In today's world there are very few places where you can actually pay for something with real gold! Kalgoorlie has been one of the main centres of Australian gold mining for over a century, ever since Patrick Hannan discovered alluvial gold in 1893, and a town called Hannan's (now Kalgoorlie) was named after him.

The sight of the Super Pit is one of the wonders of the modern world and, allegedly, it is large enough to be seen from space. Each year the mine produces about 28 tonnes of gold, well over 10% of Australia's total gold production.

Kalgoorlie has been the home of the Diggers and Dealers conference for 22 years and to celebrate this occasion, and in a move that can only be described as Golden, The Rydges Kalgoorlie Resort and Spa will be accepting gold as payment for accommodation during the conference.   

Prospectors, miners and even gold collectors will be able to check-in to the hotel and then pay their bills with gold.

General Manager Nicholas Parkinson-Bates said “Gold is both the blood and the backbone of this city, and so we believe that to take gold as payment, as happened in the late 1800's and the early 1900's, is the right decision. I hope more businesses take on this golden movement”.

The accompanying image shows the Manager checking in with the largest Nugget found, weighing 1136 ounce (32.2kg) worth approx. $1.5 million. If this were used to pay the hotel bill, you could stay in the hotel for over 20 years! 

For more information on how Rydges will be accepting gold as payment and more about Rydges Kalgoorlie please contact:

Tel: (08) 9080 0800 and speak to General Manager Nicholas Parkinson-Bates

Email: nicholas_parkinsonbates@rydges.com