Port Hedland

Two hundred kilometres north of Karratha, Port Hedland is famous for its massive resource industry, long trains, big ships and salt piles. But it’s just as rich in Indigenous culture, pioneering history and wildlife. It’s a great spot for fishing and crabbing, whale watching and turtle nesting.

Follow the award-winning Cultural and Heritage Trail and explore Port Hedland’s Indigenous and European history. Take a tour of the BHP Iron Ore and Dampier Salt shipping area at Nelson Point. Get some fascinating insights at the Dalgety House Museum, the School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Base.

Catch the views from the Town Observation Tower or Koombana Lookout. Explore the tidal creeks at Pretty Pool and Six Mile Creek. Wander along Cooke Point and catch the 'Staircase to the Moon' between May and October. And if you visit during the winter months, you can enjoy the seasonal display of wildflowers.

Pardoo and Sandfire Roadhouses, located north of Port Hedland on the Great Northern Highway are a welcome stopping point on the drive between Port Hedland and Broome.

Eighty Mile Beach and Cape Keraurdren

North of Port Hedland lie the pristine nature reserves of Cape Keraudren and Eighty Mile Beach. Stroll along beautiful white sand beaches. Go fossicking for shells. Catch a fish for dinner, enjoy breathtaking sunsets and camp overnight. Watch the turtle nesting at Eighty Mile Beach in the summer months and see millions of migratory birds on their annual journey from their Arctic breeding grounds.

Any disturbance to the turtles and migratory birds can affect their survival, so please take care and follow the Leave No Trace principles.

Port Hedland accommodation and information

Search for Port Hedland accommodation. Or for more information about local tours, attractions and accommodation options, contact Port Hedland Visitor Centre.

Suggested itineraries