Museum of the Goldfields

Lookout for the bright red headframe

The iconic Ivanhoe Headframe is a Kalgoorlie landmark and sits above the Museum of the Goldfields, offering wonderful views of the town. At the Museum you can learn about how Aboriginal people in the Western Desert cultural bloc and share the values and laws established during Tjukurrpa. Find out about yiwarra (ancient tracks, networks and trade routes) used by Aboriginal people throughout Western Australia. You can also gain an insight into the mining history of the region and the migrant workers who established towns in search of striking gold. The Museum displays rare, Trade Union banners from the Goldfields. Don't forget to visit the old miners' cottages and buildings in the rear garden or take in a reconstruction of the opulent offices of early Goldfields mining entrepreneur Charles De Bernales. Of course, no trip to the Goldfields would be complete without viewing actual gold. Make your way into the vault to view gold ore samples and a diverse range of items made of gold.

Address:

17 Hannan Street
Kalgoorlie WA 6430
Australia

Opening Hours

Mon to Fri 10am - 3pm; ANZAC Day 1 - 3pm; Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday.

Safety first

A miner could carry this candle holder, or using the pointed end, spear it into the tunnel wall. Candles were considered an essential part of mining, and all miners had to supply their own candles...

Workers’ rights

This Trade Union Banner made of canvas with silk edging likely depicts an actual bakery in Kalgoorlie, or Boulder, in 1911. Trade Unions were important to workers in the Goldfields. Migrant workers...

A small prayer

Promise/prayer baskets are made with small paper scrolls which contain bible verses. Marjorie Bonney picked up her knowledge of making promise/prayer baskets from her mother, at Mount Margaret, and is...

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