Welcome to Karatha, tucked away in the middle of Australia’s wild west coast. At over 1,500 kilometres north of Perth and 850 kilometres south of Broome, it doesn’t get much more remote than this. Despite its impressive geographical isolation, Karratha has earned its spot on the map as an economic powerhouse, and the gateway to the breathtaking Pilbara region – a place where you truly can get away from it all. Whether you’re here for work or for leisure, Karratha is a special place unlike any other. You’ve made it this far, so why not spend some time getting to know the area. Read on as we discover all that this stunning region has to offer with Hertz,
Vibrant towns, Vivid Landscapes
Of course, the first thing you’re going to want to get sorted is a car - the best and only way to get yourself around a region as vast and wide as the Pilbara. Once you’ve secured your rental car from Hertz Karratha Airport, you’ll want your first stop to be the Karratha Tourism and Visitor Centre, a hub for information on all the adventures and attractions to discover and explore during your time here. Despite its remote location, the centre of Karratha is a hive of activity, full of surprisingly modern restaurants and lively shopping strips to peruse.
The best way to get truly acquainted with the town is by taking a stroll along the pleasant Yaburara Aboriginal Heritage Walk Trail. With scenic lookouts regularly dotted along the track, you can move at a leisurely pace and soak in panoramic views of the Karratha Hills and the landscapes beyond. For more indigenous history, some of the oldest rock engravings in existence can be found in Murujuga National Park on the Burrup Peninsula - the oldest of which are thought to be more than thirty thousand years old. There are several local indigenous groups that offer educational tours of the park - supporting these friendly locals is a great way to gain unique insights into this very special part of the world from a First Nations perspective, and a great way to get to know the area on a deeper level.
If you happen to be around at the time of the Full Moon between March and October, head to Hearson’s Cove, just half an hour from Karratha where you have an opportunity to witness a fascinating natural phenomena called the “Staircase to the Moon” – a trick of reflection and light that presents a breathtaking view like no other as the moon rises over the exposed tidal flats. The locals celebrate with a beachside market and really make an evening of it, with food, wine and live music adding to the party atmosphere – a magical and unforgettable evening for the whole family.
Experience the wonders of the Pilbara with Hertz
Being the largest town in the Pilbara, Karratha is not only a fantastic destination in itself, but the ideal jumping point for adventures across the region. While you’re here, make your visit to the west truly memorable and explore beyond the town, where the true beauty of the Pilbara region can be found. Just thirty minutes from Karratha, the seaside town of Dampier is a destination not to be missed, and for good reason. The Dampier Archipelago, a collection of forty-two islands surrounded by reefs, lies just offshore, and is one of the most stunning and pristine coastal destinations in the country. This coastal wonderland offers excellent opportunities for snorkelling, boating, fishing and a whole host of other recreational activities. This special and unique marine habitat is also home to an abundance of elusive wildlife, such as turtles, manta rays, dugongs and dolphins. In the cooler months, the seas play an important role in humpback whale migration, as they make their way north to warmer subtropical waters.
Experience the magic and breathtaking beauty of these islands and the marine environment with a boat tour and a spot of island-hopping. Departing from Dampier, a popular choice is the four-hour round trip to the Montebello group, home to white sandy beaches and turquoise waters - it doesn’t get much better! If you’d prefer to explore at your own pace, you’ll find a thriving charter boat operation here. If deep sea, inlet or river fishing, scuba or snorkelling are on your wish list, this is a spectacular place to indulge yourself and tick these activities off the bucket list.
Back on dry land, take the iconic coast road along Eighty Mile Beach to Cape Keraudren Coastal Reserve for a road trip you won’t forget – along the way, keep your eyes out for one of the widest expanses of white sand anywhere in the world. The combination of red earth, white sand, deep blue sky and turquoise sea is just breathtaking - this is a truly special road trip that will be sure to leave you with life-long memories.
This naturally beautiful and fascinating region is brimming with wonders for you to explore, so make sure you get out there and make the most of all that it has to offer - there is so much to see, one trip won’t be enough. No matter how you decide to spend your time in Karratha, Hertz will ensure your travels around town and the Pilbara region are comfortable and enjoyable.
