If you’re looking for amazing spots in Port Hedland where you can book accommodation for all budgets, indulge in savoury takeaways to great dining experiences, discover captivating attractions, and experience different activities, these are some of the places to visit:
Located 200 km north of Karratha, Port Hedland is known for its massive resource industry, big ships, long trains, and salt piles.
The town is just as rich in pioneering history, Indigenous culture, and wildlife. It’s also a great fishing and crabbing spots, turtle nesting, and whale watching.
Connecting the Pilbara and the Kimberley, Port Hedland is the gateway and central hub of the two towns. You can access Hedland via North West Coastal Highway (via the coast) or the North West Coastal Highway (via the coast) Great Northern Highway (inland road). The two roads differ in the distance and the number of stops and attractions along the way.
Port Hedland Street Art
At the west end of Port Hedland, explore the rich history and discover contemporary street art on buildings and in the laneways. They were completed by artists such as Yok & Sheryo, Tim Rollins, Saner, Hayley Welsh and Beastman & Vans the Omega, to name a few.
Dalgety House Museum
Gain insight into the white settlement’s impact on the Kariyarra Aboriginal people of the Pilbara. Explore the extensive collection of Dalgety House Museum’s artefacts and documentation presented in enlightening displays, complete with photographs.
Port Hedland Cultural and Heritage Trail
Pick up a copy of the Port Hedland Cultural and Heritage Trail map to discover Port Hedland at your own pace. The self-guided tour takes you around the historic sites and buildings at the West End. It tells the story of Hedland in its early days and the characters that helped build the town into what it is today.
Redbank Bridge
The sunsets are beautiful wherever you are in Hedland. However, the Redbank Bridge has the best views for iconic sunset photos.
You can see the sunset behind the salt piles on one side, with colours reflecting from the salt pools while trains sneak past. In contrast, the other side lets you see the sun setting behind the red ore trains, providing a unique silhouette. The difference between nature and industry instantly takes your breath away.
The Spoilbank
The Spoilbank Recreation Reserve is formed from dredging work in the port and navigation channel. There’s a spot for fishing, or you can relax or watch the ships come and go to the port. While there is some beach access for vehicles, this is suitable for 4WD only.
Cemetery Beach Park
A lovely recreation area with a small park and beach access. There are shaded seats, a BBQ area, and a playground.
It’s worth a visit to see the different tides of the beach. High tide lets you spot juvenile green turtles in the water off the coast. During low tide, walk out to the fringing reef.
Also known as a Flatback turtle nesting area, Cemetery Beach gives informational signage about turtle nesting between October and March.
Koombana Lookout
The Koombana Lookout offers a spectacular view over the beach and port at the end of Lukis Street and information on the infamous sinking of the SS Koombana in the early 20th Century. At night, see the water tower at the lookout lit up in different hues.
Pretty Pool Park
Reached via Matheson Drive, Pretty Pool Park overlooks a tidal pool and mangroves, with access over dunes to the beach beyond (a section of this beach is clothing optional). Park facilities include shaded seating, BBQs, public toilets and a playground.
Cooke Point Viewing Platform
At the end of Goode Street beside Discovery Parks – Port Hedland, the Cooke Point viewing platform is an excellent spot for sunrise, sunset or Staircase to the Moon.
Port Hedland Fishing
The town offers land-based and offshore fishing. In Port Hedland, you can catch a wide range of fish, such as bream, mullet, whiting, kingfish and skippy. Summer is when you can find barramundi close to Port Hedland, while threadfin and blue salmon can be caught year-round.
Some popular fishing spots include the public jetty (adjacent to Marapikurrinya Park), Cooke Point, and the Spoil Bank, accessible via an unsealed road off Sutherland Drive.
Distance from Perth: 1,631 km
Population: 4,253
Postcode: 6721
Founded: 1863
