Construction commenced in February 1902 with the first section between Kalgoorle and Boulder opening on 20 May 1902.

[1][2] The network was progressively expanded to operate the following routes by 1905:[1] With the goldfields in decline, some lines closed in the 1920s.

On 31 March 1947 the remainder of the network was taken over by the Eastern Goldfields Transport Board.

[2] The initial rolling stock consisted of fifteen single-truck and ten bogie cars manufactured by JG Brill Company of Philadelphia.

In the 1930s an additional eight trams were bodied locally by the Kalgoorlie Electric Tramway.