|
The town of Kalgoorlie started in 1893 when
two men, Daniel Shea and Tom Flanagan stumbled across a large deposit of
gold – 100 ounces of alluvial nuggets. Today the town has one of the largest
open pit gold and nickel mines in Australia. It lies just next to the town
where about 30,000 people live. In the heydays, more than 80,000 people
populated the City. Looking from above, one can easily see that the whole
City is quite dwarfed in comparison to the large mine which is over three
kilometers long.
Today the town has maintained a lot of it's
historical character and tried to integrate it with today's requirement of
society. As the town is only about 600 Km from Perth, a one day's drive by
car, it is under the influence of the quality of life. Together with the
wealth the gold mine is providing it gives a well kept appearance, however
maintaining some of the charm associated with the mining activity.
|
Arriving
at the train station , one feels set back in time. All is quiet
for most of the day. |
Modern
fast trains connect the Town with Perth and other major cities of Western
Australia. For faster connections, regular air services are available. |
|
|
The
main intersection is dominated by the presence of the Hotel Excelsior very
well preserved from long ago. |
For
the thirsty miner or tourist, a US "Wild West" style entrance to the bar cannot be missed. The
aroma of the many Australian beers catches your attention, well before you enter. |
|
|
Next
door to one of the many beer bore holes is a nice open cafe. It might be
comparable to an upscale Starbucks. Sitting in the window, people watching
and enjoying
refreshing ice coffees is a way to pass time very fast in the sizzling heat. |
Another
hotel on the main street with many small shops under it's shelter, invites
us to
spend a little more time. |
|
|
The
clock on the tower of the Town Hall tells everyone very clearly when it is time
to go home. |
Why
not stop and have a chat with this old miner and have a refreshing sip from
his water fountain? |
|
|
In
case you fit the category, don't be shy to call the number. You might be
surprised at what awaits you! |
Some
creatures did not make it today. They are called bumper bugs and are very tough to
remove. |
|
|
|
Don't hesitate to give us your impressions.
You can contact us
via
wefly4fun2@aol.com |
|
|
|
|
|
This page was last modified on
24.. April 2005 |