Warden Finnerty’s Residence

In 1895, this residence was built for Coolgardie's first Resident Magistrate and Mining Warden, Irishman John Michael Finnerty.

With the harsh climate in mind it was constructed of local stone and brick with tall windows with louvered shutters, large verandahs and a ventilated roof lantern. The builder was the late timber magnate Robert Bunning. The house is situated alongside the Aboriginal waterhole for which Warden Finnerty is said to have named Coolgardie.

Arthur Bayley and William Ford stopped at this rockhole in September 1892 and discovered the gold that was to spark Australia’s greatest gold rush. Much to Finnerty’s anger the gnamma was later blasted in a futile attempt to get more water.

Finnerty was transferred to Kalgoorlie in 1900, marking the decline of Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie’s rising prominence as the centre of WA’s eastern goldfields, but his house remains on ‘Montana’ Hill overlooking the town.

Warden Finnerty’s Residence is opened to the public by the Coolgardie Visitor Centre. Please call the Visitor Centre on 08 9026 6090 or the Shire of Coolgardie on 08 9080 2111 to check the property is open before visiting. Group bookings are welcome with prior arrangement.

Coolgardie is a six hour drive east of Perth, on the way to Kalgoorlie.

Plan your Visit

Warden Finnerty’s Residence

Address:

2 McKenzie Street
Coolgardie 6429 WA

Open:

Saturday - Wednesday 11am to 4pm.
Please call the Coolgardie Visitor Centre (08 9026 6090) or the Shire (08 9080 2111) to check the property is open before visiting.

Closed:

Thursday, Friday and Public Holidays

Email:
visitors.centre@coolgardie.wa.gov.au
What we offer: