Ivanhoe Headframe

The iconic Ivanhoe Headframe is a standout landmark in Kalgoorlie, towering above the Museum of the Goldfields and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the town. Once an essential structure for underground mining, it played a crucial role in transporting miners and heavy equipment between the surface and the depths of the Golden Mile, where at one time, 20 headframes stood as part of the region’s bustling underground operations. However, the mining landscape changed dramatically when businessman Alan Bond introduced the concept of the Super Pit, an enormous open-cut mine that led to the removal of all the headframes. To preserve its historical significance, the Ivanhoe Headframe was relocated to the museum, where it now stands as both a tribute to Kalgoorlie’s mining heritage and a popular attraction for visitors.

More than just a historical artifact, the Ivanhoe Headframe is an enduring symbol of Kalgoorlie’s rich goldfields history, visible from all around the town. Its imposing steel structure also makes it something of a lightning magnet, with many dramatic photographs capturing bolts striking it during storms—adding to its legendary status. Whether you’re drawn to its history, its stunning views, or its role in the transformation of Kalgoorlie’s mining industry, a visit to the Museum of the Goldfields is incomplete without experiencing this remarkable piece of mining heritage.