Stretching over half a million square kilometres, the Pilbara region in Western Australia extends from the desert sands of inland Australia to the refined sands of the Indian Ocean. Its Karijini, Murujuga and Millstream National Parks offer gorges, billabongs, waterfalls and walking tracks for the adventurous traveller, its coastal surrounds promote remote diving, snorkelling and fishing retreats.
Attractions
Karijini National Park has a number of trails for any fitness level. The Dampier Archipelago is an untouched expanse of coral reefs, sponge gardens and sparkling waters containing 650 species of fish and the home of flatback and hawksbill nesting turtles. From March to November the Pilbara coastline turns into a golden staircase when the rising moon gives the illusion across the tidal flats. Off the Pilbara Coast exists the Montebello Islands Marine Park, its coral reefs and the fish and wildlife they bring making the islands a popular spot for fishers, snorkelers and divers. The Burrup Peninsula near Karratha offers a different remote coastal experience in the form of Hearson Cove. At high tide a great swimming spot and at low tide a walking track of hundreds of metres of exposed sand flats.
Stay
On the coast at Port Hedland sits The Esplanade Hotel, providing accommodation and breakfast and dinner for weary travellers. At the gateway to the Mackeral Islands, Onslow Beach Resort is an absolute beachfront resort with self-contained units and its own Beach Club restaurant. Further inland, the Peedamulla Campground provides powered and unpowered sites and are a good central point if you can’t decide whether to explore the coast, wetlands or heritage listed ruins. Karijini Eco Retreat in the Karijini National Park is nestled at the Joffre Gorge and accommodation options range from campsites to eco tents with ensuites to dormitory eco cabins.
Dine
For casual eating, the Pilbara Bakehouse in Karratha offers a range of comforting traditional bakery goodies including wraps, burgers, croissants, sandwiches, pies and coffees. The Blanche Bar in Karratha serves contemporary and Australian food with vegetarian and gluten free options, while just down the road the Bushlolly Café serves novel Aussie spins on all day breakfast and lunch including stuffed damper and eggs Florentine with warrigal greens. The Walkabout Hotel affectionately called ‘the walkie’ at Port Hedland promises to give you pub food done right, with burgers, barramundi and battered onion rings to fulfil the guarantee.
