Steeped in history and outback legend, the Goldfields is dotted with historic settlements, ghost towns and stories of fortunes made and lost.
For many, the Goldfields is the real Australia. Here you can have a true adventure - camping under brilliant canopies of stars, experiencing Aboriginal culture and seeing kangaroos and other unique wildlife.
At the centre of the Goldfields is the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. A day's drive or comfortable six hour train ride from Perth, it's become a living museum for the still flourishing mining industry.
Kalgoorlie - A Town Like No Other
There is nowhere in the world like Kalgoorlie. Nestled amongst majestic architecture, this buzzing community maintains outback lifestyle with pride and energy.
Experience both past and present here by exploring an old mine shaft and touring the awesome Super Pit covering eight square kilometres - Australia's largest open cut mine.
Call by the tourist centre for information on a range of tours, including gold-panning lessons and the Golden Quest Discovery Trail - a self-drive tour of outback history.
Experience the True Australian Outback
Many goldrush settlements in the area are still thriving communities. Cue with its impressive National Trust buildings and the Leonora-Leinster-Laverton triangle are perfect examples. Others are now eerie ghost towns, such as Big Bell Ghost Town.
During the wildflower season (July to September) the rugged goldfields scenery puts on an unrivalled floral display. The area's salt lakes, granite formations and Aboriginal rock art add to the natural drama throughout the year.
At Lake Ballard near Menzies see black abstract steel figures that make up the Inside Australia artwork by internationally renowned artist Antony Gormley.
The true outback experience starts at Laverton and the Great Central Road, which stretches over the rich red landscape to Uluru in the Northern Territory. Or begin at the gold town of Norseman, and take the Eyre Highway across the sweeping Nullarbor Plain to the Great Australian Bight coastline.
The vastness of these landscapes teaches more about Australia's immensity than any school geography lesson.
Farmstay accommodation offers a taste of outback life. Or really get away from it all by camping beside a river or shady tree in peaceful solitude under vast starry skies.
Kalgoorlie Gold Rush
6 Days The spirit of the gold rush pioneers lives on in Kalgoorlie, the gateway to a Western Australian outback adventure. Be prepared to camp under the stars and tell a tale or two. View More