Kalgoorlie was established during Western Australia's gold rush of the 1890's. Many other gold-mining towns in the region were later abandoned and nowadays, Kalgoorlie is the only large town left in Western Australia's goldfield region.

Kalgoorlie is a prosperous, industrial town. There are countless magnificent public buildings that were constructed in grand style and show the enormous wealth that was once generated by the mining of gold. Some of the old mines are open to visitors and there is an interesting goldfields museum in town. The arboretum is a pleasant place, where you can escape the bustle of the city. Every year, in September local horse races are held.

There is plenty of accommodation in Kalgoorlie, but everything is usually fully booked in September because of the horse races and because of tour groups, which arrive to view the area's wildflowers. In December and January temperatures reach unbearable heights and during these months Kalgoorlie is best avoided. Kalgoorlie is 2600 km west of Canberra.