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 also a great spot for fishing and crabbing, whale watching and turtle nesting.
Port Hedland is the gateway and central hub connecting the Pilbara and the Kimberley. When travelling by road from the south, Port Hedland can be reached via the Great Northern Highway (inland road) or the North West Coastal Highway (via the coast). The roads differ in distance and the number of stops and attractions along the way, and both offer a fantastic road trip opportunity. To the north, Broome is 611 kilometres away via the Great Northern Highway. 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.
Qantas and Virgin Australia operate daily direct flights from Perth to Port Hedland. Qantas offer a once-weekly direct flight between Brisbane and Port Hedland on Tuesdays.
The town has its roots in shipping and mining, and with a lot of action taking place right in the centre of town, visitors have the unique opportunity to witness the operations of the world's biggest mining company, and to get up close to the big ships of the world's largest export tonnage port.
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, and the School of the Air.
Catch the views from the Town Observation Tower or Koombana Lookout. Explore the tidal creeks at Pretty Pool and Six Mile Creek. Being based on the coast means the town is fortunate to be home to native flora and fauna, such as the green birdflower (crotalaria cunninghamii) and flatback turtles. 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.
