Exchange Hotel

The Exchange Hotel is not just a place to stay, but a true legend of Kalgoorlie. Built in 1901, this majestic Federation Filigree building is one of the oldest pubs in the region and a vivid symbol of the gold boom that swept Australia in the late 19th century. Its recognizable corner tower, spacious balconies, and elegant verandas make it an architectural landmark of the city's main street.

Exchange Hotel. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Today, the hotel harmoniously blends historical heritage with modern entertainment culture. Listed on the State Register of Heritage Places, it has preserved authentic decor elements such as original stained-glass windows and wooden doors that transport visitors back to the atmosphere of the early last century. It is considered Kalgoorlie's most popular entertainment hub, attracting tourists with its unique character.

Inside the complex, guests will find two iconic locations: the famous Wild West Saloon, where life buzzes to the sound of live music, and the cozy Paddy’s Eat & Drink restaurant, offering a classic Australian menu. Whether you come for a pint of cold beer or a family dinner, the hotel will give you an unforgettable experience of visiting an authentic gold mining outpost.

For more information regarding table bookings or hosting events at The Exchange Hotel, you can use the contact details provided below. The management is always ready to answer guest inquiries by phone or via the official website.

A visit to The Exchange Hotel is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Australian Outback. At the famous Wild West Saloon, you can sample 16 types of ice-cold draught beer, watch sports broadcasts on large screens, or play a game of billiards. In the evenings, live bands often perform here, turning the pub into the epicenter of the city's nightlife.

One of the most colorful features of the establishment is the so-called "skimpies" — waitresses in bright outfits, whose presence has become a long-standing tradition in local pubs and an important part of Kalgoorlie's cultural identity. For those who prefer a quieter experience, the family-friendly Paddy’s Eat & Drink restaurant serves excellent steaks and other modern pub cuisine favorites.

History and architecture enthusiasts should take the time to explore the building itself. Here you can take magnificent photos against the Gothic tower, examine the antique stained-glass windows, and stroll along the wide second-floor verandas. It is the perfect place to relax after visiting the goldfields and feel like part of the history of this vibrant and bustling outpost town.

The Exchange Hotel is located in the heart of Kalgoorlie, at the intersection of the bustling Hannan Street and Maritana Street. You can reach the city from Perth on the comfortable The Prospector train, a journey of about 7 hours, or via regular flights arriving at the local Kalgoorlie (KGI) airport.

The airport is about 10 kilometers from the city center, easily covered by taxi or a special shuttle in 15–20 minutes. If you are already in town, the hotel is most conveniently reached on foot as it is situated in the main pedestrian and shopping area. A walk from the railway station will take no more than 15 minutes (a distance of about 1 km).

For those who prefer to drive, parking spaces are available near the hotel and on adjacent streets. Free tourist shuttles from the famous Super Pit also frequently stop nearby, making a visit to the hotel a convenient addition to a city sightseeing tour.

The history of this location began back in 1895, when the first wooden hotel building was erected during the gold rush. The Exchange Hotel acquired its current appearance in 1901, when a majestic two-story brick building was constructed for the Wilkie brothers, who were railway contractors. The cost of the project at the time was impressive — about 8,000 pounds sterling.

The architectural style of the building, known as Federation Filigree, harmoniously combines Gothic motifs with elements of early English architecture. The corner tower and ornate verandas immediately made it one of the most elegant structures in the city. Interesting fact: during serious riots in 1934, the hotel survived only because its new owner had a "local" name that inspired trust among the protesters.

For decades, the hotel remained a social hub for rugged gold miners, offering them not just cold beer but also long-awaited comfort. In 1997, the building was included in the State Register of Heritage Places of Western Australia. Despite temporary difficulties in the early 2010s, a change of ownership in 2013 breathed new life into the pub, allowing for a large-scale restoration of the facade and interiors.

Today, this building is a living monument to the era of prosperity of the 1890s. The preserved original stained-glass windows and heavy wooden doors allow visitors to literally touch the history of the development of the wild lands of Western Australia and feel the spirit of the old frontier.

To simply view the architecture of the building and take a few memorable photos against its famous tower, 30–40 minutes will be sufficient. The historic facade and interior details deserve close study, especially if you appreciate vintage aesthetics.

However, to fully experience the atmosphere of this legendary pub, it is worth setting aside 1.5 to 3 hours for your visit. This is enough time to have a leisurely lunch in the family restaurant or enjoy a couple of cold drinks at the Wild West Saloon, while taking in the local color and listening to live music.

The doors of The Exchange Hotel are open to guests daily. From Monday to Wednesday, the bar is open from 10:00 to midnight; on Thursday, opening hours are extended until 01:00, and on Friday and Saturday, the fun continues until 02:00. On Sunday, the venue opens slightly later — at 11:00 and operates until 00:00.

Paddy’s restaurant welcomes visitors every day from 11:00 to 21:00, serving lunch and dinner. We recommend checking the official website before your visit, as hours may change during public holidays.

Its location in the historic city center allows you to combine a visit to the pub with a tour of many other interesting sites. A walk through the surrounding area will help you dive deeper into the atmosphere of the "golden city" and see its iconic landmarks.