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Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Things to Do in Karratha (Australia)

15 Best Things to Do in Karratha (Australia)

The main city and economic heart of Western Australia ‘s remote Pilbara region is Karratha, founded as recently as 1968. Although the area has European history going back another century, Karratha is the product of an iron ore mining boom that began a few decades ago.

Karratha’s landscapes are almost Martian for the reddish tint lent by those iron deposits.

Some of the oldest rocks on earth, dating back 2.5 billion years, litter the coastline and the craggy isles of the Dampier Archipelago offshore.

Minutes from Karratha is the Dampier Rock Art Precinct, comprising the world’s largest and most important collection of Aboriginal petroglyphs, dating back as far as the last Ice Age and depicting animal species that are now extinct.

1. Staircase to the Moon

Along the Pilbara and Kimberley coastline a beautiful natural spectacle occurs on nights with a full moon between March and November.

Staircase to the Moon is an optical illusion when the moon reflects on exposed mudflats at low tide.

The result is a long and wide shaft of light with little ridges resembling a staircase reaching up to the moon.

People plan whole evenings around this phenomenon, packing a picnic and deckchair.

The best spot to witness Staircase to the Moon around Karratha is Hearson’s Cove, which we’ll cover a little later.

2. Burrup Peninsula

As if to add to the mystery of the long arm of land extending out on the west side of Nickol Bay it was named after one Henry Wood Burrup who was murdered in unexplained circumstances at Roebourne’s Union Bank in 1885. The Burrup Peninsula is a harsh environment of massive rock formations, cliffs and steep, sparsely vegetated slopes.

The land was inhabited for millennia by the Jaburara people, who left behind the largest, oldest and most significant collections of rock art in the world.

There are innumerable sites spread throughout the Murujuga National Park at the peninsula’s north end, as well as across the islands of the Dampier Archipelago offshore.

For a complete panorama of the peninsula you can reach a lookout close to the junction of the Burrup and Dampier Roads.

The peninsula’s industry is also hard to miss: Gas is drilled at an offshore platform 130km north of the town of Dampier, before being treated here onshore and then piped 1,450km to the south of the state.

3. Millstream-Chichester National Park

Cut south from the nearby town of Roebourne and before long you’ll come to a stunning tropical oasis against the peaks of the Chichester Range.

The biodiverse Millstream-Chichester National Park has rock-lined pools, verdant water holes fed by underground springs, rivers lined with lush vegetation and rugged gorges that demand to be explored.

One inspiring sight is the Fortesque River, and the massive ferns on its banks contrasting with the stark outback scenery.

The presence of ample and permanent water in the park gives rise to lots of birdlife, and more than 120 species have been recorded here.

The Yindjibarndi people are the traditional custodians of this land, and now take decisions about its conservation, and work in the park as rangers and contractors.

You can learn about their culture and the park’s pastoralist history at the Millstream Homestead Visitor Centre, set in a building from 1919. To survey the park you can climb the 367-metre Mount Herbert for awesome panoramas of the Chichester Range and plain below.

4. Dampier Archipelago

Constellated around the Burrup Peninsula is a group of 42 islands, more than half of which are protected by reserves.

As with the mainland, the archipelago’s underlying rocks are among the oldest on the planet, formed over 2,400 million years ago.

Despite the industrial activity on shore, the islands are a natural paradise.

Loggerhead, flatback, green and hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches, as well as more than 25 bird species, among them bridled and fairy terns.

No fewer than six species of marine mammal have been counted in the islands’ waters, from dugongs to bottlenose dolphins and migrating humpbacks between July and September.

Hire a boat and spend a day or two snorkelling, swimming, lying back on beaches or hiking in places where few people have set foot.

5. Yaburara Heritage Trail

You’ll come away a little wiser about Karratha and its pre-European history after taking this self-guided walk dedicated to the Yaburara Aboriginal Tribe.

The 3.5-kilometre trail begins close to the Karratha Tourism & Visitor Centre, taking you along the rugged ridge that traces the town and serves as a natural balcony for the coastal plain around Nickol Bay.

There are several panoramic lookouts on the route, furnished with informative signs outlining the landmarks on the horizon.

There’s also lots of insight about the many thousands of Aboriginal petroglyphs littered across the region and dating back millennia.

The trail covers some tough terrain so it’s best to be prepared and head out early in the day.

6. Hearson’s Cove

In a recess on the bay side of the Burrup Peninsula is a sublime sandy beach, withdrawn between two powerful headlands.

When the tide is up Hearson’s Cove is the best place in the region for a swim, and at low tide the sea practically disappears and you can walk across the mud flats for hundreds of metres.

When the conditions are right between March and November, this is one of the top places in the Pilbara to watch Staircase to the Moon, and there’s profuse wildlife all around, from the turtles in the coral cay to eagles and kangaroos in the rugged bush.

Hearson’s Cove played a part in the area’s early European settlement, as the landing site of F.T. Gregory’s Northwest Exploring Expedition in 1861.

7. Red Earth Arts Precinct

Karratha has recently gained a state-of-the-art venue for culture, functions and community events.

It’s a captivating building, in tune with the geology, history and physical contours of the landscape, and in 2018 the project received the Master Builders Bankwest Excellence in Construction award.

There’s a cutting edge public library, an auditorium holding 478, two sleek foyer spaces which can put on exhibitions of Aboriginal art and two smaller studio theatres.

For large-scale events you’ve got the amphitheatre beside the main building and with a capacity of 2,000, and then there’s the spectacular “Shelf” a rooftop terrace with sensational views over Karratha.

8. Roebourne

A Gold Rush settlement, Roebourne was the first gazetted town in the North West, but in 1872 was razed by a cyclone.

The famed Public Works Department architect George Temple-Poole (1856-1934) was called in for the rebuild in the 1880s, which has left the town with some grand bluestone buildings.

Among them are the courthouse, Shire Offices, Holy Trinity Church, post office and this unusual old gaol.

Able to house 40 prisoners, this complex is designed on an octagonal plan, so that one gaoler could be in charge of all four wings.

Now the Roebourne Tourist Centre is housed in the gaol’s imposing old entrance.

9. Karratha Tourism & Visitor Centre

There’s much to experience around Karratha, but getting to places isn’t always easy.

This makes the local visitor centre a vital resource, offering a free booking facility for trips to the Millstream-Chichester National Park, the Dampier Archipelago and the extremely remote Karijini National Park, which we’ll talk about below.

You can also grab leaflets and maps, and get invaluable firsthand advice from the centre’s staff.

Essential in winter and spring is a handy calendar for Staircase to the Moon, detailing the moonrise and tide times so you won’t miss a thing.

10. Karijini National Park

For those hungering for real adventure, Karratha is the closest large settlement to Western Australia’s second-largest national park.

Karijini National Park lies five hours inland, and protects more than six million square kilometres of mountainous terrain.

Here arid peaks loom above a plateau riddled with gorges.

People make the journey to hike in these rocky corridors, walled with mesmerising sedimentary formations and featuring waterfalls, slot canyons and dreamlike water holes that demand a refreshing swim.

Karijini National Park is remote enough that a 4WD tour is the most sensible way in, and this can be arranged at the Karratha Tourism & Visitor Centre.

11. Cossack

At the mouth of the Harding River, about 20 minutes east of Karratha there’s an enthralling ghost town with a few bluestone buildings still standing despite 150 years of cyclones.

In the 1870s Cossack the North West’s main shipping port, and a lively base for the gold and pearling industries.

There was even a Chinatown here because of the high number of Chinese and Japanese people working in pearling.

But by the mid-1880s those pearl banks were depleted and the industry moved on.

Now you can trace Cossack’s swift rise and fall on a five-kilometre heritage trail (walk or drive), showing off the region’s oldest architecture at eight fully restored buildings and fields of eerie ruins.

12. Deep Gorge

We’ve mentioned that the Burrup Peninsula and Dampier Archipelago are rich with Aboriginal rock art sites, and one of the best concentrations can be found close to Hearson’s Cove for a combined day out.

The trail leads you along a dry creek and into an impressive gorge strewn with granite boulders and growing lone kurrajong trees.

Take your time to study the many petroglyphs, a great deal of which depict the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger), extinct now for almost a century.

Walking the gorge you’ll also get a feel for the way of life of the Jaburara Tribe: Shell middens are long-surviving testament to their diet, while the granite boulders would offer shelter from the elements and the creek, now mostly dry, would have been a reliable water source.

13. Tank Hill Lookout

You can see right across Karratha and out into Nickol Bay from this lookout at the beginning of the Yaburara Heritage Trail.

The name for this vantage point is no mystery as there’s a pair of massive water tanks posted on this sparsely vegetated ridge.

You can get here easily from the visitor centre car park, and can escape the sun with the help of the covered picnic tables.

On a clear day you’ll b able to see right along the Burrup Peninsula to the Dampier islands guarding the entrance to the bay.

14. Karratha Country Club

This far-off corner of Western Australia is surely one of the world’s most remote places for a round of golf.

But there’s an 18-hole course in front of the bay, just north of Karratha, with surprisingly good facilities including club and buggy hire, a small pro shop and a restaurant.

In 2020 green fees were $24 for 9 holes and $35 for 18, while the course is dotted with native vegetation and gives you occasional vistas of the bay.

After a round you can retreat for a cold drink at the restaurant’s terrace, which has a gorgeous view late in the day.

With coral reefs inhabited by kaleidoscopic tropical fish, turtles and rays, the Pilbara’s waters are ripe for a diving or snorkelling expedition.

Whatever your level, the Karratha-based Pilbara Dive and Tours will help you do just that, offering a whole menu of experiences like shore diving, snorkel dives and dive trips to the Dampier Archipelago.

You can also use this accredited centre if you’re working towards PADI certification for anything from open water to rescue diver, as well as a host of specialty courses.

And if you’ve been out of the water for a while you can take a ReActivate course with Pilbara Dive, completing your theory component online before you arrive.

15 Best Things to Do in Karratha (Australia):

• Staircase to the Moon
• Burrup Peninsula
• Millstream-Chichester National Park
• Dampier Archipelago
• Yaburara Heritage Trail
• Hearson's Cove
• Red Earth Arts Precinct
• Karratha Tourism & Visitor Centre
• Karijini National Park
• Tank Hill Lookout
• Karratha Country Club

Destination Karratha

Tourism Western Australia acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians of Western Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal West Australians and honour their continuing connection to Country, culture and community. We recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by First Nations peoples across many generations in shaping Western Australia as a premier destination.

• 1 Understand
• 3 Get around

Karratha is a city in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, with a population of 17,013 in 2021. It's entirely modern, built from 1968 to house mining and port workers - Dampier is the port. The main reason for other visitors to linger, apart from urgent car repairs on the hot dusty road to Broome, is to view the petroglyphs in Murujuga National Park.

Understand [ edit ]

This area was traditionally the home of the Yapurarra. The coast was explored by Europeans from the 17th century, one of them being William Dampier (1651-1715) who gives his name to an island and small port. Settlement for livestock farming got underway in the 19th century and led to conflict with the Aboriginals. When two police officers and a pearling worker were murdered in 1868, reprisals led to the Flying Foam Massacre - casualties are debated but it effectively wiped out the Yapurarra.

Livestock was exported via Dampier and other small ports, and not much else happened until the 1960s, when vast reserves of iron ore and other minerals were discovered inland across Pilbara. A series of mining towns sprang up, railways were built to the coast, and the ports grew into modern industrial zones. Karratha was built as a new town from 1968, and rail and road causeways linked it to Dampier, no longer on an island but on what's now called the Burrup Peninsula. Iron ore is still big business and then in the 1980s the North West Shelf oil and gas field was discovered.

This has sucked in a huge workforce who are mostly FIFO, "Fly in, fly out." They work a "swing" of say two weeks solid then are flown home for a week off. Their families don't relocate here, no company could pay them enough, so they stay in camp - trailer parks or simple motel-type accommodation. They're decent hard-working folk but have no long term commitment to the town.

-20.7413 116.8484 1 Karratha is Calling is the Visitor Centre, on De Witt Rd 500 m south of the shopping centre. It's open Tu-Sa 10AM-2PM.

Get in [ edit ]

Karratha has several flights a day from Perth by Qantas and Virgin. They take two hours non-stop and you might pay $600 return. Alliance don't fly here.

Local flights by Aviair are from Newman, Paraburdoo, Port Hedland and Broome .

-20.7122 116.7733 1 Karratha Airport ( KTA  IATA ) is 14 km northwest of Karratha and 5 km southeast of Dampier. The terminal is small but modern, with car rental from all the major companies.

Integrity Coaches run 3 nights a week from Perth, taking 25 hours along the coast via Dongara , Geraldton , Carnarvon and Exmouth . The bus stop is on Welcome Rd outside the shopping centre, and the adult fare in 2022 is $600 return. These buses continue east to Port Hedland and Broome .

By road from Perth follow the North West Coastal Highway . This continues east to Port Hedland, where it meets the Great Northern Highway via Mount Magnet and Newman, and continues to Broome.

Get around [ edit ]

PTA Bus 881 runs 2-3 times a day east from Dampier to Karratha (45 min), Roebourne, Wickham and Point Samson; the 880 is the westbound service.

-20.7365 116.8467 2 Karratha Shopping Centre on Welcome Road is the stop for these and intercity buses, and the closest thing to a downtown hub in this strung-out settlement.

Taxis wait outside the Shopping Centre. Operators are Karratha Taxis (+61 131330), Karratha Silver Taxi (+61 135060) and Premier Taxi (+61 439 747 800).

You need your own wheels to explore the National Park. Rent a car at the airport: 2WD gets you most places, including Deep Gorge, but you need high-clearance 4WD for the top of Burrup peninsula.

See [ edit ]

• -20.6641 116.7176 1 Red Dog is the fellow that greets you at the entrance to Dampier. He was a cattle dog (1971-79) that ranged independently across Pilbara, loping along or hitching rides, with several owners but adopted by the community at large as a true Australian free spirit. Then someone poisoned him, and his status as a "sight" says it all about Dampier's other attractions. The residential area is nondescript, while north is the ugly dusty port. Turn back 1.5 km for the start of Burrup Rd, the route north up the peninsula.
• -20.6359 116.788 2 Ngajarli or Deep Gorge has a remarkable collection of Ngarda-Ngarli Aboriginal rock engravings and other artefacts - some over 47,000 years old. You explore it along a 700-metre boardwalk, accessible free 24 hours but with the best viewing in afternoon light. The gorge is within the detached southern part of Murujuga National Park .
• Hearson's Cove is a scenic beach 1 km east of the Ngajarli turn-off, suitable for swimming at high tide. It has public toilets, which Ngajarli doesn't. It's not within the Park: barbecues are permitted but not camping.
• Staircase to the moon is a natural effect seen on the Pilbara coast March-Oct on the full moon spring tides. Water caught between the ripples on the mudflats exposed at low tide creates the image of a golden staircase towards the rising moon. You need a southeast-facing view, and Hearson's Cove is about the best spot. Viewing times are published locally, eg by the Visitor Centre.
• -20.6004 116.7763 3 North West Shelf Visitor Centre explains the huge natural gas facility west side of the peninsula. Hours vary, but usually Wednesdays 9AM to noon.

• Mount Wongama is a lookout reached by a turnoff from Burrup Rd. Look north, you don't want to look at the industry west. This turn-off is far as you should venture with 2WD. The road continues by Withnell Bay and becomes rough: you need high-clearance 4WD to reach Conzinc Bay, and Aremvee Beach where camping is permitted. North coast of the peninsula, a narrow channel separates Dolphin Island.
• -20.583333 116.833333 4 Murujuga National Park northern section occupies the north of the peninsula.
• -20.617 116.6553 5 Dampier Archipelago is a group of 42 islets west and north of Dampier. They have many fine beaches and boat trips visit for marine life, diving, snorkelling and fishing. Camping is permitted.
• -20.767 117.15 6 Roebourne east on the main highway was a gold-rush town in the 1880s then lapsed into slumber. It has several historic buildings of that era, including the old gaol which now houses the Visitor Centre.
• -20.673 117.191 7 Cossack is a small village north of Roebourne with basic accommodation. This is another beach for seeing the "staircase to the moon" as it has a view southeast, while northeast is the disused lighthouse on Jarman Island. Cossack has a museum, and near the turn-off is a memorial to Red Dog, buried in the boonies hereabouts.
• -20.633 117.2 8 Point Samson is the resort village at the end of the sideroad.
• -20.46 115.54 9 Montebello Islands are a group of 174 islets some 200 km west of Dampier, so they're beyond a day trip. Boat tours sometimes visit. They're a wildlife reserve from which cats and rats have been removed, and indigenous species re-introduced. Vodka Beach on Trimouille Island is the preferred camping spot, but don't dig too deep to build your sandcastle. In the 1950s Britain tested atomic bombs here, and there is residual contamination. For Barrow Island to the southwest see Onslow .

Do [ edit ]

• Beaches near town are east along Searipple Rd. At its foot a staircase leads down to the beach. Continue 3 km east on Mystery Rd to reach Back Beach, which has a boat ramp.
• Yaburara Heritage Trail is a 3.5 km walk between Tank Hill Lookout by the Visitor Centre and the Leisureplex.
• Red Earth Arts Precinct [dead link] is on Welcome Rd opposite the shopping centre. Its auditorium can be configured for theatre, live music or cinema. Box Office is +61 8 9186 8600.
• Golf: Karratha Country Club is north side of town off Searipple Rd. Blue tees are 5891 yards, par 72.
• Karratha Leisureplex [dead link] is off Dampier Hwy 1 km east of town centre. It has a gym / fitness centre and pool; a one-day drop in without membership is $20.
• Diving: Pilbara Dive and Tours are based in Karratha 1 km west of the shopping centre. They offer training, and shore- and boat-based diving around the Dampier islands.
• Nickol Bay Speedway is 5 km from Dampier, facing the airport across the lagoons. Race meetings are April-Sept.
• Horse-racing: Roebourne Races has meetings in June and July.

Buy [ edit ]

• Karratha City Shopping Centre has Woolworths (open daily 7AM-9PM) and ATMs.
• Dampier has an IGA on High St, open M-Sa 8AM-8PM. The food and liquor store next to it keeps the same hours.

Eat [ edit ]

• Lo’s , The Quarter Shop, 24 Sharpe Ave ( north side of Shopping Centre ), ☏ +61 438 186 688 . 6AM–4PM . Reliable place for breakfast or lunch. ( updated Feb 2022 )
• Hearson's Bistro ( within the Ibis hotel ). Daily noon-2PM, 6PM-9PM .  
• Bollywood Lounge , 23 Sharpe Ave . Daily 5PM-9PM . The only Indian in Karratha. ( updated Mar 2024 )
• Point Samson and Cossack don't have free-standing restaurants, but Wickham on the access highway has Rambla [dead link] bar and bistro.

Drink [ edit ]

• Karratha has a handful near the shopping centre. choose from Florita Wine Bar [dead link] , Blanche Bar, Sweet but Pyscho [dead link] , Evolution [dead link] or others.
• -20.7656 116.8621 1 Northwest Brewing Company , 100 Mooligunn Rd, Karratha , ☏ +61 8 9197 2214 . Tu 4PM-10PM, W-Su 11AM-10PM . Microbrewery and pub with good selection of ales. ( updated Feb 2022 )

Sleep [ edit ]

• Karratha Backpackers , 21 Wellard Way ( 500 m east of town centre ), ☏ +61 499 999 571 , [email protected] . Decent basic place. It went through a bad patch around 2020 but later reviews are positive. ( updated Feb 2022 )
• Ibis Styles ( formerly All Seasons ), 35 Searipple Rd ( town centre ), ☏ +61 8 9159 1000 , [email protected] . Efficient clean Accor chain hotel, with pool and bistro. B&B double $200 . ( updated Feb 2022 )
• Karratha International Hotel , Hillview Rd ( cnr of Dampier Hwy, 300 m west of town centre ), ☏ +61 8 9187 3333 . Friendly welcoming place earning great reviews. B&B double $200 . ( updated Feb 2022 )
• Searipple Village at the foot of Searipple Rd is a miners' camp but may be able to accommodate passing visitors.
• -20.7432 116.809 1 Comfort Inn , 2 Matebore St, Nicol , ☏ +61 8 9144 0777 . Comfy business-oriented place just off Dampier Hwy. No pets. B&B double $200 . ( updated Feb 2022 )
• -20.7534 116.8119 2 Aspen Karratha Village , 20 Radley Drive, Baynton , ☏ +61 8 9185 2726 . Budget cabins, this is the best of the three places together in Baynton. Noise can be a problem. B&B double $150 . ( updated Feb 2022 )
• -20.7524 116.8489 3 The Ranges ( Best Western ), De Witt Rd , ☏ +61 1300 639 320 . Consistently high scores for these apartments south of the Visitor Centre. B&B double $200 . ( updated Feb 2022 )
• -20.6527 116.7158 4 Dampier Caravan Park , 198 The Esplanade, Dampier , ☏ +61 8 9183 1243 . Simple but neat little park open April-Oct, community-run and kept clean. It has 18 caravan and 7 camping powered pitches. Pets welcome, max stay 3 nights. Caravan $40 . ( updated Feb 2022 )
• Mermaid Hotel in Dampier got poor reviews in 2021 / 22.
• Point Samson accommodation includes Point Samson Resort , Cove Holiday Village , Delilah's B&B and Samson Beach Chalets , all clustered around the park.

Connect [ edit ]

As of Feb 2022, Karratha and Dampier have a patchy 4G signal from Telstra. This extends east to Port Hedland, but there's nothing west or south, and no signal from other carriers. 5G has not reached the Pilbara.

Go next [ edit ]

• West, Exmouth and Coral Bay have great diving and snorkelling on the world heritage listed Ningaloo Reef.
• East, Port Hedland is a dusty port shipping iron ore, but turtles nest on its beaches.

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Plan Your Holiday To Australia’s North West

The quarter in the city of karratha.

Karratha City Precinct showing buildings in The Quarter; mountain ranges in the background

With a bustling city centre, Karratha's recent reinvention will surprise you with its hip restaurants and modern facilities, but best of all Karratha's location means it is surrounded by iconic natural attractions.

Karratha is located just off the north west coastal highway, 1535 kilometres north of perth and 240 kilometres south of port hedland.   .

To get a feel for the city’s layout climb Water Tank Hill Lookout above the Karratha Visitor Centre for panoramic views. If you are feeling energetic, the 3.5km Yaburara Aboriginal Heritage Walk Trail takes you through the Karratha hills with some scenic lookouts along the way.

Karratha is the perfect base to explore the natural beauty of its surrounds. The ancient Aboriginal rock engravings on the Burrup Peninsula and the picturesque beach at Hearson’s Cove are within a twenty minute drive of Karratha, as is the port town of Dampier. Cleaverville Creek, a popular fishing and camping spot is just a thirty minute drive away. The oasis of Millstream-Chichester National Park is a comfortable two hour drive from Karratha.

Tours from and stopping in Karratha

Apache charters.

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Eat & Drink

North west brewing company.

Open 7 days a week from 11am to 10pm Enjoy some locally brewed craft beer and delicious food at Karratha's only craft brewery, North West Brewing Co.! With…

Things to see and do

Dampier archipelago, hearson cove, murujuga national park (burrup peninsula), cleaverville creek, yaburara heritage trail, gnoorea point (40-mile beach) & miaree pool, millstream chichester np, entry fees, passes & camping - kimberley and pilbara national parks.

Many of the North West’s incredible natural attractions are located in the spectacular surroundings of our National Parks.

Montebello Islands Marine Park

Located off the Pilbara Coast 120km west of Dampier and 139km north of Onslow, the Montebello Islands Marine Park covers more than 58,000 hectares of ocean and over 250 low-lying limestone islands and

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Karratha offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. 

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Explore Places Nearby

Point samson peninsula.

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Karratha Visitor Centre

Your first stop for information, advice and unforgettable experiences in around Karratha.

Can you swim in the ocean at Karratha?

Karratha has several beaches, such as Whitnell and King Bay where you can swim at any time. There are plenty of fresh water swimming holes within an hours drive of Karratha as well. 

Does Karratha have crocodiles?

Generally no. Crocodiles are rarely sighted a couple of hundred km away from Karratha. However, the Kimberley and Pilbara regions are considered crocodile country.

Where can I snorkel in Karratha?

Point Samson is known to the locals as 'The Oasis of The Pilbara'. Point Samson hosts beautiful beaches, whale watching, fishing, snorkelling, swimming, coral garden reefs, bird watching, kayaking and canoeing, walk heritage trails.

What is the one must do thing in Karratha?

Visit the Murujuga Rock Art. The Traditional Owner groups of the Burrup Peninsula and surrounding areas are pleased to showcase their culture and extensive Rock Art petroglyphs.

Traditional custodian guides will give you the opportunity to experience not just the ancient Rock carvings but also their stories and explain how they lived in harmony with the land through their bush tucker and medicine interpretation.

How do I get to Karratha?

By air - Karratha is well serviced by Qantas and Virgin with multiple flights a day from Perth. Aviair offers regular passenger services through their Inter Regional Flight Network, connecting Karratha with Broome, Newman and Port Hedland multiple times a week. 

By road - The North West Coastal Highway connects Karratha to Perth from the south and Broome from the north. This major sealed road is one of the many high-quality roads that connects the region. 

By coach - Integrity Coachlines provides scheduled coach services from Perth and Broome. 

What is the Aboriginal history of Karratha?

Karratha and the West Pilbara Coast of WA have a fascinating Aboriginal history and cultural heritage. Home to the Ngarluma and Yinidbarndi people for many generations, the locals acknowledge them as the region’s traditional landowners.

Millstream-Chichester National Park, the Jaburara Heritage Trail, Deep Gorge and the Burrup Peninsula are fascinating places to discover the Aboriginal history of Karratha and WA’s West Pilbara Coast. Over 40,000 rock engravings (petroglyphs) can be viewed in the region, many of which are located on the Burrup Peninsula.

What does the word Karratha mean?

Taking its name from one of WA’s early pastoral stations, from which the land was resumed, Karratha is an Aboriginal word meaning “good country” or “soft earth”. For many centuries, the region has been home to Aboriginal communities, and the nearby Burrup Peninsula features the world’s most prolific Aboriginal rock engraving sites, with over 10,000 identified examples.

Is Karratha worth visiting?

Red-hued earth, deep gorges, and pretty beaches: Karratha quite literally has it all. ... It's arguably one of the region's most beautiful beaches, and perfect for a day of swimming, fishing, and picnicking with family and friends.

What to do in Karratha?

Old Roebourne Gaol, Yaburara Heritage Trail, Millstream, Karijini, Local Lookouts, Mt Herbert, Wittenoom Road, Chichester Ranges, Roebourne, Burrup Peninsula, Picnic areas and parks, Beaches, Staircase to the Moon, Dampier Archipelago, Montebello Islands and more! 

Karratha travel guide

Karratha tourism | karratha guide, you're going to love karratha.

Situated over 1,000 miles north of Perth on the northwestern coast of Australia, Karratha may seem remote at first glance. But this bustling, thriving city offers a surprising mix of adventures and attractions - not to mention scorching sunshine almost all year round.

The city's prosperity is based around mining, but modern Karratha has moved on from mines and plants to offer much, much more. Now, visitors can get in touch with Australia's ancient roots, following trails and discovering fascinating rock art. The beaches are among the most undeveloped and beautiful on the continent, while if you want to get away from it all (but still be in the market for excellent seafood), there's no finer place to be.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Karratha

1. unblemished secluded beaches.

Karratha is a great base to explore the Pilbara Coast, which hosts fishing ports, peaceful beaches, dramatic sandstone cliffs, coastal paths strewn with wildflowers, and - if you're lucky - the chance to see the "Staircase to the Moon", as the sun sets over the shore.

2. A Unique Window into Aboriginal Culture

The Pilbara area has been inhabited for thousands of years and is home to over 10,000 documented works of rock art. Hiking on the Burrup Peninsular and spotting these magical images is a highlight of any trip to Karratha.

3. Beauty Spots and Hiking Paradises

In fact, hiking in general is a major draw in northwestern Australia, with trails running directly from the edge of the city and tucked-away spots like Miaree Pool a short drive away.

4. First-rate Seafood

The seas around Karratha teem with life, and this is reflected in the menus of the area's chip (french fry) shops and seafood brasseries. Dining well is never a problem when you visit Karratha.

5. Superb Stargazing Opportunities

Being so far away from civilization, Karratha benefits from low levels of light pollution, meaning that the night skies are incredible. There's no finer place to enjoy a few cool beers and watch the heavens slowly turn.

What to do in Karratha

1. see the rock art of the burrup peninsula.

The discovery of Aboriginal rock art on the Burrup has turned Karratha into an unlikely artistic hub. The stylized images of kangaroos, dugongs, bush turkeys, and boomerang-wielding warriors are like nothing else in the world.

2. Relax at Hearson's Cove

Unquestionably Karratha's number one coastal spot, Hearson's Cove offers tranquility, great swimming in warm Indian Ocean waters, and an excellent chance to witness the Staircase to the Moon when conditions are right.

3. Follow the Yaburara Heritage Trail

Running for just 3 miles outside the town, this foot and cycling trail provides great views across town and offers a few glimpses of rock art created by the indigenous Ngarluma people as well. And almost anyone can manage it.

4. Take a Helicopter Tour

The best way to see the Karratha area is undoubtedly from the air. Operators like Helispirit offer packages which take in the Burrup Peninsular and the Dampier Archipelago, providing a breathtaking perspective on the Pilbara region.

5. Eat Fish and Chips in Point Samson

Seafood is king in Karratha, but the best fish and chips around can be found in nearby Point Samson. The town's Tavern is the place to head for calamari, whiting, mackerel, and all kinds of locally caught seafood delicacies.

Activities & attractions in Karratha

Where to Eat in Karratha

For fish and chips fans, Banjo's Takeaways is a must-visit, although the Point Samson Tavern is a better sit-down option, with stunning views and plenty of seafood selections. Blanche Bar on Sharpe Avenue is another local favorite, offering a cosmopolitan range of seafood, meat dishes, and veggie treats, and Bollywood Lounge serves up accomplished Indian fare. Dining out isn't too expensive usually, with meals averaging around A$30-50.

When to visit Karratha

The Aussie winter is actually the best time to visit (between May and August should be fine). The weather will be extremely warm and dry, while the Staircase to the Moon can only be seen between March and October.

How to Get to Karratha

Karratha Airport is around 8 miles west of the city and has regular connections to the state capital Perth, which is 2 hours 30 minutes away. There's no public transport from the airport, but shuttle services like Kanga Van and Northfleet run into town. Expect shuttles to cost around A$30.

If you intend to drive from Perth or Broome, doing so is fairly simple as Karratha lies on Highway 1, which runs around the Australian coast. Leave a couple of days to drive from Perth, as the distance is around 1,000 miles, and a day or so from Broome, which is 500 miles to the north.

Greyhound and Integrity Coach Lines run bus services into Karratha. From Perth, bus journeys take over a day and cost from A$200-300, so it's sometimes cheaper to fly or drive. All buses arrive at the bus stop on Welcome Road, which is close to the city center.

Airports near Karratha

Airlines serving karratha, where to stay in karratha.

Karratha doesn't lack high-quality accommodation options, partly thanks to years of welcoming miners and executives. The Karratha International Hotel is always popular, with its large outdoor pool and central location. The Latitude20 Apartments offer a self-catering option close to the ocean, while the ibis Styles is central and modern, with comfortable rooms and a no-frills approach. The City of Karratha (aka the center) is a good area to stay in. Thanks to the Karratha City Shopping Centre, it's a great place to pick up essentials for hikes and days at the beach. Dampier, on the other side of the airport, is the gateway to an archipelago of uninhabited and unspoiled islands.

Where to stay in popular areas of Karratha

Most booked hotels in karratha, how to get around karratha, public transportation.

The TransKarratha bus covers most of the urban area. To ride the bus, you'll need to buy a SmartRider card for A$10 and top it up before traveling. Fares vary from A$3-10 depending on where you need to go.

Taxis are a convenient way to get around the Pilbara region in general, and there are plenty of professional companies to choose from. Expect to pay a flag drop of A$4.20, followed by around A$3 per miles after that.

Major hire companies like Budget and Hertz have offices in Karratha and at the airport, and with long distances involved, having a vehicle is recommended. Expect to pay A$17-30 per day for medium-sized vehicles.

The Cost of Living in Karratha

Karratha's shopping scene is centered around the Karratha City Shopping Centre, which is home to chains like Coles, Kmart, and fast food restaurants like KFC. It also houses a wide range of smaller independent stores, such as the fashion boutique Cool Change, so it should be a good place to hunt down some souvenirs.

Supermarkets and Food Stores

If you need to buy food, drink, and other essentials, it makes sense to head to Woolworths and Coles, both of which are located in the Karratha City Shopping Centre. Alternatively, you might choose to plan ahead and book a delivery of fresh produce from WA's orchards, courtesy of Fresco Produce. If you stick to supermarkets, expect a gallon of milk to cost around A$3.80 and a pound of apples to come to A$3.20.

Home / Travel WA / Exmouth & Australia's Coral Coast / 5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Karratha and Why You’ll Want to Stay Long Term

5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Karratha and Why You’ll Want to Stay Long Term

• Exmouth & Australia's Coral Coast , Travel WA

There’s plenty to see and do there and it’s balmy all year round; yep, Karratha is calling!

If you want to talk about West Australian towns that should be on the radar for your next road trip or, potentially, a permanent sea change, let’s talk about Karratha.

It’s the shining beacon of the Pilbara region and for good reason. Not only is it a ridiculously picturesque place to visit, but there’s so much going on that you and the family will never run out of things to do in and around town.

We could give you plenty of brilliant reasons to make a move to Karratha, but these five reasons seemed like a pretty solid place to start.

Be amongst nature

Red-hued earth, deep gorges, and pretty beaches: Karratha quite literally has it all. Located halfway up the Pilbara coastline, you get the best of all worlds in this semi-tropical town.

A local favourite, and a good way to get your head around just what the landscape is like around here, is to head up to the Water Tank Hill lookout. From the top, you get a clear view out over the scrubland flats, the townsite, and the waters of Mermaid Sound through to Hampton Harbour, where you can also spy the lifeblood of the town and its industry.

For lovers of the seas, the coast is never that far away. Take a 25-minute drive out along the peninsular and to the shores of Hearson’s Cove. It’s arguably one of the region’s most beautiful beaches, and perfect for a day of swimming, fishing, and picnicking with family and friends. If you happen to be around during the full moon, hang about on the shore until nightfall to catch the famed ‘Staircase to the Moon’ reflecting off the tidal mudflats.

The exploring will never end

If it’s gorges and pristine watering holes you want to see, up your adventure game and take the 1-hour drive out to the nearby Millstream Chichester National Park. Characterised by rolling hills, tree-lined rivers, and deep natural pools, Millchester is the very definition of a ‘desert oasis’. There’s plenty for the family to do here, from easy walks or a spot of bird watching, to a day of water-based fun by one of the pools.

A little further away, but equally as magical, are the stunning gorges of Karijini National Park. It will take you around 5 hours to drive there from town, but the secluded swimming holes and deep, red cliff faces are well worth the road trip. Throw a tent and an esky full of food and water in the car as well and make a holiday of it.

Once you and the family have done the inland pools, head for the coast and uncover the beauty of the Dampier Archipelago. This chain of untouched islands boasts pristine white sand beaches, flanked by red rocks, and some of the best snorkelling along the coast.

There’s some incredible history hidden out the back of town

Karratha has a rich Aboriginal history, much of which, you can uncover simply by heading out on a walk through the Karratha hills.

Weaving their way through the ranges you’ll find the five different Yaburara Heritage Trails, all of which lead you through a number of culturally significant heritage sites. Walk the ‘short loop’ (great for anyone who has little legs in tow) or ‘point to point’ trails to marvel at some ancient Aboriginal rock art; or take the ‘rotary’, ‘point to point’, or ‘long loop’ trails to see scattered Aboriginal artifacts. For a better insight into what you’re actually seeing, consider booking in on a tour with Clinton from Ngurrangga Tours .

While on the trail, be sure to keep an eye out for wildflowers (they bloom from July to September) and the cute little perenties and echidnas.

There are over 70 family-friendly festivals and events in the region each year

Though it’s the prime place for it, it’s not all nature-focused activity in Karratha. Take for example, the annual Red Earth Arts Festival . Now in its 11th year, the festival is a 10-night and 10-day celebration of visual and theatrical arts that brings all manner of acts to the region. Grab tickets to something like a Spare Parts Puppet Theatre performance for the kids, and indulge yourself with a boogie to the headline music act.

Even the popular Brew and the Moo festival is a kid-friendly affair, so long as you round up the troops and head in for the Brew Family session. While parents kick back with a local North West Brewing Co beer and a beef slider, the little ones can run amok on the bouncy castles, 3 on 3 basketball court, and the myriad of other rides pulled in for the day.

If you’re up for a bit of a drive, head out to the Karijini Experience . There are around 40 events (many of them free) over the 5-day festival, ranging from a fine dining dinner under the stars with Fervor to kids art, cultural storytime, and yoga in the gorge.

Outdoor activities abound

May to September is prime camping and fishing time in Karratha, but there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t enjoy the great outdoors year-round (bonus: there are no campsite fees during the October to April off season). With plenty of great camping and fishing spots dotted along the Pilbara coastline, you’re really spoilt for choice when you’re based in Karratha.

Book yourself a site at Cleaverville, 20 minutes northwest of the Karratha townsite for a weekend of boating, fishing, snorkelling, and relaxing with the family. The waters around Karratha are home to some beautiful eating fish including coral trout, red emperor, and the norwest snapper. Once you’ve set up camp, head to the beach, pop a bit of bait on your hook, and cast a line to catch your tribe a fresh, wholesome dinner.

There’s a natural boat ramp there too, so if you have a boat, you can launch off the beach for a spot of ocean fishing. Or get all Dora the Explorer on your weekend and head out to the fringing islands. It’s freedom like you’ve never felt before!

If you fancy venturing a little further afield, Gnoorea Point (40 Mile) is a 45-minute drive southwest of the townsite and boasts similar epic coastal activities.

With so much happening in the port town of Karratha, you and the family will never be short on a thing or two to do, whether you’re staying for just the weekend or you’re up there for the long haul.

The town currently boasts some 800 job vacancies across all industries, 200 fabulous community groups, and more than 70 annual events and festivals, so there’s never been a more perfect time to consider making the move.

Go on, Karratha is calling !

All Images Supplied

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AUSTRALIA , Budget Travel Ideas , Oceania

Top 10 free things to do in karratha, western australia.

If there’s one Australian movie that really puts a place on the map, it has to be the film Red Dog , for which Karratha and its neighbouring town of Dampier is famous for.

The movie – a lighthearted, family comedy about a famous dog that used to reside in / roam around this part of the country – is not the best film ever made, but it certainly does capture something of the country town atmosphere this Outback town still has in abundance.

Located in the remote Pilbara of Western Australia – south of Port Hedland and Karijini National Park – Karratha is the main town in an area, which covers several settlements stretching from Point Samson and Wickham in the northeast to Dampier in the south.

When exploring this region, it’s easy to base yourself in one place and travel to the surrounding areas in quite a short space of time, so I’ve decided to include all the towns under the blanket term of Karratha for this purpose of this post.

With our 4wd breaking down just outside of Karratha (something to do with a flywheel and a clutch, don’t ask!) we actually ended up spending over a week in this town (where most people only spend a day or 2) and, as such, got to know it quite well!

Yes if truth be told, we really have explored the length and breadth of this part of Western Australia and here, to prove it, are the top 10 free things to do in Karratha.

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#1 Snap a Selfie with Red Dog

The dog that made this town famous actually has his own statue!

I’m not surprised really, given Australia’s love of random monuments (think: the big banana!) – and grabbing a selfie with this famous of all Australian dogs is a really fun, free thing to do in Karratha!

#2 Discover Deep Gorge

Deep Gorge is recognised as one of the most important Aboriginal rock art sites in Australia with tens of thousands of engravings having been found here.

Getting to see them does take some walking over large granite boulders, which can be a little rocky underfoot, but you really need to go into the creek bed to discover the best of the artwork.

Testimony to the 30,000 year history of the Indigenous people in the Pilbara, the etchings here are considered to be among the earliest examples of art in the world and generally depict fauna, animal tracks and figures.

#3 Marvel at Hearson’s Cove

We actually ended up being in Karratha over my birthday and I was delighted that we managed to get to the area’s most beautiful spot on my special day.

Hearson’s Cove is a gorgeous beach located on the Burrup Peninsula, largely made my millions of tiny shells, the colour of the water here is magical.

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#4 Visit 40 Mile Beach & Miaree Pool

Otherwise known as Gnoorea Point, 40 Mile Beach sits about 60km south of Karratha, but is definitely one of the best free things to do in the area.

An excellent day trip, with some great safe swimming available and some awesome fishing (if that’s what you’re into), heading here is a must.

Slightly closer to town is Miaree Pool, only about 30km south of Karratha, which you can easily combine with a trip to 40 Mile Beach.

Miaree Pool is a great natural swimming hole and makes for the most refreshing dip on a hot 40 degree Karratha day!

#5 Swim at Python Pool

Another great out -of-town swimming spot is Python Pool, which we actually visited on our way back from Karijini National Park to Karratha.

A permanent freshwater plunge pool at the base of an epic cliff face, the colours of this water really have to be seen to be believed.

Python Pool is a great picnic spot if you’re on your way to Millstream-Chichester National Park too and stopping here, even for a photo, is definitely one of the best free things to do in Karratha.

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#1 Good Camera – You will be pretty much snapping non-stop in Australia and will need a good camera to do this gorgeous country justice. I highly recommend the Sony A6000 , which I use for all my travels and love, not least because it’s light, compact and robust!

#2 Good Walking Shoes – There will be a lot of walking in Australia – from cities to national park! Make sure your feet are comfortable therefore with a pair of New Balance Trainers . Perfect for stylish strollling, I love mine

#3 Good Guidebook – I’m still a massive fan of the Lonely Planet Guidebooks and do think their Australia edition is well put together

#4 Good Water Bottle – Travelling in hot old Australia can be thirsty work, so make sure you have a metal water bottle that you can refill as you go, because tap water is drinkable… and free!

#5 Good Sun Hat – And there’s no denying you’ll need a good sun hat for protection in Australia too. In my opinion, you can’t go past this Hello Sunshine one, which is both gorgeous and ideal for keeping the rays off your face.

#6 Witness the Staircase to the Moon

Another one of the best free things to do in Karratha is to witness the Staircase to the Moon, a natural phenomenon also found in the Western Australian towns of Broome and Port Hedland .

Taking place when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats at extremely low tide, the resulting illusion that stairs reaching to the moon appear before you, is quite spectacular.

Check Australia’s North West for details of the next occurrence and try to time your visit to Karratha accordingly  – you won’t regret it!

#8 Stroll the Yaburara Heritage Trail

Strolling some of this beautiful 3.5km walking trail in the hills behind the Karratha Visitor Centre was part of my daily morning routine for the time we were in town.

Barren and bleak, there is nevertheless a real beauty in this lunar-like landscape and the community walking trails that run through it are very well put together.

There are 4 different short trails you can follow, or you combine them all together to make the ‘Long Loop Trail’.

Providing panoramic views of the town and highlighting the distinct geology, flora and fauna of the area, this is definitely one of the best free things to do in Karratha.

#9 Spot the Wildflowers

Like most of the Pilbara region, Karratha is home to the most spectacular array of wildflowers during the months of June through to August.

The way in which these bursts of colours form such a dramatic contrast to the harsh, red earth here really is amazing and driving around Karratha makes them easily visible.

My favourite has to be the red Sturt’s Desert Pea, which is so highly unique-looking you can’t miss it!

THE BEST KARRATHA ACCOMMODATION We stayed in the Discovery Parks – Karratha and loved it! Check out the Econo Lodge Karratha or the  Dampier Mermaid Hotel , which also get good reviews.

#10 Explore the Living Ghost Town of Cossack

With its National Trust-listed heritage buildings, Cossack feels like a land where time stopped, a glimpse into a colonial past.

Once a busy port town and pearl diving centre, today it’s all but abandoned with only its distinctive bluestone architecture buildings remaining.

Desolate since 1950, the beautifully restored heritage buildings here and the 6km heritage trail, definitely make exploring this ghost town one of the best free things to do in Karratha.

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

Having spent over a week in Karratha during our road trip around Australia, we really got to know the places and the best free things to do there!

But please let me know if you have any suggestions to add to the list.

I’d love to hear them!

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

4 thoughts on “ Top 10 Free Things to Do in Karratha, Western Australia ”

Hi Steph. One of my all time favourite things to do from growing up in Karratha is going out on the boat from Dampier and exploring the islands in the Dampier Archipelago. It’s the best fishing and snorkeling. And with so many islands to choose from your bound to have one all to your self for the day. Thanks for sharing. Tenaija.

What a beautiful memory Tenaija! Those islands did look fantastic, although sadly I never made it out there. This is a great tip, so thank you for sharing 🙂

Most of the towns along the coast of Western Australia are really supply hubs for the outback and rural areas and also to service the massive mining industry. One thing for overseas tourists is that travelling by bus will not be a great experience here and you really need your own car to be able to get out of the town and really experience the landscape

Totally agree re. the car David, thanks for your input. Best, Steph 🙂

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

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Outback helicopter rescue prompts travel warning from authorities ahead of remote dry season tourism

Travellers set to explore one of northern Australia's most renowned tourist destinations are being urged to properly prepare for remote travel as the Kimberley region welcomes visitors for the dry season. 

On Sunday, Kununurra police rescued a tourist and his passenger by helicopter after they became stranded for two days in a remote area of the East Kimberley.

John Small's vehicle broke down after travelling through floodwater on the Duncan Highway, where he managed to contact authorities through the SOS mode on his phone.

Mr Small said he packed enough food and water to last 10 days and, after his experience, urged other visitors to check road conditions ahead of travel. 

"I would go and check with the local police to see what was open and what was closed … always carry extra water and always carry some tucker," he said. 

Kununurra Acting Officer In Charge Gerard Gibson said Mr Small was stuck in an area where no other vehicles were passing through.

He said the Kimberley landscape was unlike anywhere else in the country and required extra precautions.

"People may underestimate the conditions, temperatures, vastness. So we ask people to do as much research as they can about where they're travelling," Senior Sergeant Gibson said.

Travellers urged to stock supplies

Sergeant Cameron Willis is a Kimberley police officer and also works as a search mission controller in land search operations.

As tourists descend upon the region, Sergeant Willis said it was important for travellers' vehicles and communication systems to be prepared ahead of their journey.

"Carry enough water and supplies, always let someone know where you're going and. if you can, carry a personal locator beacon, which activates a GPS signal that goes off to AMSA, which is the Australian Maritime Safety Agency," he said.

A majority of the West Kimberley's national parks reopened for the season this week  after major closures last year due to a one-in-100-year flood event.

Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions parks and visitor services regional leader Sarah Mullineux said people venturing on hikes needed to take extra care as well as being croc-wise.

"For most of them you're walking through riverbeds sometimes, uneven surfaces, even clambering over rocks to go through a trail and experience an amazing sight," she said.

"So just being really prepared, sun smart, and considering the heat risk."

Beautiful but remote

Sergeant Willis said while the Kimberley was a beautiful part of the world to explore, the remoteness and lack of knowledge were often how people ran into trouble.

"Sometimes it's hundreds and hundreds of kilometres between certain towns and if you get off the beaten track from where people normally go, then you're by yourself and you can get stuck," he said.

As someone who enjoys maps and searching vast landscapes, the role is an enjoyable line of work for Sergeant Willis. But he said nothing was more rewarding than locating a person who had become lost.

"Finding someone who's lost and in distress and getting them back to their families is a really big thing," he said.

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These 5 Arizona hotels were just named among the world's best. Here's why they stand out

Five Arizona hotels were just named among the best in the world for 2024.

Travel + Leisure unveiled its 2024 T+L 500 list of the world's best hotels, compiled based on ratings from its readers, in its May issue. The list includes five Arizona hotels, including four that made T+L's 2023 best hotels in Arizona ranking .

Readers evaluate based on their levels of quality, luxury, service and amenities. Here's a look at which Arizona hotels made the Travel + Leisure 2024 best hotels list.

For more hotels recognized as being among the best of metro Phoenix, read about the honorees in  U.S. News & World Report's 2024 ranking ,  Forbes' 2024 Star Awards , and  Esquire's best new hotels in the world .

Five Arizona hotels selected by Travel + Leisure

Readers of Travel + Leisure, America's largest travel media brand, selected five Arizona hotels on its 2024 ranking of the world's best hotels:

• Castle Hot Springs, Morristown.
• The Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley.
• Mountain Shadows Resort, Paradise Valley.
• Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort & Spa, Paradise Valley.
• Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson.

“We’re honored to be recognized on the highly coveted T+L 500 List,” said Andrew Chippindall, general manager of Mountain Shadows Resort. “It’s a true testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our treasured guests.”

How Travel + Leisure World's Best hotels 2024 were chosen

The T+L 500 list is derived from T+L's annual World's Best Awards, selected based on reader reviews and feedback. Readers were surveyed about their travel experiences around the world, including hotels, cities, islands, airlines, cruise ships and other experiences.

Readers rated hotels based on their rooms and facilities, location, service, food and overall value. They scored each category on a scale from "excellent" to "poor."

The hotels recognized this year are favorites among the publication's readers, who named Castle Hot Springs the best Arizona hotel of 2021 and 2022 and the Hermosa Inn the state's best of 2023. All except for Tanque Verde Ranch were included on last year's list of the 10 best hotels in Arizona.

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at   [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:   @salerno_phx .

Support local journalism.   Subscribe to  azcentral.com  today.

New Greek Resorts, Golden Visa Countries And More Travel News

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5 New Greek Hotels For Summer

W ith summer fast approaching, there are recently opened hotels and resorts in Greece to consider. From popular escapes such as Mykonos and Santorini to the lesser-known islands across the Aegean chain, here are five new Greek hotels worth checking out —and into.

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For many years, the trend in cruise ship design has been that “bigger is better”—with vessels such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas setting new passenger records. But many cruise lines are also competing by offering innovative features to the high seas. From kart racing on multi-level courses to multiscreen movie theaters, here are some of the most incredible activities on cruise ships right now.

Disney World Earns Its First Michelin Star

Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort—which has been a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurant since 2018—added a new star to its constellation this month: It became the first Disney restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star . Located at the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World, Victoria and Albert’s is known for its opulent Victorian era-inspired meals. A prix-fixe dinner is $295 per guest, with optional wine pairings starting at $155 per person. Unlike the rest of the theme park, a formal dress code is encouraged for all diners, who must be 10 years of age or older.

Golden visas—which grant residency and/or citizenship through an investment—may be disappearing from Europe, but many EU countries are now luring travelers with digital nomad visas, which grant travelers the legal right to work remotely for an extended period. Italy recently became the latest country to offer the visa and here are other EU countries with digital nomad visas .

America’s Best Airlines 2024

The personal-finance website WalletHub recently announced its annual ranking of the best U.S. airlines . The study evaluates the nine largest national airlines and one regional carrier across a range of criteria, including safety, on-time records and overall service. This year, Alaska Airlines was named the best airline in America, beating out Delta, which ranked first in 2022 and 2023. The survey also ranked U.S. carriers based on reliability and comfort.

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