LOCAL INFORMATION
Hundreds of millions of tonnes of cargo are shipped from Port Hedland every year, making it one of the busiest ports in the world. From morning to night, huge ships are loaded and sent on their way to destinations all over the world.
The town is always busy, but always friendly, and there are plenty of things to do.
Known as the “gateway to the Pilbara”, Port Hedland is also a great starting point to explore the incredible natural beauty of the region. Fishing, camping, hiking and photography are all well catered for.
Some great sites to check out
WHAT’S ON IN PORT HEDLAND
Soap & Candle Making
18 JANUARY, 2016
Time | 10:30am – 17:30pm
Location | JD Hardie Youth Zone
Free Event
Cooking Day
19 JANUARY, 2016
Time | 10:30am – 17:30pm
Location | JD Hardie Youth Zone
Free Event
Scrapbooking
20-21 JANUARY, 2016
Time | 10:30am – 17:30pm
Location | JD Hardie Youth Zone
Free Event
Photo Frame Decorating
22 JANUARY, 2016
Time | 10:30am – 17:30pm
Location | JD Hardie Youth Zone
Free Event
Pool Competition
23 JANUARY, 2016
Time | 10:30am – 17:30pm
Location | JD Hardie Youth Zone
Free Event
Australia Day Activities
25 JANUARY, 2016
Time | 10:30am – 17:30pm
Location | JD Hardie Youth Zone
Free Event
Australia Day Celebrations
26 JANUARY, 2016
Time | 17:00pm start
Location | Wanangkura Stadium
Free Event
Australia Day Celebrations
Pilbara Ports Authority Fireworks Spectacular
26 JANUARY, 2016
Time | 20:00pm start
Location | Wanangkura Stadium
Free Event
Patchwork & Quilting
27 JANUARY, 2016
Time | 18:00pm – 21:00pm
Location | Hedland Well Women’s Centre
$5 Entry
Arts & Crafts
27 JANUARY, 2016
Time | 10:30pm – 17:30pm
Location | Hardie Youth Zone
Free Event
Team Games
28 JANUARY, 2016
Time | 10:30pm – 17:30pm
Location | Hardie Youth Zone
Free Event
Cooking Day
29 JANUARY, 2016
Time | 10:30pm – 17:30pm
Location | Hardie Youth Zone
Free Event
Cooking up a Storm
29 JANUARY, 2016
Time | 10:00pm – 12:00pm
Location | Hedland Well Women’s Centre
Free Event
Patchwork & Quilting
30 JANUARY, 2016
Time | 9:00am – 15:00pm
Location | Hedland Well Women’s Centre
$5 Entry
Jewellery Making
30 JANUARY, 2016
Time | 10:30qm – 17:30pm
Location | Hardie Youth Zone
Free Event
NATIONAL PARKS
The Pilbara region has a wealth of natural beauty.
Karijini National Park, to the east of Port Hedland, has incredible natural gorges, waterfalls and pools. It is perfect for hiking and walking.
To the south of Port Hedland is the Millstream Chichester National Park, which features the arid Chichester Ranges to the North and the subtropical Millstream to the south. The park has the Fortescue River flowing through creating freshwater pools that are perfect for swimming.
Further east is Karlamilyi National Park, Western Australia’s largest national park at over 1.2 million hectares. While the area is rugged and remote, there are areas of stunning scenic beauty including ancient gorges, rock holes and water pools. This trip is a must for photographers.
NATURE RESERVES
North of Port Hedland are the Cape Keraudren and Eighty Mile Beach nature reserves.
Both areas have long, white, sandy beaches where you can fish, hunt for shells, and enjoy incredible sunsets. The Shire of East Pilbara maintains campsites with basic toilets for visitors at Cape Keraudren. At Eighty Mile Beach there is a fully equipped caravan park.
GUIDED TOURS
Port Hedland Local History and Town Tour
This fascinating 45 minute bus tour, led by a noted local historian, takes in the town’s history, from indigenous history to explorers to early settlers, right up to the present day.
BHP Billiton Iron Ore Tour
This tour of BHP’s Nelson Point facility will leave you breathless at the sheer size of this operation. Learn about all the different parts that go into making up this massive industry.
More information about these tours can be found at www.visitporthedland.com.
STAIRCASE TO THE MOON
The Staircase to the Moon is a breathtaking natural phenomenon caused when the rising moon reflects off the sandbanks at low tide.
You can find approximated dates and times for the phenomenon in the local telephone book. They are also displayed monthly at the Port Hedland Visitors Centre. One of the best vantage points to the see the Staircase is next to the Cooke Point Caravan Park in Port Hedland where a viewing deck has been set up.
WILDLIFE
The Pilbara is home to many thousands of different species of wildlife. Off the coast you can see whales, dolphins, sharks and an abundance of other marine life.
During summer, Port Hedland’s beaches are home to flatback sea turtles during their nesting and hatching season. Guided tours through the nesting areas are available. Details from Care for Hedland.
Port Hedland’s birdlife is extensive. Seabirds, birds of prey and Australian native bush birds abound providing exciting opportunities for bird watchers and photographers.
FANCY A SWIM?
Travel a few minutes east from Port Hedland and you’ll find a true local treasure, Pretty Pool. If you’re looking to beat the heat, Pretty Pool offers a safe and relaxing place for a dip. There is a beautiful picnic area nearby with toilets and and BBQ facilities.