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Kanowna, WA

Located in the Goldfields region of Western Australia, Kanowna is a town that has seen both boom and bust. Located about 20 kilometers east of Kalgoorlie, this ghost town has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Today, it serves as a fascinating destination for those interested in Australian history, mining, and the rugged beauty of the Outback.

Kanowna

Kanowna was established in 1894 following the discovery of gold in the area a year earlier. The town’s population skyrocketed from 2,500 in 1897 to over 12,500 by 1899. However, the alluvial gold supply was quickly depleted, leading to a decline in the town’s fortunes. By the 1950s, Kanowna had been abandoned, leaving behind only the railway station platform, two cemeteries, and mine workings.

The late 1970s saw a resurgence in interest in Kanowna’s gold deposits, thanks to rising gold prices. Mining recommenced in 1986, and as of 2002, the Kanowna Belle mine employed more than 300 people. This renewed activity has made the area economically viable once again.

What to See and Do

Railway Station Platform: A relic from the past, the platform is a reminder of the town’s bustling days.
Cemeteries: The two cemeteries offer a poignant look at the lives and deaths of Kanowna’s early residents.
Mine Workings: Explore the remnants of the mining operations that once fueled the town’s economy.

The Eastern Goldfields Historical Society has erected signs marking the sites of significant buildings, offering a self-guided tour of the town’s history.

Location: 615 km east of Perth, 20 km northeast of Kalgoorlie, 56 km northeast of Coolgardie.

Kanowna may be a ghost town, but it’s far from forgotten. Its rich history and recent resurgence make it a compelling destination for history buffs, adventure seekers, and anyone interested in the untamed beauty of Western Australia’s Goldfields region.

Where to stay?

About Kanowna

  • Locality: Rural locality
  • Kanowna Postcode: 6431
  • State: Western Australia
  • Region: Esperance & the Golden Outback
  • Latitude: -30.54778
  • Longitude: 121.42428
  • Elevation: 344m
  • Population: 10
  • Median Income: $71500
  • Area (Sq/km): 2721.729
  • Timezone: Australia/Perth

Explore The Outback

Australia has a vast remote interior, much of it largely untouched. By night, the outback is deathly quiet, with the only light provided by the stars and the moon - a perfect oportunity for stargazing. Explore the isolated heart of the country, meet and connect with Aboriginal people and experience one of the oldest living cultures in the world. Go ‘walk-about’ and immerse yourself with Australia’s endless outback horizons.

Outback Experiences

Luxe Accommodation

Enjoy a distinctly Australian luxury experience, such as the unforgettable reefs, islands, beaches and coast; rugged mountain ranges, rainforests and vast national parks; and the many vibrant food and wine regions. Take a once in a lifetime adventure and discover the sheer indulgence of experiencing the wonders of Australia in style and stay in total luxury.

Australia has wide variety of accommodation options to suit most budgets and travelling preferences. Choose from luxury lodges, boutique hotels, serviced apartments, motels, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks as well as youth and backpacker hostels.

Accommodation

Glasshouse Mountains

The Glasshouse Mountains in the hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast are actually the cores of 20 million year old volcanoes. The sides of the volcanoes have eroded away leaving only the hardened rock spiremountain cores we see today. Learn more about this awe-inspiring landscape.

Glasshouse Mountains