The Pilbara

Travel Guide

The #golden colours of the Australian desert at sunset
Amazing inland River on the edge of the great Australian desert, Mavic pro. · · · · #desert #dronefly #aussie #dronelife #aerialphotography #desertliving #desertsunset #dronestagram #desertlife #puppy #dronegear #travel #desertplants #aussiesofinstagram #droneoftheday #dji #desertphotography #desertracing #australianshepherdworld #dronephotography #australianshepherdsofig #australianshepherdsofinstagram #drone #deserts #drones #aboveitall #bvsquad
#Adventure! See full story attached to other pic.
If you're wondering what my favourite national park in Australia is, it's Karijini. The stunning narrow canyons and the vibrant colours of the rock contrasting with white ghost gums held me spellbound for a couple of days. To give you some idea of scale, note the tiny figures in the bottom left hand of the picture. This shot was taken in Hancock Gorge, accessed by ladder.
#Adventure! A DAY OF HARD KNOX When we’d first arrived the afternoon before, we’d gone to the lookout, where we gazed wistfully into Knox Gorge. Away to our right, who knows how far, there was a tree at the base of a slot canyon, one I determined was special. Its white bark was such a contrast to the iron stained cliff behind I just had to go and get a picture of it on the morrow. The next day started well. We were first (just) down the steep slope into Knox Gorge ahead of a busload of backpackers, only we turned right and they went left on the main trail. Where we went there was no sign that man had trodden here. We worked our way towards the upper end of the gorge. The trails here in the canyons are all classed 5, just like the one we had done the day before and, at times, it was very tricky getting past obstacles and avoiding the seriously cold water, such a contrast to . More than once we helped each other, either pushing or pulling, climbing the layered cliffs of iron ore to find a route upstream. The rewards however were views of yet another of Karijini’s masterpieces. We later overheard a local ranger say that some rate Knox as the prettiest of the lot. Nothing quite prepares you for the stunning reds as the sun sheds light on this 2 billion year old landscape, pushed up from the ancient ocean floor by forces beyond your imagination. As we clamber our way along the edges the cameras click endlessly and there are moments when we find it hard to continue, such is the magnificence of the spectacle and the hypnotic peacefulness of the surrounds. Karijini continually exceeds its promise, and there’s so much to see. We forced our way around a bend, scrambling yet again over the layered rock to be confronted by paradise for photography. Dramatic red cliffs, studded here and there with precariously clinging vegetation, all set beneath untainted blue skies and coursed by a crystal clear bubbling stream with intermittent mirror pools. Fodder for the soul indeed. We located the tree at some stage and it didn’t disappoint, but we suspected there would be more. What could have been a 90 minutes walk had taken us well over three hours and we adventurously pushed on before deciding to climb a virgin scree slope off to the right in order to get us to the top of the gorge and avoid all the obstacles going back. Here again there were no trails, just picking gaps in the lawn of the apocalypse (aka spinifex) as our feet slipped on the crumbling rock slope beneath. At the heights the spinifex disappeared and in the next half hour we continually checked out from whence we’d come; at once admiring the outback landscape and then peering back into Knox. The motorhome was a welcome sight but that day’s experience would live with us forever.

Where to stay in The Pilbara

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South Hedland

The restaurants and shopping are a few things travellers note about the neighbourhood.

South Hedland
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Karratha Industrial Estate

The restaurants and gardens are just a few features travellers like about Karratha Industrial Estate. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Yaburara Heritage Trail and Back Beach are a few top places to visit.

Karratha Industrial Estate
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Port Hedland Town Centre

While visiting Port Hedland Town Centre, you might make a stop by sights like Pretty Pool and Dalgety House Museum.

Port Hedland Town Centre
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Bulgarra

Travellers like the golf courses in Bulgarra, and Karratha Golf Course is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Bulgarra
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Pegs Creek

Visitors to Pegs Creek appreciate its bars. A visit to Karratha Village and Yaburara Heritage Trail might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

Pegs Creek
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Nickol

Travellers like the shopping in Nickol, and Tambrey Village is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Nickol
Hospitality Port Hedland

Hospitality Port Hedland

3 out of 5
Webster Street Port Hedland WA
The price is HK$1,228 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
HK$1,228
HK$1,350 total
26 Mar - 27 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Port Hedland. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (399 reviews)
Always a good experience. Friendly staff. Clean and tidy rooms. Good quality food in the Restaurant. My go to accommodation in Port Hedland.

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Hospitality Port Hedland
ibis Styles Karratha

ibis Styles Karratha

3.5 out of 5
35 - 45 Searipple Road Karratha WA
The price is HK$1,693 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
HK$1,693
HK$1,863 total
3 Apr - 4 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Karratha. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Karratha City Shopping Centre ...
7.2/10 Good! (190 reviews)
Really need conditioner in the showers for hair as most other motels do but other than that everything was good.

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026

ibis Styles Karratha
Karratha International Hotel

Karratha International Hotel

4 out of 5
Crn of Hillview Rd and Millstream Rd Pegs Creek WA
The price is HK$1,688 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
HK$1,688
HK$1,857 total
10 Apr - 11 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Karratha. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Waters Park and Walgu Park are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (271 reviews)
Very spacious rooms. Free washer and dryer and detergent. Manager/owner is very personable. Great breakfast and super steaks. Nice pool area and good spot for large groups to enjoy.

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026

Karratha International Hotel
See all 60 properties in The Pilbara
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Onslow Beach Resort

Onslow Beach Resort

4 out of 5
Cnr Second Ave & Third Street Onslow WA
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Onslow. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Good Shed Museum and Sunrise Beach are located ...
Onslow Beach Resort
Karratha Caravan Park

Karratha Caravan Park

2 out of 5
1060 Mooligunn road Karratha Industrial Estate WA
Stay at this campsite in Karratha. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Yaburara Heritage Trail and City Park are located ...
Karratha Caravan Park
The Padbury Suites-Premium City Apartment

The Padbury Suites-Premium City Apartment

Bulgarra WA
Stay at this apartment in Karratha. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service and air conditioning. Popular attractions City Park and Karratha City ...
The Padbury Suites-Premium City Apartment
See all properties in The Pilbara
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Karijini National Park

Explore the great outdoors at Karijini National Park, a lovely green space in Karijini. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Karijini National Park

Port Walcott

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Port Walcott during your travels in Point Samson. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

Port Walcott

Point Samson Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Point Samson Beach during your travels in Point Samson? While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Point Samson Beach

Pretty Pool

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Pretty Pool during your travels in Port Hedland?

Pretty Pool

Newman Visitor Centre

Newman Visitor Centre is just one of the places to see in Newman, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Newman Visitor Centre

Port Hedland Visitor Centre

After visiting Port Hedland Visitor Centre, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Port Hedland. Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Port Hedland Visitor Centre