Coolgardie – Mother of the Western Australian Goldfields

Coolgardie is located 558 kilometres east of Perth (the Capital City of Western Australia) and was the first settlement of the Western Australia Eastern Goldfields.

Coolgardie saw the biggest movement of people in Australian history when gold was found at Fly Flat back in 1892. Although the town’s population has decreased since, there are some wonderful historic buildings and collections around the town which are worth taking time out to see. The Goldfields Exhibition Museum, Pharmaceutical Museum, Railway Museum and Warden Finnerty’s Residence, just to name a few.

The perfect way to discover the outback is by self-drive trails. The Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail runs along side the precious water-giving pipeline, which has provided water to the region for over 100 years. The Golden Quest Discovery Trail and Holland Track also tell the story of the quest for gold and explain the fascinating history of the towns they pass through.

The Shire covers an area of 30, 400 km² and is responsible for the towns of Coolgardie, Kambalda, Kambalda West, Widgiemooltha, Bullabulling and Kurrawang.

Moderate weather conditions are enjoyed with an average maximum temperature of 27.1C and an average minimum temperature of 12.2°C. The temperature remains in the high 30’s between December and February. The average annual rainfall is 271 millimetres, with the wettest months usually being June to August.

Today the Shire of Coolgardie is still well known for its gold and nickel operations, pastoralism and tourism. The town does deserve a special place as the “mother of the Western Australian Goldfields.”