Day 1: Karratha
Explore the lookouts that overlook the town of Karratha and (if you’re up for it!) tackle the Yaburara Heritage Trail, a 3.5km one way grade 4 hiking trail that highlights the district’s natural history and cultural heritage. Visit the Karratha Visitor Centre where you can join a tour of the Rio Tinto ship loading facilities and learn about the huge exports of iron ore that make this region the economic powerhouse of Australia. Don’t forget about our FeNaClNG Festival which takes place on the first weekend in August.
Day 2 & 3: Dampier
Visit the Red Dog Memorial Statue on the way into Dampier, then head up to the William Dampier Lookout where you can view part of the iron ore loading operations and there’s also a spectacular view of the start of the Dampier Archipelago. If you’re wanting to swim or fish, Palm Beach or anywhere along The Esplanade is ideal. On the way back to Karratha, stop in at Hearson Cove where you can swim and fish, and explore the tidal flats at low tide. The largest collection of Aboriginal Rock Art is located at Deep Gorge, on the road into Hearson Cove. Cruise through the Dampier Archipelago and visit some of the beautiful islands to see the abundance of sea life and exceptional natural beauty of the area. Made up of 42 islands, islets and rocks all within a 45 kilometre radius of Dampier, the Archipelago’s scenic landscapes of spinifex covered islands, dramatic piles of jumbled red rock and white sandy beaches contrast against aqua waters and bright blue skies. From March to June and September to November, migratory whales can be seen in large numbers.
Day 4: Millstream Chichester National Park
Visit the Millstream Chichester National Park including the Millstream Homestead Visitor Centre (unmanned). A landscape of rolling spinifex hills, spectacular escarpments and winding tree-lined watercourses, in contrast with the lush oasis of the Millstream wetlands. Take the walk trails around Jirndawurrunha Pool which links the homestead with Crossing Pool. Python Pool, a permanent freshwater plunge pool located at the base of a cliff in the Chichester Range escarpment, is also a must see.
Day 5: Roebourne
Roebourne has a rich and colourful history. Settled in 1866, many fine historic stone buildings still remain in Roebourne as a reminder of the early days. Visit the Roebourne Visitor Centre and Old Gaol Museum, Watson’s Tee Store, Holy Trinity Church and many others. Visit the Aboriginal Art Groups that operate in Roebourne. Take a trip to Harding River Dam - an ideal destination for a picnic (no swimming though). Enquire at the Roebourne Visitor Centre about their Port to Port Tour which takes in the historic sites of Roebourne, a visit to Rio Tinto’s Cape Lambert ship loading operations, and a stop at the old pearling town of Cossack. A drive to the top of Mount Welcome offers views of the town, coastal plains and rugged hills. The Roebourne Races are also worth a visit, operating in June and July each year.
Day 6: Cossack, Point Samson and Wickham
As the first port in the North West, Cossack played a pivotal role in the growth of the area, including pearling, gold and livestock. Now abandoned the Cossack Heritage Trail is a great way to see all of the historic sites that Cossack has to offer. The Cossack Art Awards are also staged annually at the historic settlement in July. Point Samson has a very active history and was established as a deep water port to service the surrounding area. The Point Samson Heritage Trail takes in many of these historic sites, including the old jetty site, Sam’s Creek, Pope’s Nose Bridge, The Solveig and several others. The beach is bordered by a coral reef which makes for an environment of calm waters, safe swimming, snorkelling and game fishing. Secluded Honeymoon Cove is an ideal place to swim. Visit Wickham’s Tank Hill Lookout for panoramic views of the area. Wickham Drive is the home of Robe Rivers Giant Haul Pac and a locomotive, both great photo opportunities!
Day 7: Your Next Stop
From here, whether you’re heading North to Port Hedland or Broome, South to Onslow or Exmouth or in land to Tom Price or Newman there’s plenty to see and do in the Pilbara!
Note: the Emma Withnell Heritage Trail retraces the settlement and development of the Roebourne district, including the towns of Cossack, Point Samson and Wickham. A booklet on this trail can be obtained from the Roebourne Visitor Centre.