Western Australia Pilbara Holidays

The Pilbara is a region of Western Australia that extends from the Northern Territory border in the east to the WA coastline in the west, south to the Tropic of Capricorn and north the northern edge of the Great Sandy Desert.

Development in this region is nearly all related to the iron ore mines of the Hammersley Range and the areas south of Port Hedland and Dampier.

This is a vast area of very inhospitable country where the bulk of this countryside is part of the Great Sandy and Gibson Deserts and is one of the hottest areas on earth.

Self drive travellers in this region MUST ensure they they have all the necessary permits and approvals for the areas they plan to visit and that their vehicles are fully equipped for any emergency. All roads off the main highway are unsealed.

There is surprising beauty here despite the extremely harsh environment. Sundown across the Pilbara is quite awe inspiring when the red ridges turn soft purple and the spinifex clumps and white gums glow in the fading light.

Western Australia Pilbara Holidays - Places of Interest

Dampier & Karratha is the area where natural gas from the North West Shelf is pumped ashore. The ore transported from the Hammersley Iron mines at Mt Tom Price, Parraburdoo and Marandoo is loaded via the ship loading facilities at both of these towns. Dampier also has a salt works operation.

Burrup Peninsula is a site of extensive Aboriginal rock art and the Dampier Archipeligo is a renowned fishing area.

Karratha is 20km away from Dampier and is the the commercial centre of the area. The Jaburara Heritage Trail provides information about the Aboriginal occupation of the area.

Roebourne is the oldest existing town in the Pilbara and has several excellent historic buildings still in existence.

Port Hedland was originally a cattle town, then it became the home port for a pearling fleet and it is now a ship loading facility for iron ore. Port Hedland is a popular town for whale watching tours in season.

Wittenoom is now a ghost town that once depended on asbestos mining. The area attracts visitors who come to visit the nearby beautiful Hammersley Range National Park. Visitors should be aware that asbestos fibres still exist in the area.

Marble Bar has a claim to fame for being the hottest place in Australia. Gold mining has survived and still operates in the area. In late winter when the temperature is bearable, Marble Bar is a popular destination for wildflower viewing.

Western Australia Pilbarra Travel & Tourism



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Western Australia Pilbara Holidays

- Western Australia Pilbara Holidays Guide -