether it’s taking a road trip with your friends, showing the kids the astounding size of the Super Pit, or even having a punt at the Kalgoorlie Cup, it’s an important part of WA life.
But at around 6 hours away from Perth, you need to plan your time here carefully.
In this blog, we’ll answer the question of how many days you really need in Kalgoorlie, and what to do when you’re here to get the full Kal experience.
So, how many days do you need in Kalgoorlie?
To really make the most of your time here, you need at least two full days to experience Kalgoorlie. That gives you enough time to see Kalgoorlie’s top attractions and immerse yourself in the Golden Outback.
It’s a trip you can do over an extra-long weekend, with two full days in town and two days of your preferred travel method either side.
But this is just to see the sights of the city. If you love camping or 4WDing, then give yourself more time to get out into the desert, visit Leonora, Gwalia Menzies, Coolgardie, and more.
Our recommended 2-day Kalgoorlie itinerary
Day 1
Start your 2-day Kalgoorlie itinerary the right way with a buffet breakfast at Kalgoorlie Plaza Hotel. Our full buffet breakfast is served every day, featuring breakfast favourites for both big and little bellies. Grab a juice from our juice bar, and a barista-made coffee, and then head out to start your tour.
Morning: Hannans North Tourist Mine
Head to Hannans North Tourist Mine for a quintessential Kalgoorlie experience. Originally one of the first mines to open in Kalgoorlie, Hannans North has been restored. Now, you get the chance to learn about the life of early prospectors during the gold rush days.
Explore the Prospector’s Campsite and see how they lived. Take a look at the mining machinery that was used to pull gold out of the earth through the ages, including a decommissioned haul truck and a scale model of the Fimiston Open Pit.
There’s even the opportunity for keen prospectors to try your luck at panning for real gold.
The mine is open Sunday to Friday from 9am – 4pm.
Afternoon: See the Super Pit
No first day in Kalgoorlie is complete without a visit to the Super Pit, one of the world’s largest open-cut mines. At 3.7km long, 1.5km wide, and a massive 600m deep, it’s an awe-inspiring sight to behold, with the gigantic haul trucks that crawl around the mine looking like toys in the distance. This is your chance to see a working mine in action, with panoramic views of the massive mining operations and the surrounding landscape.
If you’re lucky, you might even get the chance to go there on a day when they’re performing a blast—a truly exhilarating experience. The Super Pit website has a tracker so you can see when the latest blast is going to be.
The Super Pit viewing platform is open from 7am to 7pm, and the view is particularly enticing later in the afternoon as the sun begins to drop.
Evening: Catch a show at the Goldfields Arts Centre
For your first night in town, why not make a night of it. Get dressed up and head out to the Goldfields Art Centre (GAC).
A focal point of Kalgoorlie’s arts and culture scene, GAC plays host to a variety of events and performances, from musicals and theatre performances to travelling artists, concerts, comedians, dance performances, and family-friendly shows .
A healthy events calendar means there’s always something to see at GAC, whether it’s local, national, or international touring acts. So head to their website to see what’s on, secure your seats, and take in a different side of Kalgoorlie.
Day 2
Day One was for exploring, so make Day Two a lazier one. We recommend starting with ordering breakfast from our room service menu, and fueling up in comfort before heading off on your way.
Morning: Visit the Museum of the Goldfields
Sitting under the unmistakable bright red Ivanhoe Headframe, you’ll find the Museum of the Goldfields. It features a curated collection of photographs, artefacts, and interactive displays, chronicling the gold rush era and the subsequent development of the Goldfields. Explore the evolution of mining technologies and gain insights into the lives of early prospectors.
The exhibits emphasise the cultural diversity of the town’s mining history, showcasing the contributions of both Aboriginal and immigrant communities. You’ll also find first-hand experiences, where you can see actual gold nuggets and an array of different items made from gold.
The Museum of the Goldfields is a way to get up close and personal with Kalgoorlie’s history, and an easy way to start your second day in town.
It opens from 10am every day.
Day: Slow down at the Kalgoorlie Arboretum
Kalgoorlie isn’t all mining equipment and history. Set among 26 hectares of bushland, the Kalgoorlie Arboretum is a place to slow down and immerse yourself in the natural Goldfields scenery.
A gorgeous spot to explore the region’s native flora, discover interpretive walk trails, with a series of walks through trees, shrubs, grass, and the red Kalgoorlie dirt. Information plaques provide details of what you’re looking at, and large numbers of native birds provide a musical background to accompany your walk.
Afternoon: Watch the sunset from Mount Charlotte
Mt Charlotte is just a short walk, and an even shorter drive, from the Plaza Hotel. When you get up to the summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic views out over the city, which are particularly beautiful as the sun is setting. It’s a great spot to wind down and take everything in.
When you’ve finished, why not come back and spend the night with us?
End your second day in Kalgoorlie with dinner and drinks at the Plaza Hotel Bar and Restaurant. From mouthwatering pub favourites like our classic steakburger, or beer battered cod and chips, to fancier specials with a Kalgoorlie twist, like Confit Duck, or our 1 Kg Dandaragan organic, grass fed Tomahawk steak, and seasonal dishes like Atlantic Salmon, or Tiger Prawn Linguine, there’s something to suit every palate.
Cap it off with an extensive beer and wine selection, and you’ve got the perfect Kalgoorlie experience.
Just two days in town? Stay at our Kalgoorlie accommodation
Make your time in Kalgoorlie as comfortable as possible. With a selection of inviting rooms for a range of budgets, featuring all the conveniences you need to relax after a long day, the Plaza Hotel Kalgoorlie has you covered.
Here for a weekend? Our Weekend Getaway package is made for your two-day itinerary. With a complimentary upgrade to a Deluxe King Suite and a 2pm late checkout, you get extra time to spend in town before heading home.
So when you’re looking to experience Kalgoorlie, book through our website or contact our team to book a room with us.