The Super Pit, Kalgoorlie

The Kalgoorlie-Boulder Super Pit is definitely one of the goldfields outstanding attractions. Although really nothing more than a hole in the ground, it is nevertheless a huge and expensive one by any standards. During the past 100 years this goldfield has produced over 1000 tonnes of precious metal, and not for nothing has it been recognized as the richest square mile on earth. In terms of output the “Golden Mile” ranks second only the vastly more extensive Rand Goldfields of South Africa, and Canada’s Porcupine mine. A point to ponder: Nullarbor Net suggests the next time you’re in the market for a wedding ring spare a thought for the guys working in the Super Pit!

Access to the Super Pit viewing platform is made by taking the Outram Street turnoff from the Goldfields Highway. Admission is free and opening hours are from 6am to 7pm daily. It’s best to take photographs of the Super Pit in the middle of the day - at other times shadows can obscure large areas of the mine. Visitors might be also interested to check with the Kalgoorlie Visitors Information Centre for daily blast times.