PathfindeR THE Pilbara
adventure awaits
the pilbara
The Pilbara is a fierce, ancient land whose earthly treasures of crude oil, iron ore and natural gas draw fortune seekers from across the globe and make Australia the lucky country. Prepare to be swept off your feet by a land of extremes, of bright copper sunsets and sheer, wondrous scale.
Chart the course f irst struck by Aboriginal people
aircraft low through its narrow gorges during a
lashing rainstorm in the 1950s. Today the Pilbara’s
great concentrations of the high-grade iron ore fuel the steel mills of Asia.
At the Montebello Islands, an archipelago off the
startlingly beautiful coastline near Karratha, the British army once tested atomic bombs as part of Operation
Hurricane. Today, fishermen haul barramundi, tropical
emperor and trevally from the islands’ warm, tropical waters. At Karijini National Park; an oasis of pulse-
quickening gorges and cool, gushing waterfalls,
patches of wildf lowers and carpets of golden spinifex spring from sun-baked soil.
more than 40,000 years ago through ravishing
Creation stories of the region’s f irst people are told in
adventurers, pearlers and aviators who built towns
rolling hills and lush waterholes alongside relics of
gorges and prehistoric rock forms and by the
neighbouring Millstream Chichester National Park ’s
and industrial powerhouses in its wide open
how they f irst lived and hunted there.
according to legend, mining tycoon Lang Hancock
Scout through the Burrup Peninsula where the
which he built his fortune while piloting an Auster
in millions of works of Indigenous rock art, and
wilderness. In the Pilbara’s Hamersley Ranges, f irst spotted the rusty cast of oxidised iron on
earth’s richest archaeological records are held
adjacent Dampier, homeland of the Red Dog legend. In 1946 in the central Pilbara the longest strike in
Australia’s history was organised without the use of phones or radios by hundreds of Aboriginal sheepstation workers for fair wages and conditions, a
landmark demonstration in Indigenous history which lasted until 1949. Today you can muster cattle and
star gaze at outback pastoral stations alongside career jackaroos on farm stays throughout the Pilbara. Prospect for the whopping gold nuggets that
immortalised Australia’s hottest town, Marble Bar, in fossicking folklore or see beautiful renderings of this
great northern land by Aboriginal artist collectives in Newman, Roebourne and Port Hedland.
Experience old Onslow and Cossack and the restored
ruins that bear witness to a frontier life led by pearling
pioneers and others who managed to eke out a foothold in unforgiving wilderness.
Find yourself at iron stained Port Hedland; the world’s biggest bulk export port and a town of intriguing contrasts.
“It’s a frontier country that attracts a certain type of person … Everyone has a story and it seems to me that people in the Pilbara have more interesting stories ... The Pilbara is on the physical perimeter of Australia and seems to occupy a sort of metaphorical edge in the Australian psyche. People who have safe and normal lives seem to stay in cities.” J o h n E l l i o t t, P i l b a r a S t o r i es
Warning: This publication may contain images, names
and stories of Aboriginal people who have passed away.
Photograph by Christian Fletcher, Near Tom Price.
Top
10
Pilbara Experiences
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See Port Hedland’s rare and beautiful f latback sea turtles nesting on the beach, visit the Spinifex Hill Aboriginal art collective at work in their studio, get behind the scenes access to enormous machiner y and stadium sized ships on a tour of BHP Billiton’s mining and port operations or see international street art at the front gate of Australia’s busiest port.
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2 Make your way to jaw-dropping Karijini National Park replete with deep gorges, waterfalls, mountain hikes, secret swimming holes and adventure abseiling opportunities.
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Prospect for gold and primeval rocks on a geo discover y trail through Marble Bar, where famed jasper and the most ancient traces of life on the planet, stromatolites, nestle amongst its lovely hills and gorges.
Throw a line into an ocean brimming with barramundi and f ind way-above-your-average f ishing at The Dampier A rchipelago, West Moore Island, the Montebello’s and the Mackerel Islands off the coast of Onslow.
Leave the well-trodden tourist track with a more authentic adventure on an outback farm stay where you can watch a muster, meet a jackaroo and share a yarn or t wo around the campf ire at iconic Pilbara stations like Indee, Pardoo or Cheela Plains in Paraburdoo. Take to the sk ies in a light plane and f ind far f lung places where few visitors have ever set foot, from Goldsworthy to Nullagine or remote Aboriginal communities ser viced by mail run pilots and Royal Flying Doctors.
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See the blazing smokestacks of one of the world ’s largest liquef ied natural gas ventures at Karratha, bounded by Red Dog’s own Dampier, historic Roebourne with its illuminating Old Gaol, the abandoned town-turned art hub of Cossack and nearby seaside hamlets of Wick ham and Point Samson.
when to visit The Pilbara’s weather can be split simply into two seasons; the Wet and the Dr y. The Dr y season is from May to November, when it ’s not-a - cloud-in -the -sk y sunny and the most popular time to visit the Pilbara . Days are mild and nights are cool. Activities abound, wild flowers flourish and communities buzz with
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events .
Get your t yres dirt y on an off road camping and four wheel drive adventure out of Newman, from Kalgan’s Pool water hole to Eagle Rock Falls to the rough countr y of Karlamilyi National Park or f ind views spanning across the Pilbara from Tom Price’s Mt Nameless.
The Wet spans from November to April, when brooding clouds let fly weeklong water falls of rain . Average day time temperatures soar to the high 30s and 40s , and nights are balmy with spectacular lightning shows , swollen rivers , thundering water falls and plenty of wildlife. The Wet also brings with it cyclone season and localised flooding. Some activities , tours and locations may not be open in this period, so it is best to plan in advance to avoid any disappointment.
Explore the world of Australia’s earliest people on an Aboriginal Cultural Tour of Millstream Chichester National Park, learning about customar y Aboriginal hunting and gathering, bush tucker and heritage from the land ’s traditional owners.
For more detailed information about the weather and climate in the Pilbara region , visit the Bureau of Meteorology: www.bom .gov. au/.
get there Two major roads lead into the Pilbara from the South , the Nor th West Coastal Highway via C arnar von and the Great Nor thern Highway, which passes through Newman . About 1 , 50 0 km from Per th by road, a comfor table two day road trip with a one night stopover. From the Nor th , the Great Nor thern Highway brings travellers coming from Broome and the Top End to Por t Hedland, past working cattle stations and pristine beaches , spanning some 60 0 km of coast. When driving, keep an eye out for kangaroos and wandering cattle and expect to come across a few road trains . There are daily flights from Per th to Paraburdoo, Newman , Karratha and Por t Hedland by Qantas , Virgin and Airnor th and a full flight schedule, and the
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destinations to which they fly, can be found on their websites . Several char ted flights transpor t workers to remote mine sites . There are also buses available into Karratha , Por t Hedland and Newman from Per th and other region towns in Western Australia . Integrity Coachlines of fer a Per th to Broome pass which allows a hop - on -hop - of f style of travel so you can stop whereever you like, including Karijini National
Experience bull riding and camp drafting at the annual Pannawonica Rodeo and visit the legendar y Boot Tree, laden with steel caps, each slung there as a send-off by scores of mining folk who once called the town home.
Park, and choose your own Pilbara adventure.
Salt and Iron (detail) Por t Hedland. Photograph by Nicole Yardley
a Pilbara year
A year round schedule of events & seasonal insights
Jan uary
A pril
Port Hedland 's tropical coastline becomes home to hundreds of Australian f latback sea turtles as one of the only places in the world where they come to nest and hatch.
Four times a year, during Port Hedland ’s cooler months, the West End precinct lights up with the West End Markets. Local chefs, musicians, craftsmen and providores f lock to Glass Lane and the Courthouse Galler y Gardens for the popular makers’ market. Coordinate your visit with an exhibition opening night at the Courthouse Galler y and take in Port Hedland ’s unique culture.
Visit its beaches from Januar y to March for your best chance to catch the new born hatchlings’ wobbly race to the ocean.
February The town turns it on for cruise ship visitors as only Port Hedland can, with markets, live music and communit y events.
M arch March marks the start of North West WA’s own Staircase to the Moon, an incredible natural phenomenon created by moonbeams and tide and only visible f leetingly on certain nights of the month.
The Karijini Experience is a three-day festival of music, trek k ing, dining, art, opera, cook ing, and f ilm held at magnif icent Karijini National Park.
M ay The Mackerel Islands off Onslow are the perfect spot to view pods of whales migrating through the waters of the north of Western Australia. W hile you are there, why not throw in a line? The Mackerel Islands is also known for some of the best game f ishing in Western Australia.
J u ne
August
October
See the landscape pop with dazzling colour and life for the brief and vivid Pilbara wildf lower season from June until September. Delicate mulla mulla, native roses and red desert peas crowd hills and roadsides for a few short months in the midst of the winter’s cool.
The Port Hedland Cup, the pinnacle of the Port Hedland horse racing season, takes place annually on the f irst Monday of August. Cup Day is so popular in Port Hedland that the communit y takes its own public holiday in lieu of Queen’s Birthday.
Cyclone season begins, turning the countr yside into a photographer’s wonderland with spectacular cloud formations and lightning storms that split the sky. This season is danger rated, so be sure to keep up to date on weather alerts and road conditions over the next few months.
Nov ember
J u ly Marble Bar Cup sees thousands of punters descend on WA’s hottest town on the f irst Saturday in July. Stick around trackside after the f inal race for live countr y tunes and remember to pack your swag – there’s onsite camping for revellers who want to part y ‘til the wee hours. The historic town of Cossack comes alive from July to August with the work of hundreds of artists from across Australia for The Cossack A rt Awards. Bet ween July and September Humpback whales swim past the Pilbara coast as part of their 13,000km migration to calve in warmer waters of northern Australia. W hale watching is magic off the Dampier Archipelago around this time.
Check out some regional creativit y at the annual Hedland A rt Awards, Australia’s richest regional cash art prize. Held at the Courthouse Galler y, which showcases art works from Western Australian artists from the Goldf ields and Mid-West up to the K imberley.
September On the f irst weekend in September the Pannawonica Rodeo doubles the town’s population for the only event of its k ind in the Pilbara. There is camp drafting, bull riding and rodeo events. There are cowboys. It’s the essence of the outback. Be sure to visit the town’s famous Boot Tree, an old gum on the roadside adorned with hundreds of miners’ work boots, as you pass.
Around November f latback turtle track monitoring begins on Port Hedland ’s coast. Daily at 6am volunteers can be seen at Cemeter y and Prett y Pool Beaches, walk ing along the previous night’s high tide line in search of fresh emerging and returning turtle tracks. If you’re staying a while in Port Hedland you can volunteer by contacting local environmental organisation Care for Hedland. Care for Hedland ’s environmental off icers are a font of knowledge about the nesting habits of these fascinating creatures which are Australia’s only native sea turtle.
December If you’re out Newman way, don’t miss the chance to collect some strik ing Indigenous art work from the Martumili A rtists Annual Christmas Sale which usually takes place over a week in early December.
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The Pilbara’s port of plenty Art, wildlife and industry on an epic scale Port Hedland
At the world’s largest bulk-export port colossal loaders dump tonnes upon tonnes of ore onto enormous ships across eight berths from the biggest open-cut iron ore mines anywhere, ever. At dusk, the setting sun lights up a horizon lined with hulk ing cargo ships, car dumpers and bucket wheel reclaimers. Loaded train carriages ceaselessly f low in on 1,000km of rail and ships churn out like clockwork through the port for foreign shores. The dock heaves with f leets of road trains, f ly-in, f ly-out workers in high visibilit y vests and exports of iron ore, salt and manganese.
On Sundays families f ish from the spoil bank or catch mud crabs in the mangroves. On race day, the f irst Monday in August, the town grinds to a halt, throws its own public holiday, frocks up and watches the horses. In the town centre a monument stands to a quirky local tradition; the iconic Black Rock Stakes wheelbarrow race dreamt up for charit y back in 1971, in which the entire town raced 120-k ilometres from
Goldsworthy to Port Hedland with ore laden wheelbarrows in the bak ing heat. Walls and buildings across town carr y murals by some of the world ’s best and most recognisable street artists. Bet ween cafes and art galleries you’ ll f ind street art by Mexico’s Saner, Australia’s Beastman and Vans the Omega, and Amsterdam-born now Fremantle based Amok Island.
Photograph by Simon Phelps
From October to March, Port Hedland 's beaches host hundreds of magnif icent, rare and threatened f latback sea turtles as they nest and later their young hatch – returning, extraordinarily, to the exact beach where they f irst hatched. Ever y year, when the temperature is just right, turtle hatchlings emerge from their shells, dig out of the sand and totter instinctively to the sea.
Port Hedland ’s World War II R if le Range and the town’s Koombana Lookout tell of a daring place galvanized by its frontier legacy.
MAKE IT HAPPEN
contac t detail s Por t Hedland Visitor Centre (0 8) 9173 17 11 13 Wedge St, Por t Hedland www.visitpor thedland.com
You’ ll f ind in Port Hedland a certain magnetism and generosit y you can’t get in the big smoke; work ing miners, countr y people and fellows with grins as wide as the brim of their akubra.
Your first port of call Tours of Port Hedland MAKE IT HAPPEN contac t detail s Por t Hedland Visitor Centre (0 8) 9173 17 11 13 Wedge St, Por t Hedland www.visitpor thedland.com Seafarers Centre (0 8) 9173 13 15 Wilson St, Por t Hedland www.phseafarers .org
INFO B H P Billiton’s Nelson Point facility tour and the Historial Town tour are both booked and depar t at the Visitor Centre. The Harbour Tour is booked at the Seafarers Centre, a shor t walk from the Visitor Centre.
G et ting The re
To get in the thick of it and see what makes this town tick, orientate yourself from the Port Hedland Visitor Centre, which offers tours through the most fascinating aspects of the town; its harbour, its shiploading facilities and its historical sites and buildings. The centre’s onehour guided bus tour of BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s Nelson Point facilit y gives a close up view of the work ings of the mining giants’ operations. Learn about the bucket wheel reclaimers and ship loaders that dominate Port Hedland ’s skyline and gain an in depth understanding of how Port Hedland ’s mining industr y works.
The Por t Hedland Visitor Centre is located on Wedge Street in Por t Hedland’s West End and features ample parking next door. C aravan parking can be located at Marapikurrinya Park, a one minute drive at the top of Wedge Street.
Photograph by Christian Fletcher
You can also peel back the many layers of Port Hedand ’s histor y to f ind a town more unexpected and interesting at ever y turn. Join the one hour guided bus tour through Port Hedland ’s important buildings and heritage sites including the Koombana Lookout, a tribute to one of Western Australia’s enduring maritime mysteries, the old locomotives at Don R hodes Mining Museum and artifact rich Dalget y House Museum. Port Hedland ’s port operations are some of the most impressive in the world for sheer tonnage and scale of activit y. You can tour Port Hedland ’s inner harbour by boat with the Seafarers Centre and experience the swift loading, dock ing and sailing of huge liners on fast changing tides and see the complex manouvering of epic ore ships by tug boat.
Rounding off the West End Precint boundar y is historic Dalget y House Museum, dating to 1903, and one of the few remaining examples of early-20th-centur y architecture. Displays, artifacts and oral histories tell the stor y of Port Hedland ’s early development days and great books chronicle the town’s pearling and pastoral histor y. You can drink a cold pint of beer alongside the locals at the iconic Pier Hotel nearby or cosy up at Port Hedland ’s ver y f irst watering hole, the Esplanade, which includes a heritage st yle cocktail venue Empire Bar and open air court yard restaurant.
Beastman and Vans the Omega completing a mural, Por t Hedland. Photograph by Bewley Shaylor.
MAKE IT HAPPEN
next stop
contac t detail s Por t Hedland Cour thouse Galler y
The West End Arts and Cultural Precinct
(0 8) 9173 1 0 6 4 1 6 Edgar St, Por t Hedland www.cour thousegaller y.com . au Dalgety House Museum (0 8) 9173 430 0
At Port Hedland ’s historic heart, the West End Precinct, the town’s art and cultural scene is set to a lush backdrop of sculpture f illed gardens and bright murals. Visit the iconic Silver Star Train, a 1940s Zephyr class train which originally ran bet ween Kansas Cit y and Missouri and ran passengers from Port Hedland to Newman from the 1970s to the early 1990s, and ther renovated pearling masters quarters of the Bangers Bungalow.
Cnr Wedge & Anderson St, Por t Hedland Marapikurrinya Park Cnr Richardson & Wedge St, Por t Hedland Glass Lane Park Crn Glass Lane and Anderson St, Por t Hedland Leap Park Cnr Wedge & Anderson St, Por t Hedland
INFO The West End is one of the most walkable
Find contemporar y Australian art at the Port Hedland Courthouse Galler y, a thriving retail and communit y hub in the centre of the precinct, or take a walk ing tour of works by some of the world ’s best and most recognisable street artists who have translated their sk ills to produce a unique integration of public art and the urban landscape across the town. The collection represents the highest concentration of street art in the Pilbara. The Courthouse Galler y has a year round program of art and workshops and is home to the Hedland A rt Awards, which rivals regional Australia’s richest art awards. The Galler y is also home to the West End Markets, the regions longest running and only dedicated artist market.
places in Por t Hedland and features multiple attractions , hospitality outlets and essential ser vices including a doctor and dentist. Free and low cost camping will be available at the Por t Hedland Tur f Club from May until end of August 201 6 . This is strictly for selfcontained vehicles only. Please contact the Por t Hedland Visitor Centre on (0 8) 9173 17 11 for information .
G et ting The re Head to the most westerly point of Wilson Street until it veers of f into Wedge Street. There is plenty of parking on Wedge Street, Marapikurrinya Park, and street parking outside most shops and attractions .
Photograph by Simon Phelps
A Pretty coast Port Hedland shares its busy industrial coast with a wealth of marine life including a wide variet y of f ish species that make the region ideal for game f ishing, and rare and majestic f latback turtles which nest on the beaches. Hedland ’s huge tidal range, which at times exceeds si x metres, and strong spring tide currents mean reef walks and beach fossick ing yield fascinating shell varieties. Fishing and crabbing in the mangroves is a plenitful pursuit and a best kept local secret, and swimming beaches such as Prett y Pool are picturesque and sheltered. Yikara Park and Cemeter y Beach have playscapes ideal for children and maintained barbecue facilities for long balmy Pilbara evenings on the coast.
Make it Happen Contac t detail s Pretty Pool Beach Matheson Dr, Pretty Pool Yikara Park (Pirate Park) Yikara Dr, Pretty Pool Cemeter y Beach Park Sutherland St foreshore, Por t Hedland Pretty Pool Provedore (0 8) 9173 1 8 0 0 43 Counihan Cres , Pretty Pool www.prettypoolprovedore.com . au C are for Hedland Environmental Association Tur tle Monitoring Program (September-April) +6 1 4 47 9 07 66 1 www.careforhedland.org. au
Info Both Pretty Pool Beach area and Cemeter y Beach feature B BQ areas , parking, and toilets
How to g et the re Cemeter y Beach is located on Sutherland Street, not far from the Por t Hedland Visitor Centre. Pretty Pool can only be accessed via Styles Road, of f Cooke Point Drive.
For a perfect beachside meeting place, Prett y Pool Provedore ser ves a fresh delicious menu, f ine wines and qualit y coffee right opposite Prett y Pool ’s mangrove lined creeks. The famed f latback turtles - Australia’s only native sea turtle - can be found at Cemeter y Beach by walk ing along the high tide line to look for fresh emerging and returning turtle tracks. Nesting season is bet ween October and Januar y and hatchling season from December to March, when you can view the hatchlings bet ween 6am and 9am most mornings, guided by local organisation Care for Hedland Environmental Association.
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Be drawn into the heart of the wilderness.
Photograph cour tesy of Karijini Eco Retreat
Adventure tours Karijini National Park.
Spectacular 200,000 square kilometre Karijini National Park is a destination unmatched for those lucky travellers who have experienced her 100-metre gorges, primeval mountains and sparkling waterfalls. West Oz Active adventure tours run professionally guided, high activit y canyoning and roping adventures in Karijini ’s restricted ravines, providing all the equipment to hike, f loat, and abseil.
A lternatively, Lestok Tours offer informative, guided walks bet ween gorges and beautiful lookout points, with picnic lunches and hours to squander in pools and swimming holes. Lestok also runs tours of R io Tinto’s Iron Ore Mine Site, one of the world ’s largest open cut iron mines from Tom Price.
Karijini Eco Retreat couples an outback eater y offering high-end indigenous fare and African safari-st yle lu xur y tents with ensuites, f ive star furnishings and all the creature comforts. You can also bird-watch, sight-see, camp and explore the f lora and fauna at this ancient and astounding Pilbara landmark.
WALK TRAIL GUIDE
TRAIL CLASSIFICATIONS Class 2
These walks are well defined with some steps and generally gradients are gentle.
Class 3
These trails are defined and may include steps; loose surfaces; uneven ground; and short, steep sections.
MOUNT BRUCE (Punurrunha)
DALES GORGE
JOFFRE AND KNOX GORGES
HANCOCK AND WEANO GORGES KALAMINA GORGE
The second-tallest peak in WA lies about 36km west of the park office. Here is a great opportunity to view the Marandoo Mine Site.
See the tranquil sunken gardens, deep sedgefringed pools, and permanently cascading waterfalls.
Appreciate the power of water shaping the landscape. There are impressive waterfalls, and deep, cold pools. See for yourself how the gorges were formed.
Experience the spectacular views, precipitous This is a great introduction to the gorge system cliffs and narrow passages. Banded iron with its delightful trail and picnicking area. rock formations tower over the valleys far below. Map cour tesy of Karijini VisitorGORGE Centre HAMERSLEY
Marandoo View 500m – 30 minutes return
Gorge Rim 2km – 1.5 hours return
Joffre Lookout 100m – 10 minutes return
Oxer and Junction Pool lookouts 800m – 30 minutes return
Follow the path from the Mount Bruce car park to view the Marandoo Mine Site. Excavation of ore for overseas markets began in July 1994.
Honey Hakea Track 4.6km – 3 hours return
From the car park at the base of Mount Bruce, take the path to Marandoo View. From here, follow the track to another vantage point further up the mountain. See the vegetation patterns of the mulga on the flats surrounding Mount Bruce.
Flash floods can occur at Karijini. If it rains while you are in the gorges, please leave gorges safely and promptly.
Reach the waterfall by following the trail from the car park, negotiating steps and a narrow section of the trail.
Knox Lookout 300m – 15 minutes return
As you take the steps down to the lookout, watch the view spread out in the distance. It’s spectacular in the early morning or late afternoon light.
Fern Pool
Use the early morning hours to take the route that leads up the western face of the mountain, past Marandoo View. This challenging walk will reward you with spectacular views of the landscape.
This track begins as steps, allowing access for most visitors. Ever-changing light and astonishing colours and reflections highlight the complex geological forces in this spectacular landscape.
Upper Weano 1km - 45 minutes return
Kalamina Gorge 3km – 3 hours return
make it happen
Lower Weano 1kmKarijini - 1 hour return Visitor
Descend the steps into the gorge to explore the waterfall upstream, or stroll quietly on lemon-scented grass besides the stream; you may see fish in the rock pools. The trail ends at Rock Arch Pool.
Centre
From the shelter, take the trail to Weano Gorge, steps bottom. (0then 8)the91 8 to 9 the8121 Turn right to walk down the gorge.
Karijini walk trail guide
Banjima Drive, Karijini WA 675 1 Hancock Gorge 400m – 80 minutes return
Dales Gorge 2km – 3 hours return
Mount Bruce Summit 9km – 6 hours return
Hamersley Waterfall 400m – 1 hour return
From Junction Pool Lookout to Oxer Lookout the trail is narrow with loose rocks in patches. Please take great care.
Oxer Lookout
Follow the trail down the and returns: Contac t gorge detail when you reach the steps.
Follow the path from the car park, descending the steps down a steep slope to the bottom of the gorge. Ramble along the gorge floor to the fern-framed pool. Take a dip before retracing your steps.
Experience gorge wildlife at close quarters from this creek-side trail between Fortescue Falls and Circular Pool Trail.
At Junction Pool Lookout enjoy breathtaking views of Hancock Gorge. If continuing to Oxer Lookout, please see below.
From the information shelter, take the trail north towards the top of Weano Gorge.
Circular Pool 800m – 2 hours return
Class 5
Warning!
Fortescue Falls 800m – 1 hour return
Rock steps take you down to the lookout to view this spectacular curved waterfall forming a natural amphitheatre, which is especially impressive after rain.
Optional 300m detour from Fortescue Falls.
Class 4
These trails are moderately difficult and over variable surfaces – they require a good level of fitness. Expect steep gradients and natural obstacles including rocks and shallow pools.
These trails are difficult and a high level of fitness and agility is required. Trail markings are minimal, and steep sections with vertical drops are common. Expect to encounter natural hazards including large boulders; pools of water; slippery, wet rocks; and narrow, high ledges.
Follow the rim of the gorge between Circular Pool Lookout and the beginning of the Fortescue Falls Track. White-barked snappy gums grow in the car park around the edge of the gorge and shady groves of native cypress shelter on the cliff face beneath the track. Enjoy the wonderful views into Dales Gorge.
This gorge has dramatic colours, textures and reflections.
Knox Gorge 2km – 3 hours return
As you climb down and scramble along the gorge, notice the fig trees clinging to the richly coloured walls. Skirt several pools and return from the ‘Gorge Risk Area’ sign.
Joffre Falls 3km – 2 hours return
Most of the trail is class 4, but the last 150m (descent into the bottom of the gorge) is class 5. Follow the marked route into the bottom of the gorge to the first pool downstream of the waterfall.
From the trailhead sign, follow the trail to the Eco Retreat edgeKarijini of the gorge then negotiate the ladder to the bottom. Walk downstream to Kermits 9425 Pool.(0 The 8) trail ends here. 5591
www.karijiniecoretreat.com . au Handrail Pool, Weano Gorge 150m – 30 minutes return Access to Handrail Pool begins at the end of the lower Weano Gorge Trail. Use the handrail West Oz Active to climb down.
+6 1 438 913 7 13 www.westozactive.com . auyou make the right choice Helping Lestok Tours (0 8) 91 8 9 2032 www.lestok tours .com . au
Info The ideal times to visit the park are late autumn , winter and early spring. Winter days are warm and clear, but nights are cold and sometimes frosty.
How to g et the re West Oz Active tours are based at Karijini Eco Retreat of f Weano Road, Karijini National Park . Lestok Tours are based in Tom Price.
Make it Happen
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Contac t detail s Marble Bar Visitor Centre (0 8) 9176 1 0 0 8
scratch beneath the surface. find hidden secrets.
20 Francis St, Marble Bar
Geo Discovery Trails
G PS -located Discover y Trails are accessible from
Comet Gold Mine & Tourist Centre (0 8) 9176 1 015 Hillside - Marble Bar Rd, Marble Bar
Info Published by the Depar tment of Mines and Petroleum , Discover y Trails to Early Ear th is available at the Por t Hedland Visitor Centre at info @visitpor thedland.com or (0 8) 9173 17 11 .
the road. Maps of the town are available in Marble Bar for directions places of interest.
MARBLE BAR How to g et the re Photograph by Simon Phelps
Marble Bar is 20 0 km south east of Por t Hedland of f the Great Nor thern Highway. Comet Gold Mine is located 7. 5 kms from town via the Hillside Marble Bar Road.
In the eastern Pilbara, an expanse of 3,500,000,000 year old earth crust reveals remnants of colossal volcanic eruptions, ancient rock forms, beautiful ‘Marble Bar’ (which is really jasper), and the earth’s most ancient traces of life, stromatolites. Closely resembling the microorganic origins of life on Earth, the formations provide an exclusive insight into what the world was like at the beginning of time.
Pick up a copy of Discover y Trails to Early Earth, a traveller's guide to the East Pilbara which maps si x trails fanning out from Marble Bar and take a Geo Discover y Trail delving back into deep time. W hile you’re there, experience the quirky gold rush town that branded itself into the histor y books in the 1920s as the place with the longest ever heat wave, when the mercur y hovered above 37.8 degrees for 161 consecutive days. Visit the former Comet Gold Mine, now a museum, and take a dip at Coppin’s Gap swimming hole; take a trip out to Flying Fox Lookout, visit Corunna Downs hidden W WII Air Base, four wheel drive out to Carrawine Gorge, or buy a prospector’s license and seek your own golden lump of fortune.
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good things come to those who bait Fishing in the Pilbara Pilbara coast
Photograph by Yulia Shepilova
Fishing is top-notch all over the Pilbara, from West Moore Island to the Dampier Archipelago, the Montebello’s to the Mackerel Islands. An hour and a half from Port Hedland West Moore Island Lodge is a f ishing utopia running blue water, creek and shore f ishing for
ever y thing from red emperor to giant trevally and barramundi. You can book a charter or hire a vessel and head out with a packed lunch, bait and ice to explore the Geographe Shoals or take a guided tour of the island’s secret f ishing spots and feast on oysters fresh from the rocks at low tide. Off the coast of Dampier Discover y Cruising’s Sk ipper Brad will guide you through some of the 150 beaches of the archipelago, to Sam’s Island
Make it Happen Contac t detail s Karratha Visitor Centre (0 8) 914 4 4 60 0 Lot 45 4 8 De Witt Rd, Karratha www.karrathavisitorcentre.com . au Onslow Tourist Centre (0 8) 91 8 4 66 4 4 Second Ave, Onslow Mackerel Islands (0 8) 91 8 4 6 4 4 4 www.mackerelislands .com . au West Moore Island Fishing Lodge (0 8) 91 8 4 5 145 or +6 1 417 9 01 207 www.westmooreisland.com . au Montebello Island Safaris +6 1 419 091 670 www.montebello.com . au Skipper Brad Discover y Cruises +6 1 40 8 8 01 040 Map cour tesy of Karratha Visitor Centre
www.discover ycruising.com . au
INFO Recreational fishing guides , including details of size and bag limits , can be obtained from Pilbara Visitor Centres or the Depar tment of Fisheries at www.fish . wa .gov. au.
How to g et the re Boat ramps and launch points are detailed on the map below, and can also be obtained from the Karratha Visitor Centre.
Photograph cour tesy Discover y Cruising
and past huge LNG carriers to see the tugs in action. You can also take a f ishing safari at The Montebello’s, a cr ystal clear seascape encompassing more than 100 limestone islands and virgin coral reef where the British tested their atomic weapons in the 1950s, or search for Red Emperor off Onslow’s species rich Mackerel Islands. Mackerel Island’s Group’s Direction Island has an incredible range of sport and
game f ishing on offer for prized species like Spanish mackerel, cobia, sailf ish and even marlin not too far from the island. Along the coast between July and September whale watchers can also get up close and personal with big, beautiful humpbacks as they migrate.
Photograph cour tesy Discover y Cruising
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A world away from room service. Farmstays Inland and pastoral Pilbara.
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Experience life on an outback station, mustering cattle, horse riding or four-wheel driving alongside some of the men and women who know the Pilbara best. Pardoo Station is a work ing cattle station and one of the growing number of operating farms opening their homesteads to visitors in a refreshing antidote to the cook iecutter hotel vacation. Surrounded by wide rolling landscape, the farmstead is about countr y st yle hospitalit y. Find yourself station star-gazing around
a crack ling campf ire or watching jackaroos muster 7000 cattle into the yards by four wheel-drive and helicopter.
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At 400,000 acre Indee Station, home of the annual Indee500 desert motocross race, you can spin stories with the family at happy hour, learn about the nearby quarries or explore farm relics from bygone days. Further inland at Paraburdoo, Cheela Plains is a family cattle station in the heart of the rangelands with ancient paperbarks, prett y gorges and river pools and a Southern Hemisphere star show lighting up the night sky.
Make it Happen Contac t Pardoo Station (0 8) 9176 4930 of f Great Nor thern Hw y, Pardoo www.pardoostation .com Indee Station (0 8) 9176 49 6 8 of f Great Nor thern Hw y, Indee 01
Photograph by Pia Thornett
Cheela Plains Station (0 8) 91 8 9 8 0 8 4
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03
Photograph by
of f Nanutarra/Munjina Rd (Hw y 136)
Paul Cunningham
www.cheelaplains .com . au
Photograph by Ian Filleul
Info It ’s wor th calling ahead to find out when the
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Photograph by Alison Newbold
mustering season is on for a true Australian outback experience.
How to g et the re Pardoo Station is on the Great Nor thern Highway about 120 kms east of Por t Hedland. Cheela Plains is on the Nanutarra/Munjina Road 130 kms west of Tom Price, Indee Station is 70 kms south of Por t Hedland on the Great Nor thern Highway.
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“Living on stations has taught me to live in the moment; each day is a different challenge, a different reward… We use horses and motorbikes for mustering the cattle in and my husband flies a helicopter. We have a cook who makes dinner for all the station staff and generally a mechanic and or boiler maker building yards, building gates, fixing stuff.” Narelle Bettini, Pilbar a Stor ies
Photographs cour tesy of Polar Aviation
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The magic of a high wing flight. Charter flights Nullagine, Goldsworthy and remote communities
Aviation is a way of life in the Pilbara, making everyday things like mail runs and doctor visits possible for the people who call a sparsely peopled 500,000 square kilometre expanse of country home. Pilots in light planes deliver week ly sacks of letters to faraway roadhouses, judges to small-town courthouses and miners to satellite quarries. You can discover communities, pastoral stations, remote mines and
exploration sites from the loft y angle of Royal Flying Doctors. Take to the sk ies and trace the Pilbara’s bare horizons on a joy f light with Polar Aviation, which operates scenic and charter f lights out to those hidden gems in the Pilbara less easily accessed by road.
Make it Happen Contac t Polar Aviation +6 1 419 955 21 0 Por t Hedland International Airpor t www.polaraviation .com . au
Info At $ 40 0 per hour, Polar Aviation can tailor a trip to your needs and
Sweep over the yawning harbor and the net work of tidal creeks that give Port Hedland its Aboriginal name, Marrapikurinya, in reference to their hand shaped formation. Fly over Goldsworthy, the Pilbara’s f irst iron ore mine or travel out to the quaint old gold rush town of Nullagine, population now 200.
budget, from a half hour flight around town to something more adventurous .
How to g et the re Polar Aviation is located at both Por t Hedland International and Newman Airpor ts .
Image cour tesy of Good Dog Enterprises
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The Red Dog route E x perience the W est Pilbara coast
Karratha, Roebourne, Wickham, Cossack and Point Samson communities
Karratha, a borough spanning more than 15,000 square k ilometres and encircling the Woodside operated North West Shelf Venture’s Karratha Gas Plant, Pluto Gas Plant and R io Tinto’s Iron Ore and Salt Operations, takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘good countr y’. This area is the home of Red Dog, a wandering cattle dog who embodied the character of the Pilbara and captured the hearts and imaginations of f irst the town and then the nation, inspiring a bestselling novel and blockbuster f ilm. At Dampier, a home to coconut palms, sandy beaches, and Sam’s Island - a costal atoll commandeered by a war veteran aboard a raft lashed to 44 gallon drums, you’ ll f ind a statue paying tribute to the mercurial mutt. Sharing civic borders with the economic engine rooms of iron ore, salt and natural gas is Roebourne on the banks of the Harding R iver, where the Yinjaa-Barni A rt
Pilbara resources tours Departing from the Karratha Visitor Centre ever y weekday morning, the Pilbara Resources Tour visits Dampier Salt Lookout, Parker Point and East Intercourse Island, R io Tinto’s loading operations in Dampier. Closed in shoes and long sleeve shirts are advised. Roebourne’s Visitor Centre also operates a Port to Port tour through Cossack and Cape Lambert.
Make it Happen
Contac t detail s Karratha Visitor Centre (0 8) 914 4 4 60 0 Lot 45 4 8 De Witt Rd, Karratha www.karrathavisitorcentre.com . au Roebourne Visitor Centre (0 8) 91 82 1257 Old Gaol, 5 Q ueen St, Roebourne www.roebourne.org. au Nor th West Shelf Venture Visitor Centre (0 8) 915 8 8292 Burrup Peninsula Rd, Karratha Roebourne Ar t Group (0 8) 91 82 139 6 27 Roe Street, Roebourne www.roebournear t.com . au Yinjaa - Barni Ar t
Centre and Roebourne A rt Groups render the loveliness of their land on canvas and the Old Gaol holds its dark histor y in artefacts and timeworn photographs. Ladies Day at the Roebourne racecourse pits st yle against setting, the highlight of the social calendar drawing f ine threads, champagne f lutes and high heels to a windy red dirt track. Visit Wick ham’s 1973 picture gardens or the sometime ghost town of Cossack, which once homed Japanese pearl divers and now hosts several hundred artists each year at the most isolated acquisitive art award of its k ind in regional Australia, the Cossack Art Awards. Overnight at the deep water port of Point Samson, the Pilbara’s favourite seaside holiday village, where the tidal inlets are chock full of barramundi and mud crabs and the locals drive over from neighbouring towns just for the f ish and chips dished up at the local tavern.
(0 8) 91 82 1959 Lot 3 Roe St, Roebourne yinjaa -barni.com
Info There are resource tours of fering a look into the industrial workings of operations from C ape Lamber t to Cossack . You can find detailed information on most West Pilbara towns and places of interest at Karratha and Roebourne Visitor Centres .
G et the re Karratha , Roebourne, Cossack, Point Sampson , and Dampier are in close proximity of each other, approximately two hours drive south -west of Por t Hedland along the Nor th West Coastal Highway. Alternatively you could fly into Karratha Airpor t.
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Sleep somewhere wild and untamed. Off-road and four wheel drive adventures. Newman and Tom Price Photograph by Simon Phelps
Venture off the beaten track with a map and a four wheel drive and discover untouched wilds and thrilling drive tracks at Newman. The mining town is home to the celebrated Martumili A rtists, the larrik in who made international headlines ta xiing a plane down the main street to the pub and to Mount W haleback, the world ’s biggest open-cut iron ore mine at 5km long. Its backyard is an outback adventure playground where you’ ll f ind a 10 000 to 100 000 year old meteorite crater or a cascading three-tiered watercourse at the end of rough and rocky tracks. Explore Kalgan’s Pool and Eagle Rock Falls, Wanna Munna Aboriginal rock car v ings or Weeli Wolli permanent spring or for the highly experienced four wheel drive fanatics, pack your spares and take on the epic “t wo t yre track ” to Stuart’s Pool. Strike out for Karlamilyi National Park or f ind views spanning across the Pilbara from Tom Price’s Mt Nameless - the highest mountain in Western Australia that has a summit accessible by vehicle.
Weeli Wolli
220 55’ 00 1190 12’ 39” Permanent spring. No camping permitted. 1km walk to date palms. Approx 2.5 hour drive Contact Sue Bickwell, Marillana Station asking for permission on the day prior to travel 08 9175 7032.
NEWMAN
MODERATE 4WD.
Eagle Rock Falls Wonmunna
230 6’ 440 1190 7’ 31” Aboriginal rock carvings. Permanent pool. Approx 1 hour drive EASY 4WD.
230 6’ 440 1190 7’ Twin seasonal waterfalls, 33 and 8 metre fall. 1.45 hour drive DIFFICULT 4WD. Experienced Drivers Only.
Giles Point 230 15’ 10 1190 9’ 19”
1042 metres high. Site where Ernest Giles named Ophthalmia Ranges in 1896. Approx. 1 hour drive. EASY 4WD
Mt Newman
230 16’ 170 1190 33’ 40” 1057 metres high. 3km return walk, modified track to summit, loose surface. Approx. 0.45 h MODERATE/DIFFICULT 4WD
Disclaimer This map is not to scale and the distances and co-ordinates used are approximate. This map is a representation of the information currently held by the Port Hedland Visitors Centre. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the map, Port Hedland Visitors Centre accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor for the loss or damaged alleged to have been suffered by anyone as a reult of teh publication of the map and the notations on it, or as a result of the use or misuese of the information provided herein. Feedback and recommended corrections are always welcoimed.
Caution. Users of this map should note that the tracks indicated on this map are no and caution should be excercisd when travelling on all tracks. Tracks have bility to oncoming traffic is limited and particular care should be taken on conditions may also vary throughout the year. Particular caution should b the wet season when users should be aware of shallow water crossing and the depth on foot before crossing. Users of this map take the conditions o find them. THe Port Hedland Visitor centre gives no warranty as to the fi or result from the conditions of the tracks indicated on this map.
Port Hedland Visitor Centre has a range of masterful Hema Maps with a keen focus on off-road touring in the four-wheel driving and outdoor adventure industries. Folded maps, atlases and guides will lead you to faraway waterholes and secluded camp sites beneath dazzling star-filled skies, guide you through the epic Canning Stock Route or simply reveal the region’s beautiful gorges like Carrawine and Running Waters.
N OUTBACK EXPLORER *Permits are required for these roads, Eagle Rock Pool 230 6’ 110 1190 34’ 55”
please contact Newman Visitor Centre for road conditions before attempting travel.
hour drive.
ot always maintained e corners where visin these tracks. Track be excercised during d should always check of the tracks as they itness or suitability
Kalgan Pool 230 11’ 160 1190 41’ 40”
230 8’ 270 1190 40’ 49” Permanent waterhole. Approx 1.45 hour drive. EASY 4WD.
Newman Visitor Centre (0 8) 9175 28 8 8 newman .org. au
MODERATE 4WD.
Three Pools
Contac t
Crn Newman Drive, Newman
Permanent waterhole. Access to Eagle Rock Pool is by sign-posted detour. Approx 1.5 hour drive.
31”
Make it Happen
Popular, permanent waterhole. The rail crossing and 1.8km access road from Marble Bar Road to Kalgan track entrance is on a BHP Billiton lease. Ontain a permit from the Newman Visitors Information Centre Approx 1.45 hour drive. *CAUTION! Track has some corners where visibility to oncoming traffic is limited. Track conditions also vary throughout the year. During the wet season, be awar of shallow water crossings and always check the depth on foot before crossing. EASY 4WD.
CAU TION
This map is not to sca le and coordinates are
approximate. Roads and
road conditions are subject
to change. FOR M and Port Hedland Visitor's Centre accepts no responsibilit y
for loss or damage a l leged to have been suffered as a
result of the publication of
Silent Gorge
this map
230 17’ 20 1190 39’ 30” Small Gorge, close to town. Good bush walking along abandoned Highway 95. Approx. 15 minute drive. EASY 4WD
Tom Price Visitor Centre (0 8) 91 8 8 5 4 8 8 1 Central Road, Tom Price WA www.tomprice.org. au Info Maps and detailed information about four wheel drive tracks and camp sites are available at the Newman and Tom Price Visitor Centres . Before you ‘go bush’ remember to plan your route through the Newman or Tom Price Visitor Centres , carr y extra water, and check the road conditions . G et the re The Tom Price Visitors Centre is located on 1 Central Road, Tom Price.
Opthalmia Dam 230 20’ 580 1190 51’ 52” EASY 4WD.
Newman Visitor Centre is on Newman Drive, For tescue Avenue, Newman .
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Take a real trip. Aboriginal Cultural and Rock Art Tours. The Dampier Peninsula and Millstream Chichester National Park
The Pilbara’s rock art is up to 30,000 years old, predating the U NESCO World Heritage listed Lascau x Caves and encompassing the highest concentration of rock art in the world. Ngurrangga Tours are led by a local Indigenous guide whose people have called the area home for tens of thousands of years, and travel to the Burrup petrogly phs on the peninsula, at Deep Gorge and Hearson’s Cove. Your guide will show you some of bet ween 100,000 and a million ancient car vings of f igures and animals like the Tasmanian tiger on ramparts of rock and explain the signif icance and meanings behind them. You’ ll learn about bush tucker, how to live off the land and will visit old camping grounds
where the region’s f irst people used to live and hunt to hear their creation stories. Ngurrangga Tours run full-day and overnight four wheel drive expeditions to the waterholes and cultural sites at Millstream Chichester National Park and Gregor y’s Gorge, considered the birthplace of much of North West WA’s Aboriginal culture. Lush, rolling Millstream Chichester National Park enfolds the Fortescue R iver with gorges, palm lined pools and plent y of bushst yle camping facilities and is a place of high cultural signif icance for all Indigenous people. Stop at Py thon Pool, a freshwater rock pool at the base of the Chichester Range or nap on the pillow y riverside reed beds at the old Millstream Homestead.
Make it Happen Contac t Ngurrangga Tours +6 1 423 424 093 www.ngurrangga .com . au Karratha Visitor Centre (0 8) 914 4 4 60 0 Lot 45 4 8 De Witt Road, Karratha www.karrathavisitorcentre.com . au Roebourne Visitor Centre (0 8) 91 82 1257 Old Gaol, 5 Q ueen Street, Roebourne www.roebourne.org. au
Info Ngurrangga Tours run several tour options from a four-hour petroglyph tours and overnight camping trips at Millstream Chichester National Park .
G et the re Millstream Chichester National Park is approximately 150 kms south east of Karratha . Millstream Homestead is within the Park open daily, it is not staf fed but rangers and campground hosts frequently visit and maintain this facility.
Photographs by Bewley Shaylor
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Photograph by Claire Paddison
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Photograph by Lillian Frost
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Photograph by Leanhe Rowley
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Photograph by Sarah C arless
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Make it Happen Contac t Ashbur ton Shire (0 8) 91 8 8 4 4 4 4 www. ashbur ton .wa .gov. au
Info Find details on the rodeo at www. pannawonicarodeo.com . au
G et The re Pannawonica is accessible of f the Nor th West Coastal Highway and is around 195 kms from Karratha .
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In the f irst week of September at Pannawonica the population doubles, fringed chaps are donned, horses stamp their hooves and spectators hoist themselves onto fences ready for the annual Robe R iver Rodeo.
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Saddle Up The Robe River Rodeo Pannawonica
In the inland Pilbara at the foot of Pannawonica Hill, past an old gum tree whose branches hang heavy with boots like weird fruit, a 1970s purpose-built mining town hosts a rodeo event like no other.
Cowboys k ick the dust sky high on the back of steers and broncos and there are barrel races, steer wrestling and roping events, camp drafting and a g ymk hana for youngsters. Anyone can sign a waiver and throw their hat into the ring to have a go riding a bull in the open steer race. Winners are vying for the All Round Cowboy and Cowgirl crown, trophies, sashes and prize money. Challengers who also participate in camp draft events at the Tom Price and Newman Rodeos are automatically in the running for the Pilbara Perpetual Trophy. Camping is free for the duration and funds raised at the event go back into the tight knit community. While you’re there take a four wheel drive track out to splash in shaded swimming holes at the rodeo’s namesake Robe River and scour the rocks for ancient rock carvings at the gateway to Millstream National Park.
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Iconic Pilbara pubs
Image cour tesy of Good Dog Enterprises
The Pier Hotel Once named Toughest Pub in the World in a 1970s feature article penned by English journalist John Dyson, the Pier Hotel of today is the town’s nightspot of choice for a cold pint and a dance.
— The Esplanade
Much of Port Hedland ’s histor y unfolded within the walls of the sprawling Esplanade Hotel. Now housing trendy-as-they-come Empire Bar; the tavern ser ves up cocktails and craft beer and remains the backbone of the town’s social scene.
The Pilbara’s stories Read up on the Pilbara or watch these films
— The Whim Creek Hotel
A Pilbara icon and the perfect pit stop bet ween
Roebourne and Port Hedland, 120-something year old W him Creek Hotel has been battered by cyclones, housed a beer swilling camel and sated many a North West traveller’s thirst with cold beer. Today it is run and operated by Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation and Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation and provides opportunities for local Aboriginal people.
—
The Ironclad Marble Bar’s f irst hotel was built in the 1800s
and still retains its corrugated iron cladding and popularit y as a prime pastoralist’s watering hole among the red ranges today.
—
The Tambrey Tavern The Tambrey Tavern boasts the biggest beer
garden in the Pilbara and has maintained its position as a Karratha landmark for more than 20 years
1. Kangushot: The Life of Nyamal
Lawman Peter Coppin The powerful stor y of Peter Coppin, or Kangkushot, his life in the Pilbara and his involvement in the 1946 Aboriginal workers’ strike, the f irst of its k ind in the nation’s histor y.
2. Nor’ Westers of the Pilbara Breed,
Jenny Hardy’s fascinating record of the Pilbara’s pioneers has become a classic of the North West since its 1981 publication.
3. Red Dog by Louis De Bernieres. The
Captain Corelli ’s Mandolin author penned an utterly charming adaptation of the stor y about Karratha’s legendar y red kelpie which has since been made into a major motion picture.
Giddy up. The Pilbara horse racing circuit From Kununurra to Derby, Broome to Newman , and Por t Hedland to Pannawonica , horse racing is big in the Nor th West and the carnival atmosphere is electric . Racing season kicks of f in May and runs until August, with cup days in Por t Hedland, Marble Bar, Newman and Roebourne the highlights . You’ll find most of the towns’ population trackside; dressed to the nines , taking a punt and watching the horses . Marble Bar Cup - Typically the first weekend of July. Pack a swag and a ball gown - this is one weekend-long shindig. Roebourne Cup - Typically late July. Put on your glad rags - but prepare for some dust. This track is red dir t Pilbara style. Por t Hedland Cup - The first Monday in August. This annual day of revelr y star ts early and runs late. Newman Cup - Late August. Kick up your heels at “ the track that fell of f the back of a truck ” - the only fully grassed racetrack in the Nor th West.
4. Blue Dog, a feature f ilm
exploring the early events leading up to Red Dog’s discover y on the road to Dampier and his ultimate rise to Australian legend, was f ilmed in Perth and the Pilbara. Filmmaker Nelson Woss, creator of the Award winning Australian f ilms R ed Dog (2011) and N ed K el ly (2003), produced this new celebration of an iconic Pilbara stor y in 2016.
The project reunites R ed Dog director K riv Stenders and writer Daniel Taplitz with Woss to tell a unique Australian stor y, shining a spotlight on the Pilbara’s diverse communit y, deep heritage and rich landscape. Actors, crew and technicians lived and worked in
the region during the mak ing of the f ilm and production engaged all of the local communit y for aspects spanning from cultural consultation with Ngarluma traditional owners to the employment of Pilbara residents as on-f ilm as extras.
5. Discover y Trails to Early Earth by Martin Van K ranendonk and Jean Johnston is a geological traveller’s guide to the East Pilbara that leads readers through its ancient landforms.
6. Rabbit Proof Fence: The true
stor y of three East Pilbara aboriginal girls forcibly taken from their families, their daring escape and 1,500 mile journey home along the rabbit-proof fence that bisects Australia.
For up to date information on the race rounds and rodeos pop in to the Visitor Centre’s at each town or check the fixtures at www.visitpor thedland.com .
7. The Pilbara Project
catalogues images, impressions, musings and stories of the region by a host of creative people.
8. The Girl in Steel-Capped
Boots by Loretta Hill is a sweet stor y of red dust and romance that journeys through life in a Pilbara mining camp.
ABORIGINAL ART CENTRES WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Western Australia is home to around 25 art centres. Some of the most recognised include Martumili Artists, Mangkaja, Warnum, Waringarri, Tjanpi Desert Weavers, Warakurna Artists, Warlayirti Artists and Spinifex Hill Studios. Of these, the majority are located within proximity to the Canning Stock Route, established during Western Australia’s Federation period, which remains the longest stock route in the Southern Hemisphere. The richness of cultural knowledge and the highcalibre of painting coming from communities around these areas is often centred on the stock route itself, pointing to the significant effects of the route on Aboriginal communities. This significance was explored and archived in the Canning Stock Route Project, launched in 2006 for the centenary year of the founding of the Canning Stock Route, in collaboration with ten remote Aboriginal community art centres. In the Pilbara there are four art centres, each with a general focus on acr ylic painting and f ibre arts. Located in Roebourne are YinjaaBarni A rt and Roebourne A rt Group. The newly-opened Spinifex Hill Studios in Port Hedland is home to the Spinifex Hill A rtists, notable for their diversit y in artistic st yles. In Newman lies the phenomenally successful Martumili A rtists, a group that also ser vices si x remote communities within the Shire of East Pilbara. A ll art centres in the Pilbara welcome visitors and offer the chance to see the artists at work. Mak ing a visit is a truly wonderful opportunit y to gain insight into the astonishing diversit y of experiences within the Pilbara, a region that is in a period of unprecedented social, economic and geographical change. The chance to share their stories empowers the artists, and revenue from sales is crucial to supporting communities as well as the oldest continuing tradition of art in the world.
Peter Eastway | www.petereastway.com
The Martumili Artists With a studio and operational base in Newman, Martumili Artists are essentially a roaming art centre that facilitate painting, fibre art and sculpture in six communities in the Shire of East Pilbara. It was established in 2006 after years of planning to ensure the Martu artists retained creative, strategic, and financial control of the centre.
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Make it Happen Contac t detail s Mar tumili Ar tists (0 8) 9175 8 02 2 visit www.mar tumili.com . au
Info The studio is open from Monday to Thursday 1 0am - 4. 30 pm and closed Friday to Sunday.
The Martu people are comprised of more than eight language groups including Manyjilyjarra, Kartujarra, Putijarra and Warnman. ‘Martu’ is a Manyjilyjarra word for ‘one’ or ‘man’ and Martu Countr y stretches from the Percival Lakes, Lake Disappointment, and along the Canning Stock Route to the Northern Territor y border.
We recommend calling ahead to check opening times before your visit.
How to g et the re The studios are within the Shire of East Pilbara Administration Building on the corner of Kalgan and Newman Drive Newman .
Operating in the largest geographical shire in Australia, Martumili ser vices the communities of Jigalong, Parngurr, Iringadji (Nullagine), Punmu, Kunawarritiji and Warralong.
The long distances and remote places make for a logistically complex operation, but the abilit y to work in communit y is crucial to the artists. In their short histor y Martumili Artists have achieved phenomenal success, culminating in an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporar y Art in Sydney in late 2014. The over whelming success has seen renewed commitment from sponsors and Martumili Artists have opened a new studio in Newman.
image cour tesy of Pilbara Development Commission
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(L- R) Mar tumili Ar tists Yikar tu Bumba , Jatarr Lily Long, Yuwali Janice Nixon and Dadda Samsonwaer baskets on their head, 20 0 8 . Photograph by Morika Biljabu. FORM , C anning Stock Route Project.
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Muni Rita Simpson from Mar tumili Ar tists points to one of the waterholes in her painting Minyipuru, 20 07. Photograph by Tim Acker. FORM , C anning Stock Route Project.
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The Spinifex Hill Artists
The Spinifex Hill Studios are home to the Spinifex Hill Artists, Port Hedland’s only professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist collective. With their new South Hedland studios opening in 2014, the Spinifex Hill Artists have made the exciting transition from community arts group to professional collective. There are now over thirty core members regularly working in the studio, attending professional development workshops, and producing art for exhibition.
With Noongar, Yamaji, Banjima, Nyiparli, Innawongka and Karimarra artists, Spinifex Hill Artists do not have a signature aesthetic, but are known for a spectacular range of st yles and a diversit y of stories. The centre welcomes beginner, mid-career and established Aboriginal artists and provides access to materials, creative and professional training and arts education to bolster their knowledge and empower their practice. Another distinguishing feature of the art centre is the au xiliar y studio onsite, devoted specif ically to the design and fabrication of three-dimensional art works. The studios host national and international artists for visits and residences, and hold regular workshops for the general communit y. For a truly unforgettable Pilbara experience the public are warmly invited to visit the studios, yarn with the artists and see them at work.
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Maggie Green , Untitled, acr ylic on canvas 76x125cm , 2015 . Spinifex Hill Ar tists .
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Sculptural installation at Spinifex Hill Studios by Winnie Sampi, 2014 . Photograph by Bewley Shaylor.
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Open day at Spinifex Hill Studios , 2014 . Photograph cour tesy of FORM .
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Make it Happen Contac t Spinifex Hill Studio (0 8) 9172 1 69 9 1 8 Hedditch Street, South Hedland spinifexhillstudio.com . au
Info The studio is open to the public 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.
How to g et the re South Hedland is located 20 minutes south of the Por t Hedland Visitor Centre.
the burrup peninsula the dampier archipelago
w
es tc oa st al
HW Y
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Port Hedland is the junction where adventure pathways through the Pilbara meet. South-east on the Great Northern highway you can explore the wild, rugged beaut y of Karijini National Park with its spectacular natural gorges, waterfalls and pools, the vast open cut mines of Newman and the studio of the world-renowned Martumili Artists. To the south, off the North West Coastal Highway is the enchanting Millstream Chichester National Park, bounded by the spinifex lined Chichester Ranges where the Fortescue R iver feeds f lowing streams and freshwater pools perfect for swimming. Following the coast road further south will bring you to neighbouring Karratha and the hamlets of Dampier, Roebourne, Point Sampson and Cossack, home to the iconic Red Dog, ancient rock art, top notch f ishing and one of the most advanced integrated gas production systems in the world. On the road north from Port Hedland, on route to the
K imberley, you can experience the life of a modern day drover at De Grey or Pardoo cattle stations, stray east to Australia’s hottest town, Marble Bar, or pull off the Great Northern Highway at Cape Keraudren Recreation Reser ve or Eight y Mile Beach to experience Western Australia’s iconic white sandy beaches and clear blue sea. From the Warlu Way and the Canning Stock Route, and with Port Hedland as your launchpad, we have mapped f ive great adventure pathways through the Pilbara, a region as exciting as it is wide. Adventure awaits.
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Adventure Pathways Through The Pilbara and Beyond.
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y ba
4 3
To Broome 20 eighty mile
Gr
(95 min from PH)
ea tn
Cape keraudren
or th
en H
wY
beach
19 pardoo
port hedland
18 station
(PH)
1 2 3h
r
whim creek (1hr 15 min from PH)
11
indee station
to
All distances shown are from Port Hedland
ma
rb
le
ba
r
fr
om
ph
1. 2.
The Road South
nullag m ph
ine fro
millstream chichester national park
karijini national park (3 hr 10 min from PH)
12
16
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
auski roadhouse
Roebourne (202km) Cossack (216km) Point Sampson (222km) Karratha (242km) Dampier (263km) Millstream Chichester National Park Pannawonica Onslow
The Road EAST (to Karijini)
13
11. 12. 13. 14. 14
Indee Station (55km) Karijini Naitonal Park (281km) Tom Price (417km) Parabadoo (477km)
The Road East (to Newman) 15
Great northen Hwy
8
4 hr to
17
Port Hedland South Hedland (20km)
15. Newman (455km) 16. Nullagine (297km) 17. Marble Bar (203km) The Road North 18. Pardoo Station (122km) 19. Cape Keraudren Recreation Reserve (152km) 20. Eighty Mile Beach (375km)
Make it Happen
Contac t Detail s Newman Visitor Centre (0 8) 9175 28 8 8 Cnr Newman Drive, Newman WA www.newman .org. au Tom Price Visitor Centre (0 8) 91 8 8 5 4 8 8 1 Central Rd, Tom Price WA www.tomprice.org. au Karijini Visitor Centre (0 8) 91 89 8121 Banjima Dr, Karijini WA 675 1 Karijini Eco Retreat (0 8) 9425 5591 of f Weano Road, Karijini National Park www.karijiniecoretreat.com . au
Info Access to Karijini is via unsealed roads and while the roads are graded regularly, 4WD vehicles and low speeds are recommended.
How to g et the re Travelling from Por t Hedland; turn west on Karijini Drive from Great Nor thern Highway af ter about 30 0 kms . Newman is a fur ther 150 kms from the Karijini turn of f on the same highway.
Karijini Tree. Photograph by Nicole Yardley
The Road East South-East of Port Hedland the Great Northern highway unfurls inland like a great grey ribbon past the wonder and grandeur of Karijini National Park to Newman, Meekatharra and Mount Magnet. A place like Karijini needs time. Take a week or at least a few days getting the blood pumping canyoning, trek k ing and swimming through its labyrinth of plummeting gorges and allow its quiet majest y to seep into your being. Karijini is 300 k ilometres from Port Hedland and the road through the park is unsealed with accommodation available at camp sites, Karijini Eco Retreat or nearby Tom Price. Return to a road that threads inland, through Newman, where you can visit the Martumili Artists at their studio or tour Mt W haleback ’s epic f ive-k ilometre-long open cut mine- the f lipside of the coin to Port Hedland ’s Port operations tour before driving on to the yawning mid north.
The Road North From Port Hedland, head north along the Great Northern Highway, Broome-bound. Stop overnight at Pardoo Station for a memory-making station stay, detour a few days to Marble Bar with its pretty jasper, swimming holes, iconic wild west pub and exgold mine and make sure to fill up at remote Sandfire Roadhouse.
At Eight y Mile Beach, which is renowned for its phenomenal f ishing and shell collecting, you’ ll f ind Eco Beach Resort set on one of the most secluded stretches of sand in the countr y. The resort has self-sustaining eco villas and tents, an ocean front restaurant and inf init y pool. Just around the next corner, discover exotic Broome; a magic town of lu xur y, wilderness, desert and sea.
Make it Happen
Contac t Detail s Pardoo Station (0 8) 9176 4930 Great Nor thern Hw y, Pardoo WA 6721 www.pardoostation .com Marble Bar Visitor Centre (0 8) 9176 1 0 0 8 11 Francis St, Marble Bar www.eastpilbara .wa .gov. au Eco Beach Resor t (0 8) 9193 8 015 323 Thangoo Station Great Nor thern Hw y, Broome www.ecobeach .com . au Broome Visitor Centre (0 8) 9195 2 20 0 1 Hamersley St, Broome www.visitbroome.com . au
Info Fuel stations are few and far between on the road from Por t Hedland to Broome, make sure to research and plan your fuel stops accordingly.
How to g et the re All destinations are of f the Great Nor thern Highway nor thbound from Por t Hedland.
Photograph by Justin McKirdy
The Road Sou th South of Port Hedland off the North West Coastal Highway is Millstream Chichester National Park, an incongruously lush and tropical haven of gentle hills, billabongs and serene gorges where fresh water springs nourish verdant paperbarks and palms.
Photograph by Christian Fletcher
Learn about Aboriginal songlines, stories, bush
food and medicines on Country from traditional
Ngarluma people on Ngurrangga Tours’ expeditions through the park.
Make it Happen Contac t Detail s Roebourne Visitor Centre (0 8) 91 82 1257 Old Gaol, 5 Q ueen St, Roebourne www.roebourne.org. au
Visit Dampier’s monument to world famous Red
Dog, explore the ghost town of Cossack or relax and sample some of the region’s famed fish and chips at Wickham’s Port Wallcot Yacht Club, or stop in at
Point Samson’s Honeymoon Cove, a beautiful sandy beach and fishing hot spot protected by fringing coral reefs.
Karratha Visitor Centre (0 8) 914 4 4 60 0 Lot 45 4 8 De Witt Rd, Karratha www.karrathavisitorcentre.com . au Onslow Tourist Centre (0 8) 91 8 4 66 4 4 Second Ave, Onslow E xmouth Visitor Centre (0 8) 9 949 1176 Murat Rd, E xmouth
Further down the coast visit the fishing utopia of Onslow, snorkel off the Coral Bay and Exmouth
coast, and make for World Heritage listed Shark Bay.
www.visitningaloo.com . au Shark Bay World Heritage Discover y & Visitor Centre (0 8) 9 94 8 159 0 55 Knight Tce, Denham www.sharkbay visit.com . au
Here you can swim with whale sharks, see
stromatolites at Hammelin Pool and find humpback whales, loggerhead turtles and the world’s largest dugong population in its sheltered waters.
Info More detailed information about West Pilbara attractions is available from the Roebourne Visitor Centre, just two hours from Por t Hedland and an ideal stopover close to Millstream Chichester National Park and gateway to the towns of Cossack, Dampier, Karratha and Point Samson . How to g et the re Millstream Chichester National Park is on the Roebourne to Winternoon Road in Roebourne. Shark Bay is 9 0 0 kms from Roebourne and 550 kms from Coral Bay along the Nor th West Coastal Highway.
The Canning Stock Route Take on the fabled and truly hardcore Canning Stock Route through three of WA’s remote deserts. There is so much more to this road than
the drive. The 1800 km 4WD track from Wiluna to Halls Creek cuts through the
Great Sandy, Gibson and Tanami deserts
and was established by Aboriginal stockmen in the early 1900s.
The two week trek is steeped in rich culture and history and riddled with ancient Indigenous rock art sites.
It is considered one of Australia’s greatest four wheel driving adventures.
Permits are required to travel through
private and Aboriginal Lands, parts of the track are only accessible by high clearance
4WD vehicles and fuel, water, supplies and services are limited.
Travelling along the C anning Stock Route, 20 07. Photograph by Tim Acker. FORM , C anning Stock Rout Project.
The C anning Stock Route near Well 4 6 . Photograph by Tim Acker. FORM , C anning Stock Rout Project.
Ar tist Charlie Wallabi Tjungurrayi at Kaningarra , 20 07.
Make it Happen
Photograph by Tim Acker. FORM , C anning Stock Route Project. Contac t Detail s C anning Stock Route Info Line (0 8) 9425 209 9 or enquiries@ canningstockroute.net. au Australian National 4WD Council www. anf wdc . asn . au/canning _ stock _ route.php or visit www.canningstockroute.net. au Info The best time to travel the C anning Stock Route Between May and September when temperatures are relatively mild. E xtensive preparations and checking road closures and conditions with local authorities is strongly advised. Information on distances between wells , facilities and available ser vices , car preparation and recommended car and camping equipment is detailed in the information booklet supplied as par t of your permit pack . How to g et the re There are entr y/exit points to both the east and west midway along the track . While not close by, the route can be accessed from Por t Hedland via the Great Nor thern Highway.
The Warlu Way
The Warlu Way 4WD trail winds through the Pilbara, Kimberley and Gascoyne following Aboriginal songlines.
Guided by interpretive signage, the 2500 km
Make it Happen
Dreamtime sea serpent who journeyed through
Contac t
Warlu Way follows the path of the warlu, or the area creating waterways.
Detailed brochure for the Warlu Way can be downloaded from the Australia’s Nor th West Tourism website at www.warluway.com . au.
It passes through Karratha, the Dampier
Info
Cossack and Point Samson and cuts across
How to g et the re
Archipelago and Burrup Peninsula, Roebourne, Karijini and Millstream Chichester National Parks, Port Hedland, Marble Bar, Cape
Keraudren and Eighty Mile Beach to Broome.
Some roads may require a permit.
Brochure guides and signs point the way, star ting any where from E xmouth to the inland Pilbara .
Directory Listings
PORT HEDLAND
Don Rhodes Mining Museum
Port Hedland
Matt Dann Theatre (08) 9158 9368
2—4 Anderson St, Port Hedland, 6721 info@ehph.com.au www.theesplanadeporthedland.com.au
35 Hamilton Rd, South Hedland, 6722 mdinfo@porthedland.wa.gov.au www.mattdann.com
tourism & attractions
Port Hedland Visitor Centre Tours | Souvenirs | Wifi (08) 9173 1711
13 Wedge St, Port Hedland, 6721 info@visitporthedland.com.au www.visitporthedland.com.au
Seafarers Centre Tours | Souvenirs | Wifi (08) 9173 1315 Wilson St, Port Hedland, 6721 admin@phseafarers.org www.phseafarers.org
Iron Ore Facility Tour via Port Hedland Visitor Centre (08) 9173 1711 Local History Tour:
via Port Hedland Visitor Centre (08) 9173 1711 Harbour Tour: via Seafarers Centre (08) 9173 1315
Polar Aviation
(Charter Flights) +61 419 955 210 Port Hedland International Airport
Wanangkura Stadium
(08) 9140 0400 Hamilton Rd, South Hedland, 6721 Wanangkura.stadium@ymca.org.au www.porthedlandleisure.com.au Gatwick Aquatic Centre (08) 9173 3303 McGregor St, Port Hedland, 6721 www.porthedlandleisure.com.au Marquee Water Park – Splash ‘n’ Play Cottier Dr, South Hedland, 6722 Marapikurrinya Park
cnr Richardson & Wedge St, Port Hedland, 6721 Glass Lane Park crn Glass Lane & Anderson St, Port Hedland, 6721 Leap Park crn Wedge & Anderson St, Port Hedland, 6721 Pretty Pool Beach (swimming area) Matheson Dr, Pretty Pool, 6721
www.polaraviation.com.au
Care for Hedland Environmental Association Turtle Monitoring Program (September-April)
Yikara Park (Pirate Park) Yikara Dr, Pretty Pool, 6721
Reef Walks (seasonal) +61 447 907 661 www.careforhedland.org.au
Cemetery Beach Park Sutherland St Foreshore, Port Hedland, 6721
Port Hedland Courthouse Gallery (08) 9173 1064 16 Edgar St, Port Hedland, 6721 mail@courthousegallery.com.au
Shopping Centres
Port Hedland Boulevard Woolworths | Speciality Retail | Café/Restaurants
www.courthousegallery.com.au
+61 408 955 900 150 Anderson St, Port Hedland, 6721
Spinifex Hill Studios (08) 9172 1699 18 Hedditch St, South Hedland, 6722 www.spinifexhillstudio.com.au
South Hedland Square Coles | Kmart | Speciality Retail | Café/Restaurants (08) 9303 7300 9-31 Throssell Rd, South Hedland, 6722
Dalgety House Museum
(08) 9173 4300 cnr Wedge & Anderson St, Port Hedland, 6721
Hotels
(08) 9173 1711 Wilson St, Port Hedland, 6721
southhedland@charterhall.com.au www.southhedlandsquare.com.au
The Esplanade Hotel (08) 9173 9700
Hospitality Inn
(08) 9173 1044 Cnr Sutherland & Webster St, Port Hedland, 6721 porthedland@hospitalityinns.com.au www.porthedland.wa.hospitalityinns.com.au The Ibis Styles (08) 9173 1511 Cnr Lukis & McGregor St, Port Hedland, 6721 H1900-re01@accor.com www.accorhotels.com.au
Motel/ Self contained
Port Hedland
The Pier Hotel (08 9173 1488
25 The Esplanade, Port Hedland, 6721 info@thepierhotel.net.au www.thepierhotel.net.au Bruno’s Ocean Lodge
(08) 9173 2635 7 Richardson St, Port Hedland, 6721 brunosoceanlodge@bigpond.com Caravan Parks
Port Hedland
Cooke Point Caravan Park
(08) 9173 1271 Cnr Athol and Taylor St, Port Hedland, 6721 cookepoint@aspenparks.com.au www.big4.com.au/caravan-parks/wa/north-west/ cooke-point-holiday-park South Hedland Black Rock Tourist Park (08) 9172 3444 2115 North Circular Rd, South Hedland, 6722 reception@blackrockcp.com.au www.blackrocktouristpark.com.au
Port Hedland Golf Club (08) 9172 2046 Great Northern Hwy, South Hedland, 6721 phgolfclub@bigpond.com www.phgolfclub.com.au Hotel/ Motel
Port Hedland Airport Port Haven
(08) 9172 9600 Great Northern Hwy, Port Hedland, 6721 porthaven@phcci.com.au www.phcci.com.au/port-haven-accomodation.aspx
Mia Mia (08) 9140 1725 Lot 2444 Great Northern Hwy, Port Hedland, 6721 bookings@miamia.com.au www.miamia.com.au The Landing (08) 9172 4111
945 Great Northern Hwy, Port Hedland, 6721 bookings@thelandingph.com.au www.thelandingph.com.au The Walkabout (08) 9172 1222
944 Great Northern Hwy, Port Hedland, 6721 reservations@walkabouthotel.com.au www.thewalkabouthotel.com.au South Hedland Port Tourist Park (08) 9172 4111
945 Great Northern Hwy, South Hedland, 6721 bookings@thelanding.com.au The Lodge
(08) 9172 2188 5-13 Hawke Pl, South Hedland, 6722 enquiries@thelodgemotel.com.au www.thelodgemotel.com.au
South Hedland Motel (08) 9172 2888 7 Court Pl, South Hedland, 6722 admin@southhedland.com.au www.southhedlandmotel.com.au
Self-contained
South Hedland
Club Hamilton Motel (08) 9158 5180 Cnr Hamilton Rd and Hudson Way, South Hedland, 6722 hamilton.reservation@morriscorp.com.au
Other accomodation
Turner River (08) 9172 5191 Lot 7 Manilinka Dr, Boodarie, 6722 turnerriverlodge@bigpond.com www.turnerriverlodge.com
Restaurants / Eateries
Port Hedland
Restaurant 1904 & The Empire Bar (08) 9173 9700
2-4 Anderson St, Port Hedland, 6721 info@ehph.com.au www.theesplanadeporthedland.com.au
The Pilbara Room (08) 9173 1044 Cnr Sutherland & Webster St, Port Hedland, 6721
porthedland@hospitalityinns.com.au www.porthedland.wa.hospitalityinns.com.au Dome (08) 9173 1557
Cnr Kingsmill & McKay St, Port Hedland, 6721 www.domecoffees.com.au
Service Stations
Port Hedland
Caltex (08) 9173 5193
150 Anderson St Port Hedland, 6721 www.caltex.com.au Coles Express South Hedland Roadhouse (08) 9172 3239 Lot 5553, NW Coastal Hwy, South Hedland, 6722 South Hedland
Bruno’s Pizzeria and Ristorante (08) 9173 1440 The Recreation Club, Keesing St,
Caltex (08) 9172 1068 Hamilton Rd, South Hedland, 6722
Harbour Cafe (08) 9173 2630 Wedge St, Port Hedland, 6721
BP (08) 9172 1680 Cnr Throssell Rd & Forrest Circle, South Hedland, 6722
Port Hedland Yacht Club (08) 9173 3398
Port Hedland
Port Hedland, 6721
Lot 5550 Sutherland St, Port Hedland, 6721 admin@phyc.com.au www.phyc.com.au
Pretty Pool Provedore (08) 9173 1800 43 Counihan Cres, Pretty Pool, 6721 prettypoolprovedore@gmail.com www.prettypoolprovedore.com.au Wedge Street Coffee Shop (08) 9173 2128
12 Wedge St, Port Hedland, 6721 Bernie’s Place (08) 9173 4342 Port Plaza, 4 Edgar St, Port Hedland, 6721
South Hedland Last Chance Tavern (08) 9172 5888 Throssell Rd, South Hedland, 6722 info@lastchancetavern.com.au www.lastchancetavern.com.au India Cottage (08) 9172 3721 Throssell Rd, South Hedland, 6722
www.caltex.com.au
medical
Port Hedland Medical Centre (08) 9173 3733 7 Edgar St, Port Hedland, 6721
reception@porthedlandmedical.com.au www.porthedlandmedical.com Port Hedland Family Practice
(08) 9174 7600 Shop 5, Boulevard Shopping Centre, Wilson St, Port Hedland, 6721 www.porthedlandfamilypractice.com.au Port Hedland Dental Clinic (08) 9173 5838
3/10 Wedge St, Port Hedland, 6721 porthedlanddental@westnet.com.au Hedland Dental Surgery 1800 230 230 1/19 Edgar St, Port Hedland, 6721 enquiries@hedlanddc.com.au www.hedlanddc.com.au South Hedland
Sonic Health Plus (08) 9172 5911 10 Hedditch St, South Hedland, 6722
southhedland@sonichealthplus.com.au www.sonichealthplus.com.au
Chef Bistro (08) 9140 1168 South Hedland Bowling and Tennis Club
Hedland Health Campus (Hospital) (08) 9174 1410 2—34 Colebatch Way, South Hedland, 6722
Rakias Family Restaurant (08) 9172 1000
Wirraka Maya (Aboriginal Health Service) Includes Dental at Wirraka Maya (08) 9140 2922
1 Hedditch St, South Hedland, 6722
13/ 22-26 Throssell St, South Hedland, 6722
17 Hamilton Rd, South Hedland, 6722 stephenm@wmhsac.com www.wmhsac.com
Directory Listings
THE ROAD EAST Tom Price & Karijini NATIONAL PARK
Tom Price Visitor Centre (08) 9188 5488 1 Central Rd, Tom Price, 6751
www.tomprice.org.au visitor.centre@ashburton.wa.gov.au Karijini Visitor Centre (08) 9189 8121
Banjima Dr, Karijini National Park, 6751 parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/karijini-visitor-centre Mining Tour: via Tom Price Visitor Centre, (08) 9188 5488 Karijini Day Trips: via Tom Price Visitor Centre or Lestok Tours, (08) 9189 2032 Karijini Adventure Tour: West Oz Active Adventure Tour
via Karijini Eco Retreat, (08) 9188 8013 Tom Price Motel/Hotel
(08) 9189 1101 1 Central Rd, Tom Price, 6751 Tom Price Tourist Park (08) 9189 1515
Nameless Valley Dr, Tom Price, 6751 www.tompricetouristpark.com.au
Newman
Newman Visitor Centre (08) 9175 2888 Cnr Newman Dr, Newman, 6753 nvcshop@bigpond.net.au newman.org.au
Mine Tour: via Newman Visitor Centre
(May to September), (08) 9175 2888 Seasons Hotel (08) 9177 8666
Newman Dr, Newman, 6753 stay@seasonshotel.com.au www.seasonshotel.com.au Kalgan’s Rest Caravan Park (08) 9175 1428
Kalgan Dr, Newman, 6753 www.newmanaccommodation.com.au Whaleback Village (08) 9175 2802 1983 Cowra Dr, Newman, 6753
www.newmanaccommodation.com.au Newman Visitor Centre Chalets (08) 9175 2888 Newman Dr & Fortescue Ave, Newman, 6753
STATION STAY
Indee Station (08) 91764968
Great Northern Hwy, Indee, 6721 (65kms from Port Hedland)
Windawarri Lodge
1800 992 777 1 Stadium Rd, Tom Price, 6751 Karijini Eco Retreat (08) 9425 5591 Off Weano Rd, Karijini National Park reservations@karijiniecoretreat.com.au www.karijiniecoretreat.com.au Camping in Karijini
KEY ROADHOUSE
Auski Roadhouse (and Tourist Village) (08) 9176 6988
Great Northern Hwy, Juna Downs, 6751 (corner Wittenoom Meekatharra Road)
THE ROAD SOU TH Karratha
Dales Campground (via a sealed road) Unpowered and generator sites Please note it’s not possible to book ahead so arrive early to avoid disappointment during the peak season ( June – August)
Karratha Visitor Centre
Savannah Campground (part of Eco Retreat) Online booking preferred www.karijiniecoretreat.com.au
Boat Tour: Discovery Sailing Adventures, +61 408 801 040
(08) 9144 4600 Lot 4548 De Witt Rd, Karratha, 6714 KVCCounter@karrathavisitorcentre.com.au www.karrathavisitorcentre.com.au
Cultural Tour: Ngurrangga Tours, +61 423 424 093 Industry Tour: via Karratha Visitor Centre, (08) 9144 4600
Pilbara Holiday Park (08) 9185 1855 70 Rosemary Rd, Karratha, 6714 pilbara@aspenparks.com.au www.aspenparks.com.au Best Western Karratha Central Apartments (08) 9143 9888 27 Warambie Rd, Karratha, 6714 www.karrathacentral.bestwestern.com.au The Ranges Karratha 1300 639 320 Lot 1090 De Witt Rd, Karratha, 6714
reservations@therangeskarratha.com.au www.therangeskarratha.com.au Roebourne
Roebourne Visitor Centre (08) 9182 1257 Old Gaol, 5 Queen St, Roebourne, 6718 info@roebourne.org.au www.roebourne.org.au
Harding River Caravan Park
(08) 9182 1063 De Grey St, Roebourne, 6718 reservations@hrcp.com.au www.hrcp.com.au Point Sampson
Fishing Charter: (08) 9184 5145 via West Moore Island The Cove Holiday Village (08) 9187 0199
Lot 259 Macleod St, Point Samson, 6720 reservations2@capitalgc.com.au www.thecoveholidayvillage.com.au Samson Beach Chalets
(08) 9187 0202 44 Bartley St, Point Samson, 6720 www.samsonbeach.com.au Point Samson Resort Chalets (08) 9187 1052
56 Samson Rd, Point Samson, 6720 www.pointsamson.com West Moore Island Fishing Lodge:
(08) 9184 5145 West Moore Island (between Port Hedland and Karratha) fish@westmooreisland.com.au www.westmooreisland.com.au
Dampier
Boat Cruise Tour: via Skipper Brad Discovery Cruises +61 408 801 040 Island Tour: via Montebello Island Safaris, +61 419 091 670 Dampier Transit Caravan Park (08) 9183 1109 Esplanade, Dampier, 6713
Dampier Mermaid Hotel & Motel (08) 9183 1222 5 Nielson Pl, Dampier, 6713 info@dampiermermaid.com.au www.dampiermermaid.com.au Onslow
Onslow Tourist Centre (08) 9184 6644 Second Ave, Onslow, 6710 www.ashburton.wa.gov.au onslowtc@bigpond.com Island Tour:
Mackerel Islands (08) 9184 6444 Mackerel Islands
(08) 9184 6444 Thevenard Island, Onslow, 6710 bookings@mackerelislands.com.au mackerelislands.com.au
4x4 Gorge Tour: (08) 9189 8084 via Cheela Plains Station (tag-a-long tour)
Ironclad Hotel (08) 9176 1066 15 Francis St, Marble Bar, 6760
KEY ROADHOUSE
STATION STAY
Nanutarra Roadhouse (and accommodation) (08) 9943 0521 North West Coastal Hwy, Nanutarra, 6751
Pardoo Station (08) 9176 4930 Bookings not taken for camping—plenty of
rosmar2@bigpond.com
(approx. 40 kms South of Onslow turnoff ) info@nanutarra.com.au www.nanutarra.com.au
THE ROAD NORTH Marble Bar
Marble Bar Visitor Centre (08) 9176 1008 11 Francis St, Marble Bar, 6760
mbreception@eastpilbara.wa.gov.au www.eastpilbara.wa.gov.au Comet Gold Mine & Tourist Centre
(08) 9176 1015 Hillside—Marble Bar Rd, Marble Bar, 6760 (open seasonally) cometmine@bigpond.com www.haoma.com.au
space Great Northern Hwy, Pardoo, 6721 pardoostation@hotmail.com www.pardoostation.com
KEY ROADHOUSEs
Pardoo Roadhouse (and accommodation) (08) 9176 4916 Great Northern Hwy, Pardoo, 6721
(approx. 150 kms north of Port Hedland) www.pardoo.com.au Sandfire Roadhouse (and caravan park) (08) 9176 5944
Great Northern Hwy, Eighty Mile Beach, 6725 (approx. 290 kms north of Port Hedland) sandfirerh@bigpond.com
Marble Bar Holiday Park (08) 9176 1569 64 Contest St, Marble Bar, 6760 margaret.kiernan@hotmail.com
Onslow Sun Chalets (08) 9184 6058 Lot 588 Second Ave, Onslow, 6710 enquiries@onslowsunchalets.com.au
bookings@onslowbeachresort.com.au www.onslowchalets.com.au Onslow Beach Resort (08) 9184 6586
Second Ave & Bird St, Onslow, 6710 www.onslowbeachresort.com.au Discovery Park Onslow (08) 9184 6007 557 Beadon Creek Rd, Onslow, 6710 www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au
STATION STAY
Cheela Plains Station (08) 9189 8084 Off Nanutarra/Munjina Rd (Hwy 136) Paraburdoo, 6754 (90 kms west of Paraburdoo) robinpensini@bigpond.com www.cheelaplains.com.au
The small print: FORM/Port Hedland Visitor Centre does not endorse products or services that organisations listed in the Pilbara Pathfinder offer. The Pilbara Pathfinder’s information and maps are intended as a guide and are not to scale. FORM/Port Hedland Visitor Centre accepts no liability for any loss or damage that may be suffered as a result of reliance on this information, whether or not there has been any error, omission or negligence on the part of FORM, or the Port Hedland Visitor Centre, or its employees. Maps in this guide, and linked publications, indicate tracks/roads that are not always maintained and caution should be exercised when travelling on all tracks. FORM/Port Hedland Visitor Centre advise travellers to check with Visitor Centres and Main Roads for the most up to date information on road conditions and necessary permits. Editorial content in the Pilbara Pathfinder is copyright FORM. This edition: January 2016.
Pilbara Storm Peter Eastway | www.petereastway.com
Thanks to BHP Bil liton, a FOR M Communit y partner for more than ten years