Boulder, now amalgamated with Kalgoorlie, grew out of the encampment set up by gold prospectors near the mines. The main problem, the lack of water, was solved by the construction of a pipeline and pumping stations bringing supplies from Mundaring Weir, near Perth, at the beginning of the 20th C. This bold project was initiated and promoted by CY O'Connor, who had previously built Fremantle's artificial harbor - though he committed suicide before the work was completed.
Boulder's railroad station (1897), at the end of the Golden Mile, now houses the Historical Society, which displays memorabilia of early goldfield life. A steam train takes visitors round the goldfields.
The Eastern Goldfields Heritage Trail covers a 4km walk in Hannan Street in Kalgoorlie and a 3km walk around Boulder. The Museum of the Goldfields has an imposing entrance, and from the viewing platform visitors can see the city and mines. The interior exhibits concentrate on gold, and there is also a display of sandal wood items. In the Goldfields War Museum (Burt Street) is a display of machinery and photos pertaining to war.
There are many fine Victorian buildings in Burt Street, notably the Town Hall, with a theater and art gallery, the courthouse, the fire station, the masonic temple, the Grand Hotel and the Court Hotel.
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