Water Tower, Broad Arrow, Western Australia
1 / 10

Broad Arrow Ghost Town Western Australia

4.6
·358 reviews·Kanowna, Australia

A historic gold rush town in Western Australia, offering a glimpse into the past with its iconic tavern and outback charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Lunchtime

Yummy burgers & cold drinks

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Water Tower, Broad Arrow, Western Australia

Broad Arrow Ghost Town Western Australia

Best Time

Lunchtime

Yummy burgers & cold drinks

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic gold rush town in Western Australia, offering a glimpse into the past with its iconic tavern and outback charm.

4.6
(358 reviews)

"A real outback gem, wonderful find with great food and atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

🍔 Delicious Burgers

The burgers are a must-try, often described as 'pretty bloody good' and 'yummy' by visitors.

🎱 Pool Table Fun

Enjoy a game of pool at the tavern for $2.00 per game and soak in the atmosphere.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Broad Arrow Tavern

Broad Arrow Tavern

The heart of the town, offering hearty meals, cold drinks, and a rich history. A true outback experience.

Historic Gold Rush Atmosphere

Historic Gold Rush Atmosphere

Soak in the remnants of a bygone era with old photos and stories that bring the gold rush days to life.

Old Water Tower

Old Water Tower

A picturesque landmark offering a free RV stopover and a peek into the town's infrastructure.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outback Vibe

Broad Arrow is a historic gold rush town offering a glimpse into Western Australia's past. Expect a laid-back atmosphere, with the local tavern serving as the social hub. It's a great stop for a taste of outback life and history.

Plan Your Stopover

While not a bustling tourist destination, Broad Arrow is a charming stop for those exploring the Goldfields. The Broad Arrow Tavern is the main attraction, offering food, drinks, and a dose of local history. Consider it a perfect day trip or overnight stop.

Best Times

When
Lunchtime
Why
Yummy burgers & cold drinks
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Cozy by the Coonara
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Looking for Interesting Ghost Towns or Historical Sites in Southwest Australia

🍔 Delicious Burgers

The burgers are a must-try, often described as 'pretty bloody good' and 'yummy' by visitors. Reddit

🎱 Pool Table Fun

Enjoy a game of pool at the tavern for $2.00 per game and soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

📸 History on Walls

Admire the amazing old photos of days gone by that adorn the tavern walls. Reddit

🚗 Plenty of Parking

Ample parking is available, making it easy for travelers to stop and explore. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🍔 Delicious Burgers

The burgers are a must-try, often described as 'pretty bloody good' and 'yummy' by visitors. Reddit

🎱 Pool Table Fun

Enjoy a game of pool at the tavern for $2.00 per game and soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

📸 History on Walls

Admire the amazing old photos of days gone by that adorn the tavern walls. Reddit

🚗 Plenty of Parking

Ample parking is available, making it easy for travelers to stop and explore. Reddit

🏕️ Free RV Stopover

A free RV site is available near the old water tower, perfect for a short stay. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(358 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Broad Arrow is a charming outback stop with a rich gold rush history, centered around its welcoming tavern. Visitors praise the hearty food, friendly atmosphere, and historical ambiance, making it a delightful break on any Goldfields journey. While it's a quiet town, its authenticity and hospitality are its main draws.

"Stopped in for the night, having free RV site available near old water tower. Terrific stop. Great friendly staff.
Due to cloudy weather, was able to run gennie for an hour or so.
Attended pub for dinner, "steak bypass", pretty bloody good burger just quietly.
Met a couple of the locals as well as a couple of fellow travellers, swapping stories and adventures. The beauty about that is, you can find out about things that aren't necessarily in the news. The pub is a typical outback establishment, with plenty of history to explore. Pool table and plenty to catch your interest. Too cold and windy to sit outside, stayed around the Coonara which kept us toasty.
A few of the usual kids meals, with a vegetarian option to boot.
Didn't notice any wheelchair obstacles, so should be good.
Had a good few hours with a few laughs thrown in."

Crian Mackenzie

"Lunch at the Broad Arrow tavern
Seafood basket, even though we are 7 hours from the coast.
A little over done, but tasty
Chips well cooked and crunchy.
Beer cold, staff friendly
Good atmosphere
Played a few games of pool $2.00 per game
Lots of parking available"

Ron Webster

"What an awesome little place, you could spend all day soaking it all in. We had burgers for lunch, they were yummy, cold drinks. Plenty of seating indoors and outdoors."

Miss Leebee

What People Like

Friendly tavern atmosphere
Hearty pub food
Historical photos

What People Dislike

Limited activities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Broad Arrow is located about a half-hour's drive north of Kalgoorlie. From Perth, you'll typically drive east on the Great Eastern Highway towards Kalgoorlie, then head north. The journey from Perth is a significant drive, so it's often visited as part of a larger Goldfields exploration. Reddit

While not directly on the most common route to Esperance, Broad Arrow is a worthwhile detour if you're exploring the Goldfields region. It's a historical point of interest that adds character to a road trip. Reddit

The roads leading to Broad Arrow are generally well-maintained, typical of regional Western Australia. However, always check local road conditions before you travel, especially after heavy rain. Reddit

Absolutely! Broad Arrow is an excellent destination for a day trip from Kalgoorlie, offering a change of pace and a dose of history just a short drive away. Reddit

Public transport to Broad Arrow is very limited. It's best visited by private vehicle, as it's a small, remote location. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no specific entry fee to visit Broad Arrow Ghost Town itself. The main point of interest, the Broad Arrow Tavern, is a commercial establishment, so you'd pay for food and drinks there. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but the tavern is typically open for lunch and dinner. It's advisable to check their current operating hours directly, especially if planning an evening visit. Reddit

For lunch, booking might not be essential unless you're in a large group. For dinner, especially on weekends, it's a good idea to call ahead to secure a table. Reddit

Yes, reviews indicate that there is a free RV site available near the old water tower, making it a convenient stop for travelers. Reddit

While there aren't formal guided tours, the tavern itself is a hub of local history, with many old photos and stories shared by staff and locals. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main activity is visiting the Broad Arrow Tavern for a meal and drinks, exploring the historical photos on display, and enjoying the outback atmosphere. The old water tower is also a point of interest. Reddit

Yes, families can enjoy a meal at the tavern, which offers kids' meals and a vegetarian option. The relaxed atmosphere is generally welcoming. Reddit

The tavern serves classic pub fare, with burgers and chips being highly recommended. They also offer seafood baskets and vegetarian options. Reddit

Absolutely! The historic buildings, the tavern, and the surrounding outback landscape offer great photographic opportunities. Reddit

One reviewer noted that they didn't notice any wheelchair obstacles, suggesting it's reasonably accessible, particularly within the tavern. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The burgers are a standout, often praised for their taste and quality. The chips are also frequently mentioned as being well-cooked and crunchy. Reddit

Yes, the tavern does offer vegetarian options, catering to a broader range of dietary needs. Reddit

Prices are generally considered reasonable for pub food in an outback setting. A game of pool costs $2.00. Reddit

The atmosphere is described as good, with a friendly vibe. It's a place to meet locals and fellow travelers, swap stories, and enjoy the warmth of the Coonara fire in cooler weather. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's common for outback pubs to offer takeaway options. It would be best to inquire directly with the tavern. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the rustic charm of the Broad Arrow Tavern, the historic water tower, and the vast outback landscapes surrounding the town. The old photos inside the tavern are also great subjects. Reddit

The open outback setting provides excellent opportunities for sunset photography, with wide skies and unique Australian flora. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and flattering light for outback photography. Reddit

Generally, photography is welcomed, especially of the historical aspects. Be respectful if photographing people and ask permission if necessary. Reddit

A versatile lens for landscapes and architectural details would be useful. Consider a wide-angle lens for the expansive outback views. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Broad Arrow offers a relaxed and interesting stop for families. The Broad Arrow Tavern serves kid-friendly meals, and the historical photos on the walls can spark curiosity about the past. It's a great place to break up a long drive and experience a slice of authentic outback life. The free RV stopover near the water tower also makes it a convenient option for families traveling with a caravan. Reddit

🚗 RV & Caravan Travelers

For RV and caravan travelers, Broad Arrow is a welcome find. The availability of a free RV stopover near the old water tower is a significant draw, offering a safe and convenient place to rest. The Broad Arrow Tavern provides amenities like food and drinks, making it an ideal spot for an overnight stay or a leisurely lunch break during a Goldfields adventure. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

History enthusiasts will appreciate Broad Arrow's gold rush heritage. The Broad Arrow Tavern is a living museum, filled with historical photographs and stories that bring the town's past to life. Exploring the area, even just around the tavern and water tower, offers a tangible connection to Western Australia's pioneering days. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Gold Rush Legacy

Broad Arrow owes its existence to the gold rush era of the late 19th century. Discovered in 1893, the area quickly became a bustling hub, attracting prospectors and fortune seekers from all over. The town grew rapidly, with a post office, police station, and numerous businesses established to support the mining operations. The Broad Arrow Tavern itself has a long history, serving as a vital social and supply point for the community.

Today, while the intense mining activity has long ceased, the spirit of the gold rush lives on. The town's historical significance is preserved through its remaining structures and the stories shared by locals and visitors alike. The old photos adorning the tavern walls are a tangible link to this vibrant past, showcasing the faces and scenes of a bygone era. Exploring Broad Arrow offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and imagine the lives of those who sought their fortunes in this remote corner of Western Australia.

Visitors can still feel the echoes of this history by simply walking around the area and visiting the Broad Arrow Tavern. It’s a place where the past is not just remembered but is also a living part of the present, offering a compelling glimpse into the rugged history of the Western Australian Goldfields. Reddit

Experiencing the Outback Tavern

The Broad Arrow Tavern is more than just a place to eat and drink; it's the social heart of this small community and a repository of local history. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly staff and the welcoming atmosphere, making it a highlight for many visitors. It’s the kind of place where you can strike up a conversation with locals and fellow travelers, swapping stories and gaining insights into life in the outback. Reddit

The tavern offers a classic pub menu, with the burgers and chips frequently singled out for their quality and taste. Even though it's hours from the coast, they serve a seafood basket, and vegetarian options are available. For entertainment, there's a pool table, and in cooler weather, the Coonara heater provides a cozy ambiance. The walls are covered with historical photographs, offering a visual journey through Broad Arrow's gold rush past, making a meal here a truly immersive experience. Reddit

Beyond the food and games, the tavern provides a free RV stopover near the old water tower, making it a convenient and welcoming spot for those traveling through the region. It embodies the spirit of outback hospitality, offering a comfortable and engaging stop for anyone exploring the Goldfields. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2