KALGOORLIE HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Climb into a 793C Haul Truck and Pan for Real Gold at Hannans North
A self-guided surface tour of over 30 exhibits at Hannans North Tourist Mine in Kalgoorlie — explore heavy machinery, a 1920s Gold Room and try panning for authentic Goldfields gold.
Climb into a 793C Haul Truck and Pan for Real Gold at Hannans North.
Hannans North Tourist Mine lays out Kalgoorlie-Boulder's gold-rush story across a compact, self-guided surface trail. Over 30 exhibits sit among full-scale machines and interpretive displays: climb into giant haul trucks and loaders, step inside an authentic 1920s Gold Room, inspect a modern underground refuge chamber and try your hand at panning for real Goldfields gold.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Giant Haul Trucks and Loader Buckets
Board a massive 793C haul truck and stand in the bucket of a 994F loader to appreciate the scale of modern mining equipment on the surface tour.
Step into a 1920s Gold Room
An original 1920s Gold Room is preserved on site, giving a direct window into the domestic and commercial side of the Goldfields’ earlier days.
Pan for Real Gold and Inspect Safety Tech
Try panning for real Goldfields gold in the panning ponds and visit a modern underground refuge chamber, where up to twelve people can survive for seventy-two hours—alongside exhibits like the Gold Stealing Detection Unit.
What the day feels like
What the Self-Guided Surface Tour Feels Like
The tour unfolds as a series of hands-on stops and interpretive exhibits you move between at your own pace: one moment you’re climbing into the cab of a haul truck, the next you’re crouched by panning ponds or stepping inside a refuge chamber and museum room that traces the century-long arc from gold rush to modern operations.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits — and who should prepare.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Average visiting time is 1.5–2 hours.
The experience takes place at Hannans North Tourist Mine — begin your self-guided visit at the site’s entry and orientation area.
Umbrellas are available for use on site; bring sun protection in summer and carry water bottles (encouraged).
Some sections are not wheelchair accessible. The site is Companion Card affiliated and the Card must be shown on arrival.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long should I allow for a visit?
Plan on about 1.5–2 hours for an average visit.
Where does the tour start?
The self-guided surface tour is at Hannans North Tourist Mine; begin at the visitor entry/orientation area on site.
Can I pan for gold?
Yes — the site offers panning ponds where you can pan for real Goldfields gold.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Some sections of the site are not wheelchair accessible; plan accordingly and ask staff on arrival about accessible options.
Do I need to show a Companion Card?
Yes — the site is Companion Card affiliated and the Card must be shown upon arrival.
What should I bring?
Bring sun protection and water bottles; umbrellas are available for use on site.