NATIONAL PARKS COOLGARDIE

Reflect on the lives and hardships encountered during the gold rush years with a visit to the Coolgardie Cemetery. Commissioned in 1894, it has over 3,000 graves. Over a quarter of these contain a child under the age of five. Typhoid took hold of the town at the start of the Gold Rush, and as a result a large number of the graves remain unmarked. The identities of many of the victims were not recorded with the rush of prospectors migrating to the eastern goldfields. Much of Coolgardie's fascinating history is reflected in the old weathered headstones. Visit the grave site of Coolgardie's legendary ghost, Elizabeth Gold, who is buried not far from the resting place of her murderer. The graves of several Afghan camel drivers are located at the rear of the cemetery, and are also worth visiting. Coolgardie Cemetery is located 750 metres out of town along the Perth Road. Coolgardie is located just over six hours drive east of Perth, approximately 40 kilometres west of Kalgoorlie.

Bayleys Reward Fly Flat is the site where gold was first discovered in Coolgardie in the late 1800s by Arthur Bayley and William Ford. Look out over the vast countryside and imagine the harsh climate and environment that welcomed numerous hopefuls who flocked to Coolgardie in their search for fortune. This discovery sparked the greatest gold rush in Australia's history. A five minute drive from Fly Flat will lead you into the historic mining town of Coolgardie. Stroll through the town viewing the historic buildings and gain appreciation of the life of the early settlers thanks to over 100 markers located in and around the town. Each marker indicates where significant events took place and historical sites where some buildings still stand. If you wish to learn more about the town's significance in Australia's history, include a visit to the Warden's Court building which houses the town's museum and the Ben Prior Open Air Museum. Coolgardie is a six hour drive east of Perth.

The Pharmacy Museum in Coolgardie houses an extensive pharmaceutical collection in the Old Coolgardie Drill Hall. Regarded as one of the best pharmaceutical displays in Australia, you will get a detailed insight into the medicinal treatments dispensed in the early twentieth century. Displays include early medicines, dental tools and a range of fascinating old advertisements and posters on display. Coolgardie's well preserved history provides an interesting and informative means of connecting with this gold mining town's early settlers. Meander around the town to learn how Coolgardie started the greatest gold rush in Australia's history. Coolgardie is located six hours drive east of Perth.

If you are looking for a museum with a difference whilst in Coolgardie, visit Ben Prior's Open Air Museum. Featuring a collection of machinery collected by the museum's namesake, you will gain an appreciation of the life lead by the early settlers of this gold mining town. Much of the collection was owned by the pioneers of the town during the goldrush of the late 1800s. See the steam engine used on the mines, sit in wagons driven by the town's citizens and examine an array of equipment used by the town's residents in their homes and whilst out looking to discover gold. Learn more about this fascinating town that carved a significant mark in Australia's history by visiting various other museums in the area. These include Warden's Court which houses the town's official museum, Warden Finnerty's House which captures life of one of the town's early residents and the Old Coolgardie Railway Station. Coolgardie is a six hour drive south east of Perth.

An extensive collection of railway memorabilia can be found at the Old Coolgardie Railway Station Museum including an old steam locomotive and the carriages that brought mining hopefuls to the goldfields. Discover the significance of the arrival of this railway to the region in the late 1800s. Stroll through the station imagining the difficult yet optimistic life of the town's residents, and learn how the gold was transported out of the region to sell to the world. Housing an extensive collection of railway relics, the museum will appeal to all train enthusiasts and history buffs. Whilst in the gold mining town of Coolgardie explore the plethora of historical sites on foot. The town captures the essence of the gold rush days for visitors by displaying detailed signs about all significant sites and locations of important events and discoveries throughout the town. Coolgardie is a six hour drive northeast of Perth and just 20 minutes from Kalgoorlie. A visit to the Super Pit in Kalgoorlie is also highly recommended.

Warden Finnerty's House in Coolgardie is a beautiful historic home which has been faithfully restored to its original 1895 grandeur. Commonly known as 'The Residency', it is an excellent early example of clever design being used to protect its inhabitants from the harsh local climate. The verandas are wide, the windows are louvered and there is a ventilated roof lantern. John Michael Finnerty was the first resident magistrate of the Coolgardie goldfields. His fine old stone house was built by timber industry pioneer Richard Bunning. The home is a stunning example of early Australian architecture, with all of the trimmings and style afforded by the booming economic climate of the time. Step back in time and visit Coolgardie's entire collection of 19th century buildings including old hotels, clubs, banks and office blocks. Get a feel for the life of one the town's most prominent citizens by spending some time in his home, which has been furnished to reflect his taste and the era. Coolgardie is a seven hour drive east of Perth, on the way to Kalgoorlie.

A visit to the Old Pioneer Cemetery Coolgardie will give you an appreciation of the hardships experienced by the gold mining opportunists who flocked to the goldrush town in the 1890s. This historic site became the final resting place of a significant number of unknown hopefuls who were struck down by an outbreak of typhoid. Prior to your visit stop in at the Coolgardie Visitor Centre and collect a map to guide you to graves of historical significance including the famous explorer Ernest Giles and early pioneers John and Agnes Holland. Stroll around this fascinating goldrush town learning about its significant role in Australia's history. Signs scattered throughout the town signify important historical sites. Take a short five minute drive to the original site of the gold discovery or wander around several museums in the town offering an insight into the goldrush years. Coolgardie is located just over six hours drive east of Perth, approximately 40 kilometres west of Kalgoorlie.

The Goldfields Exhibition Museum is housed in the grand historic two storey former Wardens Court Building, which was erected in 1898. Wander through each of the rooms to view a range of fascinating displays including Aboriginal artefacts, photographs, models and authentic prospecting equipment. See one of the largest antique bottle collections in Western Australia. Bottles and glassware on display date from 300BC to the present day. The Goldfields Exhibition Museum will give you a greater understanding and appreciation of the lives of the Goldrush pioneers of the 1890s. The exhibits are testament to the discovery, growth, boom and decline of Coolgardie and the surrounding goldfields. Take time out to enjoy the free daily screenings of the BBC film 'Gold Fever', which complements the exhibition. Coolgardie is a six hour drive east of Perth, approximately 40 kilometres west of Kalgoorlie.

Take the opportunity to visit the Old Coolgardie Gaol for an insightful look at how prisoners were incarcerated in the late 1800s. Walk through the cells and imagine the hardships experienced by the early settlers inhabiting the prison during the gold rush days. Forming part of the main Government Building complex, the architecture of this grand building is also worth exploring. A five minute walk from the Gaol will bring you to the intriguing Gaol Tree on Hunt Street, where prisoners were chained to the tree while awaiting trial. The goldrush brought thousands to the area and whilst the town of Coolgardie tried to cope with the overnight growth, it took some time to expand to accommodate the rush. As a result, during the construction of a gaol, a tree had to become a makeshift holding cell. The fascinating town of Coolgardie has been well preserved to capture a sense of the historic events that took place. Coolgardie is a six hour drive northeast of Perth.