The Pilbara

The Pilbara region in Western Australia has some of the world’s most ancient natural landscapes, dating back two billion years and stretching over 400,000 square kilometres.

Deep rocky canyons lead to peaceful plunge pools in the beautiful Karijini National Park. Hundreds of islands with dazzling white beaches and untouched coral gardens are yours to explore on the Dampier Archipelago and Mackerel Islands. And yet the Pilbara is also known as the engine room of Australia - home to a massive mining industry in crude oil, salt, natural gas and iron ore.

Karijini National Park and beyond

Walk the mighty gorges of Karijini National Park and Millstream Chichester National Park to discover hidden waterfalls and swim in clear cool rock pools. Or venture deep into the Eastern Pilbara to one of the most remote places on the planet, Rudall River National Park.

The Pilbara’s coastal paradise

The Dampier Archipelago and Mackerel Islands sit just off the coast of the Pilbara region, offering world-class boating, fishing, diving and snorkelling. And should you visit in turtle nesting season, between September and April, watch out for female turtles laying their eggs and newly hatched babies scrambling to the ocean. There is another event on Mother Nature’s calendar that you can experience year-round - the incredible Staircase to the Moon occurs on full moon dates between March and October along the Pilbara coast.

Amazing Indigenous art and culture

With over 700 historic Indigenous archaeological sites and 10,000 rock engravings (Petroglyphs), many dating back some 30,000 years, the Burrup Peninsula is now heritage listed. It’s the perfect place to discover the unique art, history and culture of the Indigenous peoples of the Pilbara.

Pilbara towns and colonial past

Karratha is the gateway to the Pilbara region in Western Australia. The pretty port town of Dampier sits just 20 kilometres to the west, with the historic pioneering settlements of the Point Samson Peninsula and the mining town of Port Hedland to the east. Travel inland and you’ll experience the unique communities of the rugged outback, from Tom Price, the highest town in Western Australia, to Marble Bar, the hottest town in the country.