Karlkurla Play

The iconic Silky Pear or Karlkurla in First Nations language, the fruit after which Kalgoorlie derives its name, takes centre stage in this enchanting nature playground. Venture into a realm of play as you climb the towering structure to take in the views of the precinct, explore the vines between the giant seed pods and discover the animal art installations.

Nestled in the bustling city centre, take a moment to enjoy the greenery and unwind in this serene natural setting.

Karkurla - (pronounced gull-gurl-la)

Water Play Canopy

Inspired by Kalgoorlie-Boulder's links to mining, the earth canopy provides tranquility and a welcoming area to cool down on a hot day.

The canopy's music was composed by various Goldfields artists and offers a spectacular light show in the evenings.

Water Play Spray Times

9am – 9pm (Summer months)

9am – 4pm (Winter months)

Children under 10 years must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Canopy sounds

Instrumental Soundscape,
Various artists, 2023
(Musical composition)

Inspiration for the instrumental composition is from sounds of the Goldfields landscape, weather patterns, the spoken word of the Wongutha People, and cultural stories that are interwoven with the land and humans.

Instrumental Sound Designer and Composer: Sean Lillico; Music Producer: Tjuma Pulka Media Aboriginal Corporation, Debbie Carmody

Ma Goola
Various artists, 2023
(Song)

Ma Goola is sung in Wongutha Language and is about community and personal journeys.As we travel along in life, we are met with obstacles, but we continue to move forward together as an individual in harmony with community.

Music: Mathias Duplessy and the Violins of the World; Lyrics: The Brownley Gospel Singers

Sound Designer and Production: Sean Lillico and Libby Carmody; Creative Director: Tjuma Pulka Media Aboriginal Corporation, Debbie Carmody; Musicians: The Brownley Gospel Singers, Marcus McGuire and Mathias Duplessy and the Violins of the World

First Nations Public Art Display

The First Nations Art Project is one of the largest public displays of First Nations art in Western Australia, featuring the work of local and regional artists from various communities. The project is intended to celebrate the unique cultural heritage of the region's First Nations people and to create a greater sense of community and connection among all who call Kalgoorlie-Boulder home.

The art display will feature a range of styles, including contemporary and traditional pieces, and will incorporate a diverse range of media, such as sculpture, painting, and mixed media. The artworks will be displayed in prominent public spaces throughout the city centre where they will be visible and accessible to all.

We invite you to explore our site to learn more about our project, the artists and communities involved, and the impact we hope to have on promoting the recognition and celebration of First Nations culture in Western Australia.

For more information click here.

St Barbara's Statue

St Barbara, also known as the Patron Saint of Miners, was the daughter of rich pagan, Dioscorus. He was very protective of his daughter, keeping her locked in a tower.

St Barbara was brutally tortured and kept in a dark prison after becoming a Christian and denying a marriage arranged by her father.

Overnight, her wounds would miraculously heal, and her father subsequently beheaded her.

On his journey home, Dioscorus was struck by lightning and his body was consumed by flames.

She became the patron saint of artillerymen, armourers, military engineers, gunsmiths, and in the 1600s was adopted as the patron of miners, tunnellers and other underground workers.

Her statue in St Barbara’s Square, by artist Nana Lye, pays respect to her and the symbolism of protection of those who work in the mining industry.