Day 169 - Kalgoorlie, 13th December 2025

We had a lazy morning this morning, sleeping in and then  enjoying a slow cuppa while discussing our plan for the day. We decided on the Hannan’s North Tourist Mine



The size of the trucks is incredible, you don’t realise how big they are until you are standing in them, or in them!






We sat in the refuge chamber and watched a video explaining all about how it worked.


From there we walked past the Paringa Headframe  and boilers.


We went in to the Dynamite Room which was in great condition and had awesome pictures and stories. One man’s job was to sit and watch the thermometer to make sure it didn’t get too hot in there. He only had a one legged stool to sit on though so if he lost concentration he would fall off.



We went in the pay office,


and the drilling room,


and then listened to Paddy tell his story in the Paddy Hannam tent.


The boys had their fun in the Two-Up Shed.



We finally got our photo with our gold bar.






Rach and Shaun had to have a pic in front of their bank.


The Miner’s Humpies were pretty basic…


…but luxury compared to the prospector’s campsites.




There were some incredible stories of strength and courage like this one if a 10 year old boy who led his four brothers and sisters (including a seven month old) five miles to his uncles house in 43 degree heat after his mother passed away unexpectedly and his father was away prospecting.



We watched a safety video of a big truck running over a car. This is all that was left and apparently the driver didn’t even feel the impact.


Ian and I headed back to town to get our photo with Paddy…



…and have a wander down Hannan Street.


We went back to the van for lunch and a bit of a rest before heading back to Shannon & Waz’s for another afternoon and evening of swimming and chatting over a few drinks.





We played some cards and reluctantly said our goodbyes. Halfway back to the van Ian realised we had an unexpected guest hitching a ride on the car. Gross!





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