Gold panning, peacocks, giant haul trucks and street art. Real family memories are made in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Here's what to do, see and plan for your trip.
Climb Aboard A Giant
Kids can walk right up and climb into the cab of a genuine Caterpillar 793C haul truck at Hannans North Tourist Mine, the kind that carries over 230 tonnes of ore in a single load. A real hands-on look at the scale of modern mining, and a favourite photo opportunity for the whole family.
Gold Bars & Big Views
Museum of the Goldfields
Descend into the vault at the Museum of the Goldfields to see genuine gold bars, then climb the headframe for a view over the whole town.
Wander with Peacocks
Hammond Park
Free-roaming peacocks, a leafy playground, and a native bird and animal collection make Hammond Park one of Kalgoorlie's favourite spots. Pack a picnic and stay a while.
Bush Trails & Big Views
Karlkurla Bushland Park
Wander scenic trails through 200 hectares of natural bushland, then climb Katunga Lookout for sweeping views over Kalgoorlie-Boulder. A brand-new nature playground near the main entrance gives the kids plenty to explore too, with a lawn, BBQs and wheelchair-friendly paths.
Follow the Murals
HeArt Walk Trail
Wander the CBD at your own pace and discover vibrant murals by more than 40 local, Indigenous and West Australian artists, painted across shopfronts and walls throughout town. Grab a walking trail map for the HeArt Walk from the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Visitor Centre and turn it into a scavenger hunt for the kids, spotting each one along the way.
A Craftsman at Work
Chunky Timber Co.
Kids love peering into the workshop at Chunky Timber Co. in Boulder, watching handcrafted pieces come to life from recycled local timbers like jarrah, sandalwood and mulga. Browse the showroom for beads, wine barrel furniture and one-of-a-kind timber creations, Kalgoorlie-Boulder's own slice of old-school craftsmanship.
The Big Hole in the Ground
Super Pit Lookout
Nothing prepares you for the scale of the Super Pit, 3.7km long, 1.5km wide, and around 600m deep, making it one of the largest open-cut mines on earth. Kids might even catch a scheduled blast in action, and it's also where Irishman Paddy Hannan first struck gold in 1893, sparking the gold rush that built the whole town. Open 7am–7pm daily.
Step Back in Time
Boulder Town Hall
Built in 1908 at the height of the gold rush, Boulder Town Hall is one of the region's most beautiful heritage buildings, home to the Goatcher Curtain, a rare, still-working painted stage curtain believed to be the last of its kind in Australia.
Rock Hunters Welcome
Rocks and Mineral Museum
Tucked inside Curtin's WA School of Mines Kalgoorlie Campus, the Rock and Minerals Museum is perfect for the geology-obsessed kid and home to around 3,000 mineral specimens and replicas of famous gold nuggets.
Reach New Heights
Mount Charlotte Lookout
A short trip up to the top of Mount Charlotte rewards you with sweeping views across Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and a great bit of history too. This is where engineer C.Y. O'Connor's water pipeline finally arrived in 1903, after travelling 530km all the way from Perth, a huge deal for a thirsty gold rush town. Grab a family photo and stretch the legs before heading to the next stop.
See It All In Comfort - BOOK AHEAD
The Tram Tour
Skip the walking and let someone else do the driving. Book a seat on the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Tram Tour and take in Mount Charlotte Lookout, Boulder Town Hall, the Museum of the Goldfields, Chunky Timber Co. and more, all with commentary along the way that brings the city's history to life. Air-conditioned all the way, especially popular during school holidays.
[PROOF PLACEHOLDER: "Families love it, 'the kids didn't want to get off!'" - swap in a real review once available]
Beat the Heat
Orana Cinema
When the heat (or the rain) sets in, settle into the air-con at Orana Cinema with popcorn and let the kids recharge before the next adventure.
More Ways to Keep Kids Happy
Parks & Playgrounds → Kennedy Park, Centennial Park, and more
Rainy & Hot Day Activities → indoor ideas for when the weather doesn't cooperate
School Holiday Guide → what's on while the kids are off
Where to Eat with Kids → family-friendly cafes nearby
FAQs
How many days do you need in Kalgoorlie with kids?
Two to three days is the sweet spot. It's enough time to take in the Museum of the Goldfields, a couple of parks and the HeArt Walk without rushing, plus a buffer day in case the heat (or excitement) means an early finish some afternoons.
What's the best time of year to visit with kids?
April to September. Winter mornings can be crisp, but days are mild and sunny, perfect for parks, the lookout and walking the HeArt Walk without melting. December to February gets seriously hot, so if you're travelling in summer, plan outdoor activities for the early morning and save the afternoons for Orana Cinema or the Museum of the Goldfields.
Is Kalgoorlie-Boulder family-friendly?
Yes! Kalgoorlie-Boulder has free playgrounds, hands-on attractions built for kids, and a genuinely walkable town centre. It's a working mining town at heart, but the family side of it is easy to find once you know where to look, which is exactly what this guide is for.
Can you get around Kalgoorlie without a car?
Yes, with a bit of planning, the town center attractions like the Museum of the Goldfields and the HeArt Walk are walkable, and the Tram Tour covers several of the bigger sights for you. See our full guide to getting around Kalgoorlie without a car for buses, taxis and hire cars.
What family events are on in Kalgoorlie-Boulder?
There's always something on, from school holiday programs to community festivals. Check our What's On page for the latest events happening during your visit.
Which is the best playground for kids in Kalgoorlie-Boulder?
Hammond Park is the standout - free entry, shaded, with peacocks and kangaroo enclosures alongside the play equipment. If you're staying longer, Kennedy Park and Karkurla Park are worth a visit too, see our full guide to parks and playgrounds for the complete list.