Karratha
Town
Population 11727
Karratha is the Aboriginal word for 'good country'. Founded in 1968 as a result of expansion of the iron-ore industry, Karratha was originally established for workers on the huge industrial projects nearby. For visitors, Karratha is an ideal centre from which to explore the fascinating Pilbara region.
Visitor Information
4548 Karratha Rd; (08) 9144 4600
Nearby national parks
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Millstream Chichester National Park
Millstream–Chichester National Park in the western Pilbara protects two very different landscapes: in the north lies the rocky,...more -
Karijini National Park
Set in the Hamersley Range in the heart of the Pilbara, the vast Karijini National Park is an ancient landscape of massive mountains and...more
Nearby towns
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Roebourne
Named after John Septimus Roe, Western Australia's first surveyor-general, Roebourne was established in 1866 and is the oldest town on the...more -
Port Hedland
Port Hedland was named after Captain Peter Hedland, who reached this deep-water harbour in 1863. An iron-ore boom that began in the early...more -
Onslow
Onslow, on the north-west coast between Exmouth and Karratha, is the supply base for offshore gas and oil fields. This part of the coast...more
In Town
TV Hill Lookout: excellent views over town centre and beyond; off Millstream Rd. Jaburara Heritage Trail: 3 hr walk features Aboriginal rock carvings; pamphlet available at visitor centre.
Nearby
Millstream–Chichester National Park Rolling hills, spectacular escarpments and tree-lined watercourses with hidden rockpools characterise this park. The spring-fed Chinderwarriner Pool has an almost mirage-like quality. The remarkable oasis of Millstream is an area of tropical palm-fringed freshwater springs, well known to the Afghan cameleers of Pilbara's past. Other notably scenic spots are Python, Deepreach and Circular pools, and Cliff Lookout. The Millstream Homestead Visitor Centre, housed in the Gordon family homestead (1919), has displays dedicated to the local Aboriginal people, early settlers and the natural environment. Popular activities include bushwalking, picnicking, camping, fishing, swimming and boating. Tours are available; contact visitor centre for details. 124 km S.Salt Harvest Ponds: Australia's largest evaporative salt fields. Tours are available; details at visitor centre; 15 km N. Dampier: port facility servicing the iron-ore operations at Tom Price and Paraburdoo. Watersports and boat hire are available; 22 km N. Hamersley Iron Port Facilities: 3 hr tour and audiovisual presentation daily; bookings essential through visitor centre; 22 km N. Cleaverville Beach: scenic spot ideal for camping, boating, fishing and swimming; 26 km NE. North-West Shelf Gas Project Visitor Centre: displays on the history and technology of Australia's largest natural resource development, with panoramic views over the massive onshore gas plant; open 10am–4pm Mon–Fri Apr–Oct, 10am–1pm Mon–Fri Nov–Mar; Burrup Peninsula; 30 km N. Aboriginal rock carvings: there are more than 10 000 engravings on the Burrup Peninsula alone, including some of the earliest examples of art in Australia. A debate is currently raging over the damage being done to this magnificent outdoor gallery by the adjacent gas project; check with visitor centre for locations. Dampier Archipelago: 42 islands and islets ideal for swimming, snorkelling, boating, whale-watching and fishing; take a boat tour from Dampier. Montebello Islands: site of Australia's first shipwreck, the Tryal, which ran aground and sank in 1622. It is now a good spot for snorkelling, beachcombing, fishing and diving; beyond Dampier Archipelago. Scenic flights: over the Pilbara outback; details at visitor centre.
Fishing spots near town
Dampier 21 km
More than 1500 km north of Perth (and still 850 km south of Broome), the Dampier Archipelago is a maze of 42 islands off the coast of Dampier, within reach of small boats. Marlin, sailfish, Spanish mackerel, yellowfin,... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
Hearson’s Bistro at the All Seasons Karratha serves a seasonal menu alfresco style by the pool. Located within walking distance to the town’s facilities, the hotel and bistro are well placed for visitors to... Find out more
It’s not hard to miss this pink-painted pub on the rugged horizon halfway between Karratha and Port Hedland. Serving counter meals and the legend of a camel with a taste for beer is all part of the quirkiness at... Find out more
Campsites around town
Dampier Transit Caravan Park 16 km
Dampier in the fascinating Pilbara region is one of those pivotal places where visitors begin to get a handle on the antiquity of the ancient ark that is Australia. Large shell middens and magnificent rock art are found... Find out moreCleaverville camping area 20 km
Cleaverville Beach camping area is an ideal spot for self-sufficient campers who enjoy the beach. Visitors will find dispersed sites in a large area behind the dunes on the foreshore of a pristine beach that offers good... Find out moreDampier Archipelago beach camping 28 km
This string of 42 islands off the Dampier coast is home to a large and diverse range of marine species, making them one of WA’s best diving and snorkelling spots. With 25 of the islands protected as part of the... Find out moreForty Mile camping area 53 km
Forty Mile camping area is 83 km south-west of Roebourne via the North West Coastal Hwy, followed by a further 13 km north to this large open camping area in the dunes on the foreshore. There are no facilities here but... Find out moreFortescue River Mouth camping area 78 km
Self-sufficient campers who enjoy boating and fishing should pack their firewood, portable toilet and drinking water, and head off to set up camp here for a spell. Leave the North West Coastal Hwy 105 km south-west of... Find out moreSnake Creek camping area 79 km
Snake Creek camping area offers basic facilities in a natural bush environment off the Roebourne–Wittenoom Rd, via an access track 1.5 km east of the Python Pool track. The site is 40 km north of the... Find out moreCrossing Pool camping area 96 km
Crossing Pool camping area has a good range of facilities around large shady gum trees on the banks of the Fortescue River, a great spot for fishing, swimming and canoeing. Bring a gas/fuel stove and drinking water with... Find out moreMiliyanah camping area 98 km
Bring a gas/fuel stove and drinking water to Miliyanah camping area. It is opposite the park visitor centre, and offers a good range of facilities in a bush setting.... Find out moreBalla Balla (Bulla Bulla) camping area 98 km
This small camping area is 20 km north of North West Coastal Hwy, set among trees on the river. It suits self-sufficient campers who enjoy fishing; you need to bring in firewood, drinking water and preferably a portable... Find out moreStargazers camping area 100 km
This area is an overflow campsite with only basic facilities; come with a gas/fuel stove and drinking water. The camping area is on Snappy Gum Dr, north of the Millstream–Yarraloola Rd. It is on the western... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Dampier Transit Caravan Park 16 km
A small park with about 20 sites, this place is operated by the Dampier community and there is a three-night maximum stay. The park is across the road from the water and within sight of Hamersley Iron’s Parker... Find out moreThe Cove Caravan Park 39 km
A sparkling newer park by the coast, this place is proving very popular as a tourist destination in the quiet seaside community of Point Samson. There are good amenities and these are still expanding. Bookings are... Find out moreBlackrock Tourist Park 188 km
Typical of parks in mining areas, this place has a sizeable population of semi-permanent residents, but it also has a large number of tourist sites and provides a convenient stopover for a short period.... Find out moreOcean View Caravan Park 205 km
Situated on the beachfront, this park is ideal for fishing enthusiasts. It is also a good place for a rest, with clean basic facilities. In the busy season the park holds sausage sizzles once a week. Bookings are... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Best Western Karratha Central Apartments
The Best Western Karratha Central Apartments provide modern and comfortable accommodation. There’s a choice of self-contained studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments in a convenient central location. Within... Find out moreCabins, chalets, powered caravan sites and camping facilities are all available at the Pilbara Holiday Park. On-site is a camp kitchen, barbecue facilities, laundry, an internet kiosk, a swimming pool and a recreation... Find out more
If a luxurious adventure at sea appeals, then come aboard the 12-metre sailing ketch, Spinifex Spray. Only a few minutes from Karratha, Skipper Brad will reveal the many secrets of the Dampier Archipelago that most... Find out more
Rest areas around town
Cleaverville Beach Camp Area 18 km
T/O 13 km W of Roebourne (R) or 28 km E of Karratha Roadhouse (L) Several small secluded foreshore camp areas located 13 kilometres north of the highway behind the dunes. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S20 39.673... Find out moreMiaree Pool Rest Area 27 km
20 km SW of Karratha Roadhouse (L) or 77 km N of Fortescue (R) Small open area well off the highway on the banks of Maitland River. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S20 51.244 E116 36.787... Find out more40 Mile Beach Camp Area 53 km
T/O 41 km S of Karratha Roadhouse (R) or 56 km N of Fortescue (L) A couple of small camp areas located 9 kilometres west of the highway among the dunes. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S20 50.833 E116 21.067... Find out moreFortescue River Park Area 95 km
Opposite Fortescue Roadhouse Small area adjacent to the highway overlooking the river. GPS: S21 17.668 E116 08.510... Find out morePeawah Rest Area 128 km
92 km SW of Port Hedland (R) or 26 km NE of Whim Creek (L) Large area just off the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S20 50.913 E118 04.085... Find out moreRobe River Rest Area 136 km
44 km S of Fortescue (R) or 120 km N of Nanutarra (L) Large area just off the highway among some trees on the riverbank. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S21 36.903 E115 55.357... Find out moreWhat's on around town
FeNaClNG Festival: this celebration takes its name from the town's mining roots (Fe is the chemical symbol for iron ore, NaCl is the symbol for salt, and NG is an abbreviation for natural gas); Aug.
Gamefishing Classic: Aug.
