WAMining
Coolgardie
The first great boom of the Eastern Goldfields.
1892Gold discovery creates a rush
WHAT STARTED IT
Gold found by Arthur Bayley and William Ford at Fly Flat brought a rush in 1892. The camp rapidly became a supply and administrative centre for prospectors pushing further into the goldfields.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Grand public buildings reflected its sudden importance. Kalgoorlie’s richer and longer-lived deposits drew business away, and Coolgardie shrank markedly after the early boom.
TURNING POINTS
1892Gold at Fly Flat brings the rush.
1896The railway arrives.
Early 1900sThe boom gives way to decline.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A small goldfields town with mining connections, regional services and heritage tourism. Its wide streets and large old buildings hint at a far bigger population.