Secrets of Our Cities

Kalgoorlie (2x3)

Air date: Mar 08, 2020

Australia's biggest outback city, Kalgoorlie has witnessed a gold boom like no other. Over the past 125 years, its gold has kept rising to the surface. And so have community tensions. From the early settlers forcing the traditional owners off their ancient land, foreign prostitutes and their brothels corralled into a contained section of the city, and the introduction of Italian miners eventually bringing about one of Australia's worst-ever race riots, Kalgoorlie's residents haven't always lived together harmoniously. But thanks to the ever-present gold and the simple game of two-up, this city has survived the times. Greig Pickhaver visits the biggest open pit goldmine in Australia to explore how, even today, Kalgoorlie attracts people from around the world.