Summary
The primary city and economic center of Western Australia’s remote Pilbara region is Karratha, which was established in 1968. While the region has European history dating back an additional century, Karratha emerged as a result of an iron ore mining boom that began several decades ago.
The landscapes of Karratha exhibit a striking reddish hue attributable to the region’s iron deposits, evoking a near-Martian appearance.
Along the coastline, some of the planet’s oldest rocks, dating back 2.5 billion years, can be found amid the rugged isles of the Dampier Archipelago, situated offshore.
Adjacent to Karratha is the Dampier Rock Art Precinct, home to the world’s most significant collection of Aboriginal petroglyphs, some of which date back to the last Ice Age, depicting animal species that are now extinct.
1. Staircase to the Moon
Along the Pilbara and Kimberley coastline, a captivating natural phenomenon occurs on full moon nights between March and November.
The Staircase to the Moon is an optical illusion created when the moon reflects on exposed mudflats at low tide, resulting in a long, luminous shaft of light that resembles a staircase reaching towards the moon.
Many individuals plan their evenings around this spectacle, often enjoying picnics while witnessing the enchanting view.
To view the Staircase to the Moon from Karratha, the ideal location is Hearson’s Cove, which will be discussed further below.
2. Burrup Peninsula
The Burrup Peninsula derives its name from Henry Wood Burrup, who was murdered under mysterious circumstances at Roebourne’s Union Bank in 1885. This rugged terrain is characterized by massive rock formations, steep cliffs, and sparsely vegetated slopes.
For millennia, the area has been inhabited by the Jaburara people, who left behind the largest, oldest, and most significant collection of rock art globally.
Numerous sites are found throughout the Murujuga National Park at the northern end of the peninsula, as well as across the Dampier Archipelago islands.
To enjoy a panoramic view of the peninsula, visitors can access a lookout near the intersection of the Burrup and Dampier Roads.
Industrially, the peninsula is noteworthy for its offshore gas drilling located 130 km north of Dampier, where the gas is processed onshore and then transported 1,450 km south across the state.
3. Millstream-Chichester National Park
Heading south from the nearby town of Roebourne, visitors will encounter a stunning tropical oasis nestled against the Chichester Range.
The biodiverse environment of Millstream-Chichester National Park features rock-lined pools, flourishing waterholes supplied by underground springs, rivers bordered by lush vegetation, and rugged gorges that invite exploration.
One remarkable feature is the Fortescue River, whose massive ferns contrast dramatically with the barren outback landscape.
The park’s abundance of permanent water supports a diverse range of avian species, with over 120 species recorded in the area.
The Yindjibarndi people, as traditional custodians, are involved in the land’s conservation and serve as rangers within the park.
Visitors can discover the culture of the Yindjibarndi people and the park’s pastoral history at the Millstream Homestead Visitor Centre, which occupies a building dating back to 1919. Climbing the 367-meter Mount Herbert offers breathtaking views of the Chichester Range and the plains below.
4. Dampier Archipelago
Surrounding the Burrup Peninsula is a cluster of 42 islands, more than half of which are designated as protected reserves.
Similar to the mainland, the rocks beneath the archipelago rank among the oldest on Earth, having formed over 2.4 billion years ago.
Despite ongoing industrial activity onshore, the islands remain a natural haven.
The beaches are nesting grounds for loggerhead, flatback, green, and hawksbill turtles, alongside over 25 bird species, including bridled and fairy terns.
Moreover, the waters are home to at least six species of marine mammals, such as dugongs, bottlenose dolphins, and migrating humpback whales from July to September.
Renting a boat allows visitors to spend a day or two snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing on the beaches, or hiking in less-traveled areas.
5. Yaburara Heritage Trail
Embarking on this self-guided walk dedicated to the Yaburara Aboriginal Tribe enhances one’s understanding of Karratha and its pre-European history.
The 3.5-kilometer trail begins near the Karratha Tourism & Visitor Centre and follows a rugged ridge that outlines the town, serving as a natural balcony overlooking the coastal plain around Nickol Bay.
Along the route, there are multiple panoramic lookouts equipped with informative signs detailing the landmarks visible on the horizon.
Additionally, the trail provides insights into the abundant Aboriginal petroglyphs spread throughout the region, which date back thousands of years.
The terrain can be challenging, so early departure and adequate preparation are recommended.
6. Hearson’s Cove
Nestled within a recess on the bay side of the Burrup Peninsula, Hearson’s Cove features a stunning sandy beach bordered by two imposing headlands.
During high tide, this cove is considered the finest swimming location in the region, while at low tide, the sea recedes significantly, allowing walks across the mudflats for hundreds of meters.
Moreover, between March and November, it is a prime spot to observe the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon, with abundant surrounding wildlife including turtles in the coral cay, along with eagles and kangaroos in the rugged bush.
Historically, Hearson’s Cove is significant, as it served as the landing site for F.T. Gregory’s Northwest Exploring Expedition in 1861.
7. Red Earth Arts Precinct
Karratha has recently acquired a state-of-the-art venue for cultural events, functions, and community gatherings.
This architecturally impressive structure harmonizes with the geology, history, and landscape of the region. In 2018, the project earned the Master Builders Bankwest Excellence in Construction award.
The facility includes a cutting-edge public library, an auditorium with a capacity of 478, sleek foyer spaces suitable for showcasing Aboriginal art, and two smaller studio theatres.
For large events, the adjacent amphitheater accommodates up to 2,000 guests, while the spectacular rooftop terrace, known as the “Shelf,” offers breathtaking views over Karratha.
8. Roebourne
Roebourne, a settlement originating from the Gold Rush era, holds the distinction of being the first officially recognized town in the North West, although it was devastated by a cyclone in 1872.
Notable Public Works architect George Temple-Poole (1856-1934) oversaw the town’s reconstruction in the 1880s, resulting in grand bluestone structures.
These structures include the courthouse, Shire Offices, Holy Trinity Church, post office, and an extraordinary old gaol.
This gaol, designed to accommodate 40 prisoners, features an octagonal layout, allowing one gaoler to oversee all four wings.
Today, the imposing entrance of the former gaol serves as the Roebourne Tourist Centre.
9. Karratha Tourism & Visitor Centre
While there are numerous experiences to enjoy in and around Karratha, accessing them can sometimes prove challenging.
This highlights the importance of the local visitor center, which offers essential resources, including a complimentary booking service for excursions to Millstream-Chichester National Park, the Dampier Archipelago, and the remote Karijini National Park.
Visitors can also obtain brochures and maps, along with valuable firsthand guidance from the center’s knowledgeable staff.
During winter and spring, a calendar detailing the moonrise and tide times for Staircase to the Moon is essential for ensuring attendees experience this phenomenon.
10. Karijini National Park
For those seeking true adventure, Karratha stands as the closest significant settlement to Western Australia’s second-largest national park.
Karijini National Park is situated five hours inland and encompasses over six million square kilometers of mountainous terrain.
Within the park, arid peaks dominate a plateau punctuated by stunning gorges.
Visitors venture into these rocky corridors to hike among mesmerizing sedimentary formations, discover waterfalls, slot canyons, and rejuvenating waterholes that beckon for a swim.
The park’s remoteness makes a 4WD tour the most practical mode of access, a service that can be arranged through the Karratha Tourism & Visitor Centre.
11. Cossack
Situated at the mouth of the Harding River, approximately 20 minutes east of Karratha, lies a fascinating ghost town with several bluestone buildings that have stood resilient against 150 years of cyclones.
In the 1870s, Cossack served as the primary shipping port in the North West and was an energetic hub for the gold and pearling industries.
The presence of a Chinatown reflected the significant number of Chinese and Japanese workers engaged in pearling activities.
However, by the mid-1880s, the depletion of pearl banks led to the industry’s decline.
Today, visitors can trace Cossack’s rapid ascent and decline along a five-kilometer heritage trail (accessible by foot or vehicle), showcasing the region’s oldest architecture within eight fully restored buildings and fields of striking ruins.
12. Deep Gorge
The Burrup Peninsula and Dampier Archipelago are rich in Aboriginal rock art sites, with one of the most substantial concentrations located near Hearson’s Cove for an enriching day trip.
This scenic trail meanders along a dry creek leading into an impressive gorge populated with granite boulders and solitary kurrajong trees.
Visitors should take their time to appreciate the numerous petroglyphs, many of which depict the now-extinct thylacine (Tasmanian tiger).
Exploring the gorge provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Jaburara Tribe; shell middens serve as long-lasting evidence of their diet, while the granite boulders would have offered shelter from the elements, and the creek, predominantly dry now, would have once provided a reliable water source.
13. Tank Hill Lookout
From this lookout, located at the beginning of the Yaburara Heritage Trail, visitors are afforded expansive views over Karratha and into Nickol Bay.
The name of this vantage point is derived from the two large water tanks situated on this sparsely vegetated ridge.
Accessibility is straightforward from the visitor center’s car park, with covered picnic tables offering relief from the sun.
On clear days, the vista extends along the Burrup Peninsula to the Dampier Islands, which guard the bay’s entrance.
14. Karratha Country Club
This remote corner of Western Australia offers one of the most secluded golf experiences in the world.
Nonetheless, an 18-hole course located just north of Karratha provides surprisingly good facilities, including club and buggy rentals, a small pro shop, and a restaurant.
As of 2020, green fees were set at $24 for 9 holes and $35 for 18, with the course beautifully interspersed with native vegetation and providing occasional views of the bay.
After a round of golf, visitors can unwind with a refreshing drink on the restaurant’s terrace, which boasts a lovely evening view.
15. Diving
The waters surrounding the Pilbara are abundant with vibrant coral reefs inhabited by an array of tropical fish, turtles, and rays, making them prime for diving and snorkeling expeditions.
Regardless of skill level, the Karratha-based Pilbara Dive and Tours offers various experiences, including shore diving, snorkeling excursions, and dive trips to the Dampier Archipelago.
This accredited center also supports individuals seeking PADI certification, offering courses in open water, rescue diver, and various specialty courses.
For those who have not been diving for some time, a ReActivate course is available with Pilbara Dive, allowing participants to complete the theoretical component online prior to their arrival.
