🔍

Kanowna

WA 6431 • Western Australia

12
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
2721.73 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricRuralMining Town

About Kanowna

Kanowna is a remote and historically significant ghost town in Western Australia's Goldfields region, located approximately 18 kilometres north-east of Kalgoorlie. Once a thriving gold rush settlement, Kanowna reached a peak population of around 12,000 people at the turn of the 20th century before rapid decline reduced it to near-abandonment. Today the locality records just a handful of residents and spans over 2,700 square kilometres of arid outback terrain in the Eastern Goldfields.

The vast, sun-bleached landscape of Kanowna is a striking reminder of Western Australia's gold rush heritage. Scattered ruins, old mine shafts, and a heritage trail attract history enthusiasts and outback travellers who make the short detour from Kalgoorlie. The Kanowna Belle gold mine, one of Australia's significant modern gold operations, is located nearby and continues the area's long mining tradition. All modern services, accommodation, and daily amenities are located in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, approximately 18 km to the south-west.

Kanowna falls under postcode 6431 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the North West Central (Mining and Pastoral) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6431
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Durack
State Electorate
North West Central (Mining and Pastoral)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-30.40°, 122.68°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
2721.73 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Kalgoorlie Station
18 km
N/A - drive required

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
600 km
By Train
Train from Kalgoorlie (~18 km away): Prospector service, approx. 6h 30min to Perth
By Car (Peak)
6h - 6h 30min
By Car (Off-Peak)
6h

🛣️ Great Eastern Highway (A94) is the main route to Perth; car essential for all local travel

Walkability Car-Dependent

Effectively a ghost town in remote outback WA; no footpaths, services, or public transport; 4WD recommended on some access roads

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

  • 🏫
    Jameson Campus
    PMB 243 Alice Springs NT 0872
    GovernmentPrimary/Secondary CombinedCoedNon-Denominational
  • 🏫
    Warburton Campus
    PMB 72 Kalgoorlie WA 6430
    GovernmentPrimary/Secondary CombinedCoedNon-Denominational

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
12
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kanowna WA located? +

Kanowna is located in Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields, approximately 18 kilometres north-east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and about 600 km east of Perth.

What happened to Kanowna WA? +

Kanowna boomed during the WA gold rush of the 1890s, reaching a population of around 12,000 by 1898. As gold yields declined and water supply remained difficult, residents left rapidly and the town was largely abandoned by the 1920s, leaving it as one of WA's most notable ghost towns.

What is the Kanowna Belle mine? +

The Kanowna Belle gold mine is a significant open-cut and underground gold mining operation located near Kanowna, operated in recent decades by major mining companies. It represents the continuation of the region's long gold-mining history into the modern era.

Can you visit Kanowna WA? +

Yes, Kanowna is a popular day trip from Kalgoorlie for those interested in WA's gold rush history. A heritage trail and interpretive signage mark the former townsite, though little remains above ground. The dirt road from Kalgoorlie is generally accessible by conventional vehicles in dry conditions.