Karratha highlighted red

Karratha WA 6714 (Pop 12 000)

Karratha is a modern industrial service town on Nickol Bay in North West WA 1 538 km north of Perth. Built in 1968 to house and serve the needs of the various industrial concerns in the Pilbara region after nearby Dampier reached its population limits, today it is the largest and most important centre in the area. Blackrock Stakes (June), FeNaCING Festival (Aug), Gamefishing Classic (Aug).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
TV Hill Lookout, off Millstream Rd expansive town and district views. Jaburara Heritage Trail 3 hr town walk taking in Aboriginal carvings, shell middens and old quarries.

Nearby:
Millstream-Chichester NP (124 km south) covers an area of almost 2 000 sq km and was originally the home of the Yinjibarndi Aborigines. The park is characterized by rugged escarpments, rolling hills and various shady watercourses. Highlights include Millstream freshwater spring oasis, Millstream Homestead (1919), natural rock pools (Python, Deepreach, Circular) and Cliff Lookout. Fishing, swimming, camping and bushwalking are amongst the popular pursuits here. Cleaverville Beach (26 km n-e) ideal swimming, camping, fishing and boating area. Montebello Islands (beyond Dampier Archipelago) excellent fishing, snorkeling and diving particularly at site of Australia’s first shipwreck, the ‘Tryal’ 1622.

Accommodation:
Karratha has a couple of hotels, a B&B, holiday lodge and 4 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 4548 Karratha Rd. Tel (08) 9144 4600.

Airport:
Karratha Airport (KTA), Norman Rd. Tel (08) 9186 8563.

Hospital:
Nickol Bay Hospital, Millstream Rd, Karratha. Tel (08) 9143 2333.