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.
Accommodation
Discovery Parks – Port hedland
Discovery Parks – Port Hedland is a great base for outdoor adventures, from off-road driving to coastal walks and endless fishing hot spots.
Port Tourist Park provides a range of accommodation options at affordable prices.
Whether you have your own caravan, require a campsite or a room or are simply backpacking your way around the country, Port Tourist Park has your accommodation needs covered.
Located in South Hedland, nothing is too far away; South Hedland Shopping centre a 5min drive or Port Hedland Shopping centre a 15min drive. With friendly locals and plenty to see and do, Blackrock is the ideal place to relax while travelling through the region.
Top things to see and do
Port of Port Hedland
It is hard to visit Port Hedland and not see the enormous port located in the town. The town offers visitors the rare chance to have a close-up look at the world’s largest export tonnage port’s everyday operations. Take in the scenery from Marapikurrinya Park while relaxing, or explore the port’s lengthy history by walking the Port Interpretive Walk.
Street Art and the heritage trail
Visit the Visitor Centre to obtain information on the West End neighbourhood in Port Hedland. The West End is brimming with culture, from the modern street art that covers buildings and alleyways to the historic places that you can tour on a self-guided basis and explore at your own pace.
Sunset at Redbank Bridge
Make sure to travel over to Redbank Bridge if you’re searching for picturesque sights so you may snap a famous sunset photo. See the burned hues of a Pilbara sunset reflected in the salt pools as the sun sets against a backdrop of salt heaps and passing trains.
Explore Port Hedlands Shoreline and beaches
There are plenty of beaches and foreshores in Port Hedland for you to explore. It’s a great place to unwind and watch the ships come and leave from the harbour, the Spoilbank area. Step outside Cemetery Beach Park onto the fringing reef, or, if the timing is right, head to the overlook near Cooke Point Caravan Point to take in the breathtaking view of the Staircase to the Moon.
Guided Tours
Pilbara Tours and the Visitor Centre offer a plethora of tour options in Port Hedland. Pilbara Tours can teach you about the local flora and wildlife, the mining and export sector, and the Indigenous culture that exists in the area.
Four wheel driving
The 203km Port Hedland to Marble Bar 4WD trail starts this off. Begin your journey by visiting Pretty Pool, where you can take in the breathtaking sea turtle hatchlings (which occur from December to April) and thriving mangroves. Be near the action at Discovery Parks – Port Hedland; the best time to visit is before the end of March. Situated at a short distance from Pretty Pool, the park serves as an ideal starting point for your explorations. As soon as you are on the road, take a moment to explore the varied scenery of the Pilbara region as you travel down to Marble Bar. After arriving in Marble Bar, regarded as Australia’s hottest town, take a plunge to cool off.
Eating and Drinking
- Breakfast : Your first choice for a quick yet filling English breakfast at Port Hedland. C&Hai’s Cafe always sends its customers smiling on the way in and on the way out.
- Lunch : The Wedge Street Coffee Lounge has beautiful Asian food, sandwiches, roll, coffee and the famous chicken schnitzel burger!
- Dinner : The Esplanade Hotel in Port Hedland offers the discerning guest a range of family friendly and premium dining choices.
How to get there
Drive from Perth to Port Hedland 1629 KM, which takes 17h 8m.
When to go
Port Hedland is perfect to visit year round, with the best months for water based activities being January, February, March, April, May, November and December
