Port Hedland
Town
Population 11557
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 1960s saw the town grow at a remarkable rate. Today, Port Hedland handles the largest iron-ore export tonnage of any Australian port. Iron ore is loaded onto huge ore carriers; the 2.6-kilometre trains operated by BHP Iron Ore are hard to miss. Salt production is another major industry with about 2 million tonnes exported per annum.
Visitor Information
13 Wedge St; (08) 9173 1711
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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Marble Bar
Marble Bar has gained a dubious reputation as the hottest town in Australia. For 161 consecutive days in 1923–24 the temperature in Marble...more -
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 -
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
In Town
Don Rhodes Mining Museum: open-air museum with displays of historic railway and mining machinery; Wilson St. Pioneer and Pearlers Cemetery: used between 1912 and 1968, it has graves of early gold prospectors and Japanese pearl divers; off Stevens St. Town tour: visit the town's many attractions; 11am Mon, Wed and Fri June–Oct; book through visitor centre. BHP Iron Ore Tour: see the enormous machinery required to run this industrial giant; departs 9.30am Mon–Fri from visitor centre. Heritage trail: 1.8 km self-guide walk around the town; contact visitor centre for map.
Nearby
Stairway to the Moon Like the Broome version, this beautiful illusion is created when a full moon rises over the ocean at low tide. The moon's rays hit pools of water left by the receding tide, creating the image of a stairway leading up to the moon. It lasts for about 15 minutes. Check with visitor centre for dates and times. Coastal side of Goode St; 7 km e.Pretty Pool: picnic, fish and swim at this scenic tidal pool; 8 km NE. Dampier Salt: see giant cone-shaped mounds of salt awaiting export; 8 km S. Royal Flying Doctor Service: operates an important base in Port Hedland at the airport; open to public 8–11am Mon–Fri; closed public holidays, school holidays and weekends; 15 km S. School of the Air: experience schooling outback-style at the airport; open to public 8–11am Mon–Fri; closed public and school holidays; 15 km S. Turtle-watching: flatback turtles nest in the area Oct–Mar at Pretty Pool, Cooke Point and Cemetery Beach. Cruises: scenic harbour and sunset cruises; contact visitor centre for details. Travellers note: Poisonous stonefish frequent this stretch of coast, especially Nov–Mar, so wear strong shoes when walking on rocky reef areas and make local inquiries before swimming in the sea.
Fishing spots near town
Dampier 205 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
Dine by the stunning Indian Ocean at the All Season’s bistro, where the al fresco dining is as popular as the local seafood. For a more casual experience, enjoy a counter meal at the bar or a cocktail by the pool.... Find out more
Centrally located and situated within the Hospitality Inn Port Hedland, the Pilbara Room Restaurant is one the best dining options in town. Prime cuts of meat and fresh seafood complement the friendly service and... Find out more
Inside a newsagency, the Wedge Street Coffee Shop is a popular place to stop for coffee and a magazine or to the sample the menu of salads, sandwiches and a selection of Asian-inspired fare. This busy spot also has a... Find out more
Campsites around town
Balla Balla (Bulla Bulla) camping area 96 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 moreCape Keraudren camping area 128 km
Visitors will find dispersed camping sites in a large area behind the dunes on the foreshore at Cape Keraudren. You need to bring your own firewood and drinking water. Access is 14 km north of the Great Northern Hwy,... Find out moreCleaverville camping area 170 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 moreSnake Creek camping area 182 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 moreDampier Transit Caravan Park 201 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 moreDampier Archipelago beach camping 209 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 moreCrossing Pool camping area 211 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 moreStargazers camping area 212 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 moreMiliyanah camping area 214 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 moreHamersley Gorge Truck Bay 223 km
There are no facilities at this truck bay as it is suitable for an overnight stop only, equipped with your own gas/fuel stove and drinking water. It is at the junction of Nanutarra–Wittenoom Rd, 900 m north of... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
The Cove Caravan Park 152 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 moreDampier Transit Caravan Park 201 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 moreEighty Mile Beach Caravan Park 224 km
We often stay at this quality beachside park, located 9 km off the Great Northern Highway and 45 km west of Sandfire Roadhouse. The owners have spent a lot of time developing the park and we like what they have done. It... Find out moreAuski Tourist Village 229 km
Part of the Auski Roadhouse complex, this is a convenient base from which to explore Wittenoom and the gorges in Karijini National Park. It is a good basic park and accessible along bitumen roads, whereas access to some... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
With a variety of units and powered sites, the Cooke Point Holiday Park offers clean and modern accommodation and facilities. Geared well towards families, the park has a playground, swimming pool, recreation room,... Find out more
Offering motel-style accommodation, the rooms are air-conditioned, comfortable and clean. On-site are barbecue facilities, a licensed restaurant and a swimming pool. Centrally situated, you are close to the beach, the... Find out more
The Lodge Motel is well located to the business district in South Hedland and offers standard hotel rooms and self-contained apartments. Included in the rate are meals, access to the gymnasium and swimming pool.... Find out more
Rest areas around town
Yule River Rest Area 54 km
62 km SW of Port Hedland (R) or 56 km NE of Whim Creek (L) Small area just off the highway among a few trees. Limited shade. GPS: S20 42.020 E118 17.938... Find out moreDe Grey River Rest Area 67 km
79 km E of South Hedland (R) or 71 km SW of Pardoo (L) Large area just off the highway on the banks of the river. Good shade. GPS: S20 18.458 E119 15.127... Find out morePeawah Rest Area 82 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 moreCape Keraudren Camp Area 127 km
T/O at Pardoo Large camp area scattered along the foreshore 14 kilometres north-west of the highway. NOTE: Access road is unsealed. GPS: S19 57.614 E119 46.129... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Australia Day Festival: Jan.
Port Hedland Cup: Aug.
Pilbara Music Festival: Sept.
Welcome to Hedland Night:
every few months.
