NATIONAL PARKS SOMERVILLE

Make your visit memorable by going underground with a retired miner, marvel at the gold pour demonstration, strike gold in the panning ponds, explore the galleries and exhibits and take a relaxing stroll through the Chinese Garden of Remembrance.

Venture 36 metres underground with a retired miner. Experience what it was like for the original miners, who worked with a pick, shovel wheelbarrow and winch during.

Watch a gold pour demonstrations in the original 1920s Paringa Mine Gold Room.

Exploring the past by wandering through the historic precinct. Wander into the National Bank, Duketon Hotel and the miners' huts.

Try your luck at finding a nugget at the gold panning ponds. By the end of the day you may not have struck it rich but you may have got the bug - gold fever.

Visit the Western Australian Museum - Kalgoorlie-Boulder to see an impressive range of exhibitions and 'hands on' activities that will ensure your visit is a memorable one. Check out the underground vault with its grand display of gold nuggets, ingots, and jewellery. Venture up the imposing Ivanhoe headframe in the glass-fronted lift to see the panoramic view of the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Get a feel for life in this boom town during the gold rush years by looking at the range of impressive displays including the Western Australian Bank, Woodline Office, Sandalwood Camp, Miner's Cottage and Woodline Police Office. Other displays include copies of original photographs and a large collection of objects used in the Goldfields area around the turn of the century. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Ethno Botanic Garden with its beautifully manicured gardens and picnic tables set amidst a range of native plant species. The Museum building was originally the 'British Arms'. It was built in 1899 and operated as a hotel for around 25 years. From then until 1963 the building was used as a boarding house. It was vacant for a few years before being converted into a museum in 1968.

Hammond Park is a lush green oasis in the middle of the outback mining town of Kalgoorlie. It has a diverse range of attractions to suit the whole family. Enjoy the walk through the park to the animal sanctuary, where you can get up close to kangaroos, emus and a variety of birds in the enclosed aviaries. Children will enjoy feeding the ducks at the large pond and looking out for the fish that come close to the surface in search of food. Visit the impressive miniature Bavarian castle that is said to have 40,000 gemstones decorating the façade. Keep the children entertained in the playground whilst preparing lunch on the barbeque. Enjoy a relaxing picnic under the trees or sit in the heritage listed rotunda. This beautiful structure is over 100 years old and is one of the largest in Australia. Hammond Park is in the centre of Kalgoorlie which is a six hour drive east of Perth.

Experience the aura of excitement surrounding the much cherished game of Two-Up by visiting the only legalised Two-Up School in Australia. Take a 10 minute drive out of Kalgoorlie, along a dirt road to the original corrugated iron shed and bush ring that was once the Two-Up School. See where the quintessentially Australian pastime grew in prominence at the turn of the 20th century, providing much needed respite for the town's gold miners. Whilst the school is no longer operating, the shack is open to visitors from 3:30pm daily. Kalgoorlie-Boulder offers many interesting attractions and tours for visitors of all ages. Kalgoorlie is a seven hour drive east of Perth or alternatively you can take a two hour flight.

Karlkurla Bushland Park comprises of 200 hectares of regrowth bushland just outside of Kalgoorlie. It has been developed into a community park offering a plethora of activities in a natural setting to entertain all who visit. Wander along the walk tracks and visit the wildlife lookout to discover the abundant birdlife and animals that inhabit the area. Make the most of the interpretive walk trail to learn about the diverse species of flora and fauna along the way. For the more energetic, enjoy a picturesque cycle or jog through the bushland. Then relax in the peaceful picnic area to enjoy a barbeque or picnic lunch. The bushland is continuing to regenerate. Visitors can help continue the regeneration project by collecting Karlkurla seeds from the tourist centre and scattering them in the designated areas. Karlkurla Bushland Park is a five minute drive from the centre of Kalgoorlie and six hours drive east of Perth. Alternatively, visitors to the mining town can take a two hour flight from Perth.

The Boulder Town Hall was built in 1908, and demonstrates the architectural style of the prosperous gold rush days. It is a beautifully preserved historic hall with pressed tin ceilings and wrought iron balustrades. The Hall was formerly a theatre famous for celebrity performances by Dame Nellie Melba, Eileen Joyce and Joan Sutherland. It still houses a rare and famous Philip Goatcher Stage Curtain, believed to be the last remaining one of its kind. This spectacular curtain depicts the scene of the Bay of Naples and has hung in the hall since 1908. See the lovingly restored curtain be lowered by its original pulley system each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and on Boulder Market days. On entering this grand old building, you will sense the energy and importance of the hall which operated as a library and municipal offices for most of the 20th century, was the centre of community life in Boulder. Located on the corner of Burt and Lane Streets, Boulder is a seven hour drive east of Perth. You should allow at least two or three days to soak up the unique gold rush history of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

The magnificent St Mary's Church in Kalgoorlie is a heritage listed federation-gothic style church, which was built in 1902. Examine the outside of this photogenic building before stepping inside to observe the carved wood ceilings and striking stained glass windows. Known as the Church of Gold, the bricks used to build the church came from Coolgardie and local legend has it that they contain small gold deposits within the bricks. The church is on the corner of Brookman and Porter Streets in Kalgoorlie. Kalgoorlie is a seven hour drive east of Perth or alternatively you can take a two hour flight.

Nullarbor Links, world's longest golf course Australia is one of the most unique tourism destination in Australia, there is nothing like this icon anywhere in the world. "Nullarbor Links takes you on a drive to Australia's famous oyster beds at Ceduna, the wheat &; sheep farming districts at Penong and Nundroo. You venture passed the wonderful whales and beautiful coast line at Nullarbor, to arrive at the beaches at Eucla and the remains of Skylab at Balladonia. The working sheep station at Fraser Range and the indigenous art and dance of Ngadju people in Norseman, features strongly in National and International appeal. Nickel mining and land sailing at Kambalda and then finally arriving at "Australia's gold capital" Kalgoorlie. This is the real Australia. But more important Ladies &; Gentleman Nullarbor Links belongs to Western &; South Australia. You can't play Nullarbor links on the Gold Coast; you can't play it at the Sydney Opera House. Certainly Melbourne can't pinch it.

As you drive along the Goldfields Highway in Kalgoorlie, you cannot miss the massive WMC Resource Nickel Pots on display at the Tourist Information Bay. The pots make a great photograph; you can even get inside one to give your shot some perspective of the immense size of these big pots. The Nickel Pots are owned by WMC Resources who is Australia's largest, and the world's third largest nickel producer. Be sure to pull over to find out all the local tourist information, and at the same time read the interpretive panels to find out all about the enormous nickel pots. You can also find out about the history and development of the nickel industry in Western Australia. Kalgoorlie is a seven hour drive east of Perth.

A visit to the town of Boulder provides you with an opportunity to visit the Miners Monument located in the centre of the town. The monument was created to commemorate over 1,300 miners that have been killed since the gold rush of the 1890s. Examine the realistic detail of the statue that depicts a miner using an air leg drill, which is often used in underground mines. After viewing the monument, continue down Burt Street on foot, and join into the Boulder Historic Walk. The walk encompasses one of the most significant historical streetscapes in Western Australia. Each building along the route has a story and makes for an attractive photograph. The Miners Monument is just 20 minutes drive from Kalgoorlie and a seven hour drive east of Perth.

A visit to the Goldfields War Museum will be an enriching experience for anyone with an interest in Australia's history and warfare. Housing a vast collection of war memorabilia from citizens of the Goldfields, you will need several hours to explore all the museum has to offer. Children will enjoy the novelty of dressing up in camouflage to have their photograph taken. Walk through the exhibition and discover the significant involvement residents of the town had during the Boer War, World Wars I and II and the Vietnam War. Examine photographs and documents to gain an in-depth understanding of the wars. Make your way outside to see an extraordinary collection of war vehicles and machinery including a tank, gun carrier and cannon. To gain an even greater insight, take an educational guided tour of the museum; though make sure you make prior arrangements as tours are run by appointment only. The Goldfields War Museum is located in the historic town of Boulder, seven hours drive east of Perth. The town of Boulder and nearby Kalgoorlie offers a plethora of fascinating attractions.

Kalgoorlie Arboretum provides some excellent interpretive walk trails enabling you to explore the regions native flora. Take a leisurely walk through the trees allowing time to stop and identify the various species, whilst reading the informative plaques. Relax with a picnic on the grassed area under the shade of the river gum trees before continuing on to explore the arboretum. Birdwatchers will enjoy viewing the large number of bird species that live within the parkland and small dam. The whole family will enjoy a day at the arboretum as there is even a dog exercise area within the park. The Kalgoorlie Arboretum is set amidst 26 hectares of bushland. Kalgoorlie is a six hour drive east of Perth. Alternatively take a two hour flight from Perth.

Broad Arrow is a 'Ghost Town' located 38 kilometres north of Kalgoorlie on the road to Leonora. The town was gazetted in 1896, and at its peak during the gold rush, it had 15,000 residents, eight hotels, a soft drink factory, two breweries, a hospital and a stock exchange. By the mid 1920s the rush was over and the town was virtually abandoned. Significant finds of gold came out of Broad Arrow and it is rumoured that you can still find gold there today. Known originally as Kurawah, it is said that Broad Arrow changed its name when a prospector found gold and marked his way back to the spot with Broad Arrows. While you are in town, stop into the Broad Arrow Tavern, built in 1896, this quintessential Aussie outback pub now provides food and accommodation to visitors. Broad Arrow is around a seven hour drive east of Perth via Kalgoorlie.

Stand beside Kalgoorlie's Super Pit and gaze open-mouthed into one of the largest open-cut mines on Earth and the biggest gold mine in Australia. About 900,000 ounces of gold are harvested here each year, making a total of 50 million ounces since it started operating in 1989. The hole is approximately 3.7 kilometres long, 1.5 kilometres wide and around 480 metres deep - big enough to bury Uluru. The Super Pit sits just outside Kalgoorlie. Flights, TransWA trains and extended tours depart daily from Perth, or you can hit the Great Eastern Highway for a seven-hour drive from city to outback. To get your head around how this mining giant operates, pull on a hardhat and take a guided tour. Alternatively, take in the spectacle for free at the Super Pit Lookout, off the Goldfields Highway. Access to the lookout is restricted during blasting times, contact the Kalgoorlie Goldfields Visitor Centre for details. The Super Pit now incorporates the historic Golden Mile, marking the spot where Irishman Paddy Hannan first struck gold and sparked the great gold rush of the late 1800s. You can learn more about his famous discovery and Goldfields history on a visit to this unmissable landmark.

The Goatcher Curtain is a priceless work of art hung in the Boulder Town Hall. It is believed to be the last remaining working stage curtain of its kind, which was rediscovered entirely by accident. This spectacular curtain depicts the scene of the Bay of Naples, and has hung in the hall since 1908. Visit the historic hall on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday or on the Boulder Market Day's to see the rare and famous Philip Goatcher Stage Curtain being lowered by its original pulley system. The Boulder Town Hall was built in 1908, and demonstrates the architectural style of the prosperous gold rush days. It is a beautifully preserved historic hall with pressed tin ceilings and wrought iron balustrades. The Hall was formerly a theatre famous for celebrity performances by Dame Nellie Melba, Eileen Joyce and Joan Sutherland. Located on the corner of Burt and Lane Streets, Boulder is a seven hour drive east of Perth. You should allow at least two or three days to soak up the unique gold rush history of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

A familiar sight to visitors of Kalgoorlie is the bronze commemorative statue of Paddy Hannan. Standing proudly in the main street of the gold mining town, you will be able to photograph the statue and then visit the original statue in the town hall. Hannan is credited with discovering the first gold in Kalgoorlie that started the greatest goldrush in Australia's history in the late 1800s. The remarkable sight of the largest goldmine in Australia is best captured from the Super Pit Lookout. Kalgoorlie also forms part of the Golden Quest Discovery Trail, a well planned self-drive tour of the West Australian Goldfields. Drive through the towns of Kalgoorlie, Boulder, Coolgardie and Laverton to see over 25 significant and historic sites. Paddy Hannan's Statue is located in the mining town of Kalgoorlie a seven hour drive northeast of Perth. Alternatively take a two hour flight from Perth.

The Boulder Market Day offers a fabulous day out on the third Sunday of every month. Enjoy the local entertainment, purchase some handmade crafts and check out the range of displays with plenty to interest the entire family. Visit the Loopline Reserve Railway Park when it becomes a hive of activity. Watch the Goldfield's Brass Band perform, along with the various other musical groups and entertainers. You can purchase an assortment of produce, artwork, crafts and culinary delights sourced from the local community. Take the free one hour bus tour to see the spectacular sight of the Super Pit, which is one of the largest open cut mines in the world. The Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines offer four tours on Market Day. They are extremely popular so it is advisable to book in advance of your visit. After a busy day exploring, relax under the shade of the grand gazebo or one of many beautiful native trees within the park to enjoy a leisurely lunch. The mining town of Boulder is a seven hour drive east of Perth and next to Kalgoorlie. The Boulder Town Hall opens especially for market day when visitors can see the famous Goatcher Curtain.

The prominent Kalgoorlie Town Hall is an impressive heritage building which was completed in 1908. With its grand facade and rich interior decoration, it reflects the town's immense wealth during the gold boom. The building consists of a municipal office, council rooms, Mayor's parlour, banqueting room, auditorium and stage facilities. The building has been restored to retain its original character and Edwardian grandeur. Internal features include the intricate stamped metal ceilings, beautiful chandeliers, a sweeping staircase and a majestic theatre. View an extensive collection of art and memorabilia upstairs and in the Council Chamber. Sit in the town hall and soak up the atmosphere, imagining it as it was in yesteryear. Kalgoorlie is a seven hour drive east of Perth. You should allow at least two or three days to soak up the unique gold rush history of the area.

Boulder Pharmacy Museum houses an extensive pharmaceutical collection in an old pharmacy that has been operating for over 100 years. Peruse the fascinating displays including antique surgical implements, razors, cameras and film developing kits. It is remarkable to see how the medical products have progressed over the years and observe the changes from the original galenical bottles to the current day bottles. Read about the pharmacy's interesting history and be entertained by the amusing tale of its founder. Examine the original shop fittings that were moved from the old premises in Piesse Street and remain intact today. The town of Boulder is a seven hour drive east of Perth and next to Kalgoorlie. There are a number of fascinating attractions within the mining town, including the Goldfields War Museum, where you will gain an insightful look at the involvement that the Boulder and Kalgoorlie residents had in the Boar War, the World Wars and the Vietnam War.

The Gribble Creek Walk and Cycle Way provides a well planned route which you can follow to discover the town of Kalgoorlie, and many of its attractions. Walk or ride through the town's historic streets stopping at the many points of interest along the way. Take a leisurely ride through the Kalgoorlie Arboretum to discover the diversity of native flora and fauna. Choose from a number of picturesque parks to stop for lunch including the arboretum and Centennial Park. Examine the Kakoda Track Memorial during your stop off in Centennial Park. Read the informative plaques about the gruesome battle in Papua New Guinea back in 1942. The memorial is a tribute to the service men and women who lost their lives during World War II. Gribble Creek Walk and Cycle Way is in Kalgoorlie, which is a six hour drive east of Perth. Visitors to the charming mining town can take a two hour flight from Perth. Collect a brochure about the walk and cycle trail from the visitor centre and find out about a multitude of other tourist attractions on offer from the friendly staff.

St Barbara Square and Statue in the heart of Kalgoorlie is home to a beautiful statue and fountain dedicated to Saint Barbara, who is recognised as the Patron Saint of Miners. Take a moment to sit and contemplate the significance of the statue in this historic gold rush town. Visit Kalgoorlie in December, and you can be a part of the St Barbara's Mining and Community Festival which takes place in St Barbara's Square. It was created to celebrate the strength of the mining industry. Be entertained by the street parade which travels through the streets of Kalgoorlie and learn more about the history of the towns mining industry that spans more than 100 years. The statue and fountain can be found in St Barbara's Square on Hannan Street in Kalgoorlie. Kalgoorlie is a seven hour drive east of Perth or alternatively you can take a two hour flight.