Forest camping near Kalgoorlie
Experience fascinating gold mining history along the Great Eastern Highway.
- Kalgoorlie
Popular camping styles for Kalgoorlie
Forest camping near Kalgoorlie guide
Overview
An outback city sometimes known simply as “Kal,” Kalgoorlie has evolved from its gold rush days of the 1890s into a bushland destination for those seeking goldfields history. Camp at any of Kalgoorlie’s well-equipped holiday parks for shady unpowered and powered sites suitable for caravans, camper trailers, and motorhomes, or try a cabin with air-conditioning to deflect the outback heat. Expect swimming pools, camp kitchens, and BBQs in this popular year-round holiday spot, which caters well to travellers keen on caravan travel and camping.
Where to go
Coolgardie
Once West Australia’s third largest town, Coolgardie rose from the goldfields in the 1890s, with its last gold mine closing in 1963. Its wide streets and restored heritage buildings give hints to its former prosperity, as do museums and a pioneer cemetery. Travellers in self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and camper trailers can camp for up to 48 hours in the rest area near the Coolgardie Railway Station Museum.
Lake Douglas Recreation Reserve
Free camping and kayaking are available at dog-friendly Lake Douglas, 10 minutes’ drive from Kalgoorlie. Here campers will find campsites with BBQs and fire pits, all close enough to town to still have mobile cell service.
Karlkurla Bushland Park
Karlkurla Bushland Park is a conservation park popular with walkers and birdwatchers where natural bushland has been revegetated with native flora. Interpretive walking trails wind through the park, which blossoms into vibrant colour during September wildflower season.
When to go
Visit between August and October to see spectacular wildflowers in bloom where plains erupt into vibrant colours across the Golden Outback. Summers in the Kalgoorlie region are hot and dry with influence from the surrounding desert, while typical winters mean cold, clear nights and cool, sunny days.
Know before you go
- Weather conditions in the Kalgoorlie region can be harsh, so drivers and their vehicles should be well equipped and self-sufficient.
- Visit Kalgoorlie during the winter months to take advantage of star-filled skies devoid of light pollution and to avoid the worst of the outback heat.
- Book a guided tour to try your hand at gold panning or prospecting using a metal detector.
- Obtain a Miners Right permit to camp on Crown Land or go fossicking for gold, rocks, or gemstones.
