Roebourne
Town
Population 853
Named after John Septimus Roe, Western Australia's first surveyor-general, Roebourne was established in 1866 and is the oldest town on the north-west coast. As the centre for early mining and pastoral industries in the Pilbara, it was connected by tramway to the pearling port of Cossack and later to Point Samson. Now Cossack is a ghost town and Point Samson is known for its beachside pleasures.
Visitor Information
Old Gaol, Queens St; (08) 9182 1060
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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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 -
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 -
Tom Price
The huge iron-ore deposit now known as Mount Tom Price was discovered in 1962 in the heart of the Pilbara, after which the Hamersley Iron...more
In Town
Historic buildings: some original stone buildings remain, many of which have been classified by the National Trust. The Old Gaol, designed by the well-known colonial architect George Temple Poole, now operates as the visitor centre and museum; Queen St. Mt Welcome: offers views of the coastal plains and rugged hills surrounding town. Spot the railroad from Cape Lambert to Pannawonica, and the pipeline carrying water from Millstream to Wickham and Cape Lambert; Fisher Dr.
Nearby
Cossack Originally named Tien Tsin after the boat that brought the first settlers there in 1863, Cossack was the first port in the north-west region. During its days as a pearling centre in the late 1800s the population increased dramatically. Although now a ghost town, the beautiful stone buildings have been restored and 9 are classified by the National Trust. The old post office houses a gallery and the courthouse has a museum, while the police barracks offer budget accommodation.Cruises are available from the wharf. 14 km N.Wickham: the company town for Robe River Iron Ore offers a spectacular view from Tank Hill lookout; tours available; 12 km N. Point Samson: good fishing, swimming, snorkelling and diving. Boat hire, whale-watching and fishing charters are available; 19 km N. Cleaverville: camping and fishing; 25 km N. Harding Dam: ideal picnic spot; 27 km S. Millstream–Chichester National Park: 150 km S; see Karratha. Emma Withnell Heritage Trail: 52 km historic self-drive trail, named after the first European woman in the north-west, takes in Roebourne, Cossack, Wickham and Point Samson; map available at visitor centre. Tours: include historic Pearls and Past tour and trips to Jarman Island; contact visitor centre for details.
Fishing spots near town
Dampier 51 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
In the Point Samson Resort, diners at Ta Ta’s Cafe chill out in typically leisurely Western Australian fashion. Offering an à la carte menu, the cafe serves international cuisine including hearty steaks and... Find out more
Situated on the first floor and offering never-ending views of the Indian Ocean, Trawlers Tavern is a popular weekend spot with its live entertainment. The menu includes bar snacks or more substantial meals such as fresh... Find out more
In the shire of Roebourne, the Red Rock Cafe caters to Wickham’s lively mining community. The menu offers steak, pizza and the seafood the region is so well known for.... Find out more
Campsites around town
Cleaverville camping area 19 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 Transit Caravan Park 47 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 57 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 moreSnake Creek camping area 64 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 moreBalla Balla (Bulla Bulla) camping area 67 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 moreForty Mile camping area 84 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 moreCrossing Pool camping area 89 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 91 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 moreStargazers camping area 93 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 moreFortescue River Mouth camping area 107 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 moreCaravan parks around town
The Cove Caravan Park 16 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 47 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 moreBlackrock Tourist Park 158 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 232 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 moreAuski Tourist Village 239 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
Point Samson is possibly one of the last unspoilt places on earth. Thirty minutes from Karratha and just metres from the Indian Ocean, the resort hosts self-contained units and deluxe spa units. Set amongst tropical... Find out more
Situated in Point Samson, the Samson Beach Chalets are beautifully presented. Some are self-contained and include extras like outdoor showers, air-conditioning and internet access. The beach is nearby or you could just... Find out more
This holiday house is located in the centre of town and close to amenities, cafes and golf course, with the beach just a skip away. Comfortably decorated, the Samson Hideaway includes two bedrooms, air-conditioning and... Find out more
Rest areas around town
Cleaverville Beach Camp Area 20 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 56 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 83 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 morePeawah Rest Area 96 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 moreFortescue River Park Area 119 km
Opposite Fortescue Roadhouse Small area adjacent to the highway overlooking the river. GPS: S21 17.668 E116 08.510... Find out moreYule River Rest Area 120 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 moreWhat's on around town
Roebourne Cup: July.
