Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie are the two major towns in WA’s Southern Goldfields. They are both typical of the over the top gold mining towns of the late 1800’s. The banks, government buildings and, most noticeably, the pubs are all very impressive and contrast sharply with the humble dwellings constructed by the miners.

One of the more spectacular gardens in Coolgardie relies less on water and more on discarded junk to keep it vibrant and attractive

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The main streets in Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie are wide enough to land a jumbo jet on. Apparently they had to be that width to turn a camel train around.

Frightening statue of man trying to turn around a camel train. – Coolgardie

Interesting tall corrugated iron building – Coolgardie

Attractive stone government building – Coolgardie

Coolgardie RSL and Marvel Bar Hotel

One of Kalgoorlie’s more spectacular hotels

Exchange Hotel in the center of Kalgoorlie

Metropole  Hotel in the Boulder district on the outskirts of Kalgoorlie

Court Hotel – Boulder

A couple of hundred kilometres north of Kalgoorlie things are a little less opulent. The Kookynie hotel is the only remaining business in town. The faded for sale sign on the wall suggest its days may be numbered.