The old Onslow port was built to export wool from Pilbara sheep stations at the mouth of the Ashburton River. Forty years later, residents were moved to the new townsite, where a new jetty was built on the coast to avoid the old port’s issues with the Ashburton River. Unfortunately, they could not prevent the effects of the region’s cyclones.

Remains of the old town’s buildings are still visible, including the old jetty, police station, cemetery and the great Ashburton River. Some of the buildings from the old town were relocated to the new townsite, including the old Goods Shed. It’s also today’s visitor centre and museum with a fantastic collection of old Onslow artefacts and memorabilia.

Attractions

Ian Blair Memorial Walkway & Onslow Memorial Park

Over the dunes of a walkway from Beadon to Sunset Beach commemorates Ian Blair, a Western Australian policeman.

He was posted to Onslow in 1959 and lived there until he died in 1998. They dedicated a memorial walkway to commemorate his contribution to the Onslow community. The visitor centre also has a map of the Ian Blair Memorial Walkway trail.

At the eastern end of the walkway, you’ll see the town’s memorial park. The Onslow Memorial Park features a spectacular sculpture based on the insignia of the ADF’s Rising Sun cap badge positioned so that each Anzac Day, the rising sun’s rays shine directly through the arch.

Old Goods Shed Museum

It’s worth spending time walking around the Old Goods Shed Museum to see its collection of old artefacts, machinery, memorabilia and rolling stock.

The first building was a Goods shed, warehouse and store. It burned down in 1904, but a replacement structure was built and connected to the sea jetty by tramway. In 1910, a Bond Store and a lookout tower were added. In 1925, the building was dismantled and transported by camel train to the new townsite.

The building was extended further in 1953 when reconstructed at Beadon Point and refurbished again after the cyclone damaged it in the 1960s. Today, the museum displays railway rolling stocks, including the 1928 petrol locomotive that was part of the old tramway system. You’ll find fascinating displays of the old town’s early years and important events, including the many cyclones that hit the coast and the bomb that fell during WWII.

Old Onslow and Onslow Heritage Trail

In the south part of the town, you’ll find the remains of the old Onslow at the mouth of the Ashburton River. The most significant ruins are the gaol, the courthouse, the police station and the quarters.

Some of the old townsite’s buildings and artefacts can also be seen at the visitor centre and Goods Shed Museum. Maps for a self-guided Onslow Heritage Trail walk around the old townsite are also available from the visitor centre.

Onslow Fishing

Onslow has some of the greatest fishing spots in Western Australia. You’ll get a good haul at Sunrise and Sunset Beach with the help of their boat launch and fish cleaning facilities. Beadon Creek also offers fishing from the wharf at the Groyne.

Try the bush camping facilities along the banks of the river at Three Mile and Five Mile pools at the Ashburton River. Soak in the beautiful surroundings and spend your time fishing, bushwalking and swimming.

Sunrise & Sunset Beach

See the sun rise and set in one of the best few places to watch it.

Sunrise Beach, or the front beach, has a shade shelter on the beachfront and the beach and boat ramp facilities. You can spend some time and enjoy a good swim, snorkel or just relax.

While Sunset Beach, or the back beach, is a good fishing spot with fish-cleaning facilities. Enjoy a picnic at the shaded picnic area or watch the sun set beneath the horizon of the Indian Ocean.

Fun Facts

Distance from Perth: 1,386 km
Population: 829
Postcode: 6710
Founded: 1925