The Pilbara Region
Located in a region covering more than 500,000 square kilometres and surrounded by a 2.5 billion year old landscape, the Pilbara features world-class national parks, beautiful archipelagos and arid desert regions.
The climate in the Pilbara region is tropical with a wet and dry season. The wet season, from late November to early April brings large amounts of rain with the possibility of tropical cyclones. The humidity is high with temperatures ranging from the high 30’s to low 40’s. Whereas the dry season, from April to November is renowned for its pleasant winter climate with maximum temperatures in the mid 20’s.
There is plenty to do in the Pilbara. From exploring the three national parks to fishing off the rugged coast or camping out under the stars. Karijini National Park is located near Tom Price and boasts magical rock pools, magnificent gorges and beautiful natural waterfalls. The Rudall River National Park near Newman is home to ancient Aboriginal artwork, while Millstream-Chichester National Park features the beautiful Fortescue River. During the cooler winter months it is alive with wildflowers and cool running water.
The main coastal towns within the Pilbara are Dampier, Karratha Port Hedland, Roebourne, Wickham, Point Samson and Onslow. Inland towns include Pannawonica, Paraburdoo, Tom Price and Newman.
The Pilbara is one of Australia’s richest resource regions with industries operating in and exporting iron ore, salt, oil, natural gas, nickel and fishing. It is also known internationally for its tourism attraction.
Giant termite hills near Onslow.
Fortescue Falls, Karijini National Park.
To find out more about towns in the Pilbara, go to the following web sites:
- Port Hedland: www.porthedland.wa.gov.au
- Karratha/Roebourne: www.roebourne.wa.gov.au
- Tom Price: www.ashburton.wa.gov.au
- Newman: http://www.eastpilbara.wa.gov.au/
See also
- Tourism WA: www.westernaustralia.com