This bustling port city over a thousand km from Perth is the largest city that you’ll find this far north, and the second-largest in thePilbara region, with 15,000 residents. Founded in the 1880s, it’s a fascinating combination of old and new, with cutting-edge mining technology mixing with heartfelt gold-rush stories.
Unlike many port cities, where the port is tucked away out of town, Port Hedland visitors can enjoy the spectacle from the town centre (Marrapikurinya Park is an ideal vantage point). Port Hedland boasts one of the world’s busiest working harbours, as well as a thriving mining sector, making it a powerhouse of the WA economy and a major hub of the resources industry.
If you’re keen on learning more about mining while you’re in the heart of the action, BHP Billiton runs an unmissable Iron Ore Tour: it’s fascinating to see the workings of a real mine, as well as the sheer size of the mine sites.
Stop by the Boulevard Shopping Centre for a selection of dining options before heading to the Port Hedland Visitor Centre to learn more about what’s on offer in this exciting city. Golf lovers should check out the Golf Club, and art fans will be thrilled to find a thriving arts scene here: C3 Gallery, the Courthouse Gallery and the Spinifex Hill Studios are a treat, not to mention the street art scattered through the city.
For a taste of the past, there’s a Local History and Town Tour, as well as the Dalgety House Museum and the Don Rhodes Mining and Transport museum; further afield, the historic ghost town of Cossack is an important part of WA heritage.
There’s also plenty of fun on the water to be had in Port Hedland: fishing, reef walking, surfing, or just relaxing in the sun at Pretty Pool Beach. If you fancy a spot of shopping, the West End Markets are amazing, with an abundance of local handmade treasures to remember your trip by.
