Karijini National Park

Nestled in the middle of the Hamersley Ranges is the ruggedly beautiful Karijini National Park, the second largest in Western Australia. The breathtaking gorges, waterfalls and wildlife make Karijni an absolute must-see in the Pilbara. 

Vast escarpments, mountains and water ways are part of this truly ancient part of the world; it is estimated that the land formations in Karijini are over 2,500 million years old. Today, the Hamersley Ranges are home to a remarkably complex ecology. From its expansive gorges to low woodlands, Karijini is home to an abundance of native flora and fauna. Karijini boasts a stunning wildflower season as well as and great number of native animals. As you explore the park you can find kangaroos, rock wallabies, bats and dingos. Also keep an eye out for frogs, geckoes, goannas, dragons, legless lizards, pythons and other snakes around the park. 

If you are a keen bushwalker, you must venture through Dales Gorge and the Fortescue Falls Track. This walk will give you spectacular views of the park as well as sheer rock faces, calming waterfalls and lovely swimming spots. You can also fine some beautiful walks to Knox lookout, Knox Gorge, Joffre Lookout, Joffre Falls and Handrail Pool. 

You can venture into the park from Tom Price, or you can camp in designated areas in the park or stay at the Eco Lodge. For more information about all the things to see and do at Karijini, contact the Park's Visitor Centre (08) 9189 8121. 

Millstream Chichester National Park 

Millstream Chichester National Park exemplifies the wonderful diversity of the Pilbara – with two vastly different ecosystems exiting alongside each other; with the arid Chichester Ranges to the north and the lush subtropical Millstream to the south. The park is set on Yindjibarndi land around the Fortescue River. This natural reserve is believed to contain in excess of 1,700 million cubic metres of water and cover an area of almost 2,000 square kilometres. 

As you enter the park from the north, look out for Python Pool, a lovely spot where you can stop for a picnic and a swim in one of the park's permanent freshwater pools. Within the park there are gorgeous spots along the river and there are camping grounds at Crossing Pool and Deep Reach. A lot of the sites and attractions within the park are only accessible via unsealed roads. 

Tropical plant species, typical of WA's far north, thrive on the edge of permanent water pools throughout the national park. Of particular interest is the unique Millstream palm, with its fanned, greyish-green leaves and smooth bark. Exotic date palms and cotton palms, originally introduced by pioneers, have now spread throughout the delta. There are also a variety of native birds, mammals, marsupials and reptiles in the park. 

For more information about visiting Millstream please contact either the Karratha Visitor Centre or Roebourne Visitor Centre.

Karlamilyi National Park 

At over 1.2 million hectares, Karlamilyi National Park (formerly Rudall River National Park) is the largest national park in Western Australia and one of the largest in the world. Spanning across the boundary between the Great Sandy and Little Sandy Deserts in the eastern Pilbara the park also includes the Rudall River water system. It is one of the most remote places in the world. As such, when planning to travel there you must be well prepared with sufficient water, food, medical and mechanical supplies. 

The bird life of Karlamilyi is a highlight, with more than 90 recorded species of birds living in the area, mostly around the Rudall River. There are more than a dozen waterbirds which can be spotted on the Rudall, including pacific black duck and the Australasian grebe. 

Hidden away in an ancient gorge in the centre of the park is a chain of scenic rock holes, where rugged red cliffs cast perfect reflections in still waters. Activities include photography, bushwalking, 4WD touring and swimming. Desert Queen Baths, an 18-kilometre detour off the main track, is a series of picturesque rock pools within a gorge. Allow an hour's drive each way on a rough bush track, then a 40-minute scramble over rocks to reach the main pool. 

There is no accommodation or access to supplies within the park, bush camping is the way to go. Be sure to check road conditions before travelling and the Western Desert Puntukunupanu Aboriginal Corporation must be advised before travelling through their traditional lands in the park; call (08) 9172 3299. 

Roebourne and Cossack 

Roebourne is the oldest existing town in the Pilbara, established in 1866 and is 199km west of Port Hedland. The town is scattered with gorgeous old buildings, the original town hospital, post office, Goal Police Barracks, Court House and church. Many of the original buildings in and around this historic town have been restored and provide an insight into the early pioneering times in the Pilbara. On the outskirts of Roebourne is the historical town of Cossack, the site of the Pilbara's chequered gold rush and pearling history. The old buildings on the mouth of the Harding River have been fully restored and now provide a wonderful attraction for tourists wanting to know more about the history of the region. Further out of Roebourne is the beautiful Point Samson Peninsular which is a real highlight of the West Pilbara Coast. For more information on the attractions in this area, have a chat to the Roebourne Visitor Centre. 

Karratha and the Burrup Peninsula 

Like Port Hedland, Karratha is a booming town that is developing quickly as a result of the mining industry and the active industry port in Dampier. The Burrup Peninsula sits right alongside Karratha and Dampier and not only boasts a stunning natural landscape but it is also home to over 10,000 petryoglyphs (rock art) which are up to 30,000 years old. This site contains the largest concentration of rock art in the world and some of the petroglyphs depict wildlife which have been extinct for around 3,000 years. The peninsula is also the site for the Northwest Shelf Gas Project, a large mining operation which can be viewed from the Burrup Lookout. Karratha is 242km from Port Hedland. For more information about Karratha, Dampier and the Burrup Peninsular Contact the Karratha Visitor Centre. 

Dampier Archipelago 

Lying of the coast of the Burrup and Point Samson Peninsulas are 42 prisitine islands that make up the Dampier Archipelago. 25 of these islands are protected as part of the Archipelago Marine Park, and their sandy beaches and blue waters make them an ideal holiday location. The vast marine life makes this area brilliant for snorkelling and diving. You can often spot dugongs and bottlenose dolphins in the waters through the Archipelago, and between July and September humpback whales move through the waters as they make their way north. You can also find world-class fishing spots for deep water, reef or sheltered inlet fishing in the area. And lying to the west of the Archipelago are the Montebello Islands and Barrow Island. To find out more about the island adventures available in Pilbara contact the Karratha Visitor Centre. 

Newman 

You can visit Newman on your way into or out of Port Hedland via the Great Northern Highway. The town sits on the cusp of the Western Desert, 455km south of Port Hedland. In 1957 a huge iron ore deposit was discovered at Mt Whaleback, which is now the largest single open cut iron ore mine in the world only 6km out of Newman. There is also a wealth of beautiful natural sites and wildlife to discover while in the Newman area. You can also use the town as a base from which to access the central area Canning Stock Route, one of the most remote and challenging 4WD adventure tracks in the world. It is recommended that only experienced and well-prepared travellers attempt the Canning Stock Route. For more information about this region contact the Newman Visitors Centre. 

Onslow and West Pilbara 

In the west Pilbara lies the beautiful coastal town of Onslow. It is one of the few places in the world where the sun both rises and sets over the water. You can have beautiful coastal views along the Onslow boardwalk, and this is another beautiful sight for viewing the Staircase to the Moon. Onslow also serves as the gateway to the Mackerel Islands, 22km off the coast. The reef system of the Mackerel Islands are home to a wealth marine life moving in between the Ningaloo Reef and the Dampier Archipelago, making it a stunning location for snorkelling and diving. There are tours by boat and light aircraft to the islands as well as fishing tours. For more information about Onslow and the Mackerel Islands contact the Onslow Tourist Centre.