Onslow
Town
Population 574
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 is among the north's most cyclone-prone and Onslow has often suffered severe damage. The town was originally at the Ashburton River mouth and a bustling pearling centre. In the 1890s gold was discovered nearby. In 1925 the townsite was moved to Beadon Bay after cyclones caused the river to silt up. During World War II, submarines refuelled here and the town was bombed twice. In the 1950s it was the mainland base for Britain's nuclear experiments at Montebello Islands. In 1963 Onslow was almost completely destroyed by a cyclone. It is now an attractive tree-shaded town.
Visitor Information
Second Ave (May–Oct), (08) 9184 6644; or council offices, Second Ave, (08) 9184 6001
Nearby national parks
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Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Marine Park
Cape Range National Park, on the western side of North West Cape, is a rugged landscape of rocky gorges edged by the stunning coastal...more -
Millstream Chichester National Park
Millstream–Chichester National Park in the western Pilbara protects two very different landscapes: in the north lies the rocky,...more
Nearby towns
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Exmouth
One of the newest towns in Australia, Exmouth was founded in 1967 as a support town for the Harold E. Holt US Naval Communications...more -
Karratha
Karratha is the Aboriginal word for 'good country'. Founded in 1968 as a result of expansion of the iron-ore industry, Karratha was...more -
Coral Bay
Coral Bay is famous for one thing: its proximity to Ningaloo Marine Park. Ningaloo Reef boasts an incredible diversity of marine life and...more
In Town
Goods Shed Museum: memorabilia from the town's long history and collections of old bottles, shells and rocks; in visitor centre; Second Ave. Beadon Creek and Groyne: popular fishing spot. Ian Blair Memorial Walkway: 1 km scenic walk; starts at Beadon Point and finishes at Sunset Beach. Heritage trail: covers sites of interest in town; contact visitor centre for map.
Nearby
Termite mounds: with interpretive display; 10 km S. Mackerel Islands: excellent fishing destination. Charter boats are available for daytrips or extended fishing safaris; contact visitor centre for details; 22 km off the coast. Ashburton River: swimming, camping and picnicking; 45 km SW. Old townsite heritage trail: self-guide walk around original townsite including old gaol; contact visitor centre for map; 45 km SW.
Fishing spots near town
Exmouth 105 km
Situated about 1200 km north of Perth, Exmouth is Australia’s only known bonefish fishery. The Continental Shelf is only kilometres offshore and Ningaloo Reef runs for 250 km along the coastline, forming a giant... Find out moreDampier 196 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 moreEco-friendly activities around town
Swimming with manta rays 107 km
Unlike whale sharks, giant manta rays glide gracefully around the waters near Exmouth year-round, particularly congregating in the latter half of the year to breed. Although you are most likely to see mantas smaller than... Find out moreSwimming with whale sharks 216 km
Swimming with the largest fish in the ocean, the gentle filter-feeding whale sharks, has to be high on any nature-lover’s list. They are usually 5–12 metres long, but grow up to 18 metres. They congregate... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
The compact coastal town of Onslow is home to Nikki’s Licensed Restaurant, where locals come for steak and fresh seafood. Apparently they serve the best prawns in the state, which is believable considering... Find out more
Campsites around town
Neds Camp camping area 128 km
Carry a gas/fuel stove and plenty of drinking water with you when you come to camp at Neds, 600 m west of Yardie Creek Rd. It is 8 km south of the park boundary.... Find out moreFortescue River Mouth camping area 129 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 moreMesa Camp camping area 129 km
Flat coastal scrub surrounds this campsite 1.6 km west of Yardie Creek Rd. Bring along a gas/fuel stove and drinking water to this camping area, 8 km south of the park boundary, where there is a self-registration... Find out moreNorth T Bone Bay camping area 130 km
Pack a gas/fuel stove and drinking water to camp here, and take the turn-off at the Milyering Visitor Centre. This campsite is 1.2 km west of Yardie Creek Rd and 11 km south from the park boundary.... Find out moreLakeside camping area 131 km
To get to Lakeside, take the turn-off at the Milyering Visitor Centre and travel 11 km from the park boundary to Yardie Creek Rd, then travel for a further 1.6 km. You will need to come equipped with a gas/fuel stove and... Find out moreTulki Beach camping area 134 km
Bring a gas stove and drinking water to Tulki Beach camping area, 800 m west of Yardie Creek Rd and 6 km south of the Milyering Visitor Centre.... Find out moreNorth Mandu camping area 140 km
A gas/fuel stove and drinking water are essential equipment when you camp at North Mandu, 400 m west of Yardie Creek Rd. Milyering Visitor Centre is 14 km away to the south.... Find out morePilgramunna camping area 144 km
Pack a gas/fuel stove and drinking water when you head to Pilgramunna camping area, 500 m west of Yardie Creek Rd and 20 km south of Milyering Visitor Centre.... Find out moreOsprey Bay camping area 147 km
Osprey Bay camping area is 800 m west of Yardie Creek Rd, 26 km south of Milyering Visitor Centre. Bring along a gas/fuel stove and drinking water.... Find out moreYardie Creek camping area 154 km
Yardie Creek camping area is off Yardie Creek Rd, 36 km south of the Milyering Visitor Centre. Come equipped with a gas/fuel stove and drinking water.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Ningaloo Lighthouse Caravan Park 105 km
Located 17 km north of Exmouth beneath the lighthouse at Vlamingh Head, this spot is just across the road from the ocean. The park has basic facilities and a cafe during peak season. There are pleasant views from the... Find out moreExmouth Cape Holiday Park 107 km
Located close to the centre of town and alongside the main road, this is a good quality park near the tourist centre and not too far from the shops. It is a good base for exploring the region. Bookings are required in... Find out moreNingaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort 107 km
Located close to the town centre, this is a convenient base from which to explore the area, including Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park. The park has an extensive grassy area, good amenities and a wide range of... Find out moreDampier Transit Caravan Park 199 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 morePeoples Park Caravan Village 216 km
Set in a wonderful location across the road from the fabulous beach and close to the coral reef, this park is a great holiday spot. Diving and fishing are very popular along with coral viewing in glass-bottom boats.... Find out moreThe Cove Caravan Park 243 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 moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Longing to escape to a deserted island? On Direction Island, seclusion is guaranteed since the only structure on the island is a beach cabin which sleeps six. Totally self-sufficient and only accessible by private vessel... Find out more
With the Indian Ocean just metres away and the town within walking distance, the Onslow Mackerel Motel is ideally situated. The modern rooms are fully self-contained, with air-conditioning, internet access, barbecue... Find out more
Right on the beachfront in one of the north-west’s few remaining seaside bush towns, these motel rooms and self-contained chalets are close to Onslow’s attractions.... Find out more
Rest areas around town
Robe River Rest Area 84 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 moreAshburton River Park Area 108 km
Adjacent Nanutarra Roadhouse Small area on the banks of Ashburton River. Limited shade. GPS: S22 32.583 E115 29.987 ... Find out moreFortescue River Park Area 113 km
Opposite Fortescue Roadhouse Small area adjacent to the highway overlooking the river. GPS: S21 17.668 E116 08.510... Find out moreBarradale Rest Area 137 km
72 km S of Nanutarra (R) or 156 km N of Minilya (L) Large area just off the highway on the banks of Yannarie River. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S22 51.822 E114 57.242 ... Find out more
