Roebourne Visitor Information Centre

Roebourne WA 6718 (Pop 900)  

Roebourne is an interesting historic North West township 1 563 km north of Perth. Established in 1866, it is the oldest settlement between Geraldton and Darwin and was named after WA’s first Surveyor General, John Roe. Following Pilbara gold discoveries in 1880s and the establishment of an important pastoral industry, a tramway connected Roebourne with the coastal ports of Cossack and Point Samson, however the railway link between Marble Bar and Port Hedland (1912) instigated the demise of these settlements. Roebourne Cup & Ball (Aug), Cultural Festival (Sept).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Roebourne includes Roebourne Gaol (1886) now an historical museum, art & craft centre and Visitor Information Centre, Roebourne Police Station, Holy Trinity Church (1894). Mt Welcome, Fisher Dr scenic vistas.  

Nearby:
Cossack (14 km north) first NW region port established 1863 which became an important pearling centre and is today a ghost town. Many beautifully restored heritage buildings still stand. Point Samson (19 km north) offers a variety of water sports together with boat hire and charters. Harding Dam (27 km south) popular recreational area. Millstream-Chichester NP (150 km south) 200 000 ha park protecting rugged escarpments, coastal plains and the tree-lined Fortescue River - popular for canoeing. Descendants of original inhabitants, the Yinjibarndi Aborigines today act as park rangers and the historic Gordon homestead (1919) has been converted into the Visitor Centre whose displays focus on the local indigenous tribes, early pioneers and the stunning landscape. Cliff Lookout and the Python, Circular and Deepreach pools are not to be missed - although it should be noted they are deep and can be very cold in winter. The park features five main walking tracks between (100 m - 16 km return) and has good recreational facilities. Tel (08) 9184 5144.

Accommodation:
Roebourne has a hotel/motel, B&B, holiday lodge and a couple of caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Old Gaol, Queen St. Tel (08) 9182 1060.

Airport:
Karratha Airport (KTA), Norman Rd. Tel (08) 9186 8563. (53 km west).

Hospital:
Roebourne Hospital, 42 Hampton St. Tel (08) 9182 0200.