Kalgoorlie, Gold mining city in Western Australia
Kalgoorlie is a mining settlement in Western Australia, marked by reddish soils and wide expanses. The town grew around a large open-pit mine that still shapes the terrain today and forms the core of economic activity.
A prospector named Paddy Hannan found gold in the area in 1893, drawing people from different regions. Within a year a settlement formed, quickly developing and continuing to rely on mining to this day.
The town center preserves buildings and facades from the founding era, marked by turn-of-the-century architecture. Visitors see streetscapes with wide pavements, heritage verandas and iron details that recall the early prospecting days.
Given the hot and dry conditions, visitors should bring sun protection and plenty of water. Most spots in town are accessible on foot or by car, with navigation straightforward along the main streets.
A long pipeline supplies the settlement with water from Perth, as the desert surroundings offer few water sources. This line is considered a technical feat and was one of the longest of its kind worldwide when completed in the early 20th century.
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