Welcome to Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
Discover a vibrant regional city where career opportunities, a welcoming community and the unique landscapes of the Western Australian Goldfields come together.
1. About Kalgoorlie
Kalgoorlie-Boulder is located approximately 600 kilometres east of Perth in Western Australia’s Goldfields-Esperance region. More than 30,000 people live in the city and surrounding region, making it one of the major regional centres in Western Australia.
Founded during the gold rush of the 1890s, Kalgoorlie remains closely connected to the resources sector. Mining continues to drive the local economy, particularly gold, nickel, lithium and iron ore, alongside industries such as education, healthcare, retail, hospitality, transport and professional services.
For relocating employees and families, Kalgoorlie offers the convenience of a regional city with schools, healthcare, shopping, recreation and community facilities readily accessible.
2. Climate
Kalgoorlie has a semi-arid climate characterised by hot summers, cool winters and generally low rainfall. Based on long-term Bureau of Meteorology observations, typical seasonal temperatures are:
Season – Typical temperature range
Summer (Dec–Feb) 18°C to 34°C
Autumn (Mar–May) 10°C to 30°C
Winter (Jun–Aug) 5°C to 19°C
Spring (Sep–Nov) 10°C to 29°C
Summer days can be very hot, so sun protection and hydration are important. Winter mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cold, making warm clothing essential during the cooler months.
3. Finding a home
Kalgoorlie-Boulder offers a variety of housing, including apartments, units, townhouses and detached family homes. Popular residential areas include Hannans, Lamington, Piccadilly, Somerville, South Kalgoorlie and Boulder.
As an indicative guide, relocating employees may encounter weekly rents of approximately:
- 2-bedroom apartment or unit: AUD 450–600 per week
- 3-bedroom house: AUD 550–750 per week
Rental availability and prices can fluctuate depending on demand from the resources sector, so these figures should be treated as a general guide only. Starting your accommodation search early is recommended, particularly if you have specific requirements relating to schools, pets or proximity to work.
4. Healthcare
Kalgoorlie Health Campus is one of Western Australia’s largest regional hospitals and is the main public healthcare facility for the Goldfields.
Services include:
- 24-hour emergency care
- General and specialist medical services
- General, orthopaedic and gynaecological surgery
- Obstetrics and maternity services
- Paediatrics
- Cancer and chemotherapy services
- Renal dialysis
- Mental health services
- Medical imaging and pathology
- Allied health and outpatient clinics
Visiting specialists also provide services including cardiology, dermatology, oncology, ophthalmology and urology. Kalgoorlie has additional GP practices, pharmacies, dental clinics and allied health providers.
5. Schooling options for children
Families have access to government and non-government primary and secondary education.
Government schools include:
- Kalgoorlie Primary School
- North Kalgoorlie Primary School
- Hannans Primary School
- O’Connor Primary School
- Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School
- Eastern Goldfields College
Non-government schools include:
- John Paul College
- Goldfields Baptist College
- St Mary’s Primary School
- St Joseph’s Primary School
Childcare and early learning services are also available. For tertiary and vocational education, Kalgoorlie is home to Curtin University’s Kalgoorlie campus and Central Regional TAFE.
6. Getting around Kalgoorlie
Kalgoorlie-Boulder is relatively easy to navigate, with most everyday services and amenities accessible within a short drive.
Public transport
TransGoldfields operates six town bus routes across Kalgoorlie-Boulder, with four routes operating Monday to Saturday. Dedicated school bus routes also connect residential areas with a number of local schools.
Private vehicle
Many residents rely on a private vehicle for commuting, shopping and family activities. A car is particularly useful for exploring areas outside the city.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport provides air connections with Perth and supports regional and business travel. Kalgoorlie is also connected to Perth by road and rail.
7. Utilities and telecommunications
Kalgoorlie-Boulder has established essential services and telecommunications infrastructure to support residents and businesses.
Utilities
Water and wastewater services are provided through Western Australia’s regional water infrastructure.
Electricity is supplied through the local electricity network.
Household waste and recycling services are managed by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Internet and mobile
NBN internet services are available across residential areas, while major telecommunications providers offer mobile services within Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Mobile coverage can become more limited when travelling through remote areas of the Goldfields, so checking your provider’s coverage before regional travel is recommended.
8. Lifestyle and things to do in Kalgoorlie
Kalgoorlie offers a relaxed regional lifestyle with a strong focus on sport, outdoor recreation and community involvement. The City has more than 60 parks and sporting grounds and around 140 sporting organisations.
Popular places and activities include:
- The Super Pit, an iconic open-pit gold mine and an important part of the city’s mining heritage.
- Hannan Street, where historic architecture sits alongside shops, cafés and restaurants.
- Hammond Park, offering playgrounds, BBQ facilities, native animals and landscaped gardens.
- Goldfields Oasis Recreation Centre, providing swimming, fitness and sporting facilities.
- Great Western Woodlands, offering opportunities for camping, hiking, cycling and exploring the surrounding natural environment.
- Local arts, cultural and community events, held throughout the year.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s combination of regional-city amenities, employment opportunities, short commuting times and an active community makes it an appealing place for employees and families establishing a new home in Western Australia’s Goldfields.
Sources
https://www.ckb.wa.gov.au/our-city/about-us/about.aspx
https://www.ckb.wa.gov.au/our-city/about-us/district-map.aspx
https://www.ckb.wa.gov.au/our-city/visit-kal
https://www.ckb.wa.gov.au/nearme/
https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_012038.shtml
https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_012038_All.shtml
https://www.education.wa.edu.au/school-data-and-performance
https://www.transregional.wa.gov.au/Regions/TransGoldfields