While most first-time tourists to the Goldfields are drawn to our mining history, there is an abundance of Indigenous cultural experiences and things to do in Kalgoorlie that is just waiting to be discovered.
Situated in Wongutha country, Kalgoorlie is full of Indigenous stories, art, food and cultural traditions that continue to be proudly passed down and shared by local Aboriginal communities.
From educational bushwalking tours, to hypnotic artwork and wildlife tracking lessons, here are some of the most popular Aboriginal cultural experiences we recommend trying on your next visit to Kalgoorlie.
Goldfields Aboriginal Art Gallery
Location: 222 Dugan St, Kalgoorlie WA 6430
Cost: Free
Near the centre of Kalgoorlie’s main shopping precinct is the Goldfields Aboriginal Art Gallery, where you can view historical artefacts, paintings, and crafts made by local Aboriginal artists.
Take your time looking at each intricate dot painting and learn the Dreamtime stories told by each. Get up close and marvel at the details on carved emu eggs, boomerangs, didgeridoos, and see real spears and other special hunting tools.
Goldfields Honey Ant Tours
Location: Tour departs from 264 Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie, 6430
Cost: $120 for adults and $50 for children
Looking for a sweet treat? In the desert, you have to work for it! One of our favourite local tours is the Goldfields Honey Ant Tour, where you’ll be taken for a half-day trip out into the surrounding country to hunt for honey ants. The tour is run by Edie Ulrich, who grew up in the surrounding country and is one of the last native speakers of the endangered Tjupan language.
Once you’ve collected and sampled some honey ants, you’ll be treated to some tea, damper, stew, and a yarn with Edie’s family by the campfire as she shares more about her culture, language, and other traditional hunting and bush food foraging practices.
Outback Discovery Tour with Bush Ghoodhu Wongutha Tours
Location: Tours depart from Kalgoorlie
Cost: Call 0474 971 548 to enquire
Bush Ghoodhu Wongutha Tours is another family-run tourism business that offers a range of authentic Indigenous cultural experiences. On their Outback Discovery Tour, you’ll be led by a local Wongutha guide on a walk through the bush to learn how to hunt for wildlife and gather bush tucker, as well as bush medicine and all their versatile uses.
Along the way, you’ll be taught how to spot different animal tracks like kangaroos, emus, dingoes, and goannas; how to throw a spear and boomerang; and visit different sites of spiritual significance while learning the Wongutha names and stories of each.
After hours of walking on country and absorbing all of this knowledge, your tour group will pause for a billy tea and damper break to relax and reflect on the day’s activities.
Want to extend your stay? Book your long-term accommodation in Kalgoorlie at the Plaza Hotel
Once you’ve made it all the way up to Kalgoorlie, you’ll probably want to spend more than just a few days exploring our beautiful region and soaking up all the local culture.
At the Kalgoorlie Plaza Hotel, we’ve got a wide range of stylish and comfortable rooms available for longer stays. You can also enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at our restaurant, amongst other key amenities such as our outdoor swimming pool, gym, laundry, and dry cleaning service.Get in touch with us today to book your next stay in Kalgoorlie!
Cover image credit: Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre