 Attractions
Marble Bar:
With consistently high temperatures during summer, Marble Bar is known as the hottest town in Australia. It also has a rich and fascinating history for the visitor to explore and enjoy. The old Government buildings, located at the corner of Francis and Contest Streets, were completed in August, 1895. They originally
housed the Post and Telegraph offices and quarters, Mining Registrar and Wardens Court, Police Station and Sergeants quarters. The cost of construction - 8000 pounds - and the sheer size of the buildings is indicative of the then
government's undisputed belief in the wealth and continued future of the gold field in Marble Bar.
Off the Hillside Road and 6km from the town, on the Coongan River, is the "Bar" itself. Originally thought to be marble, this large deposit is actually jasper. Make sure you splash some water across the stone to fully reveal its beauty.
Chinaman's Pool, named for the market gardens once grown there by the Chinese immigrants, is on the left as you travel back from the "Bar", The pool is an ideal picnic and swimming spot.
Once back on the Hillside Road, continue travelling away from the town and look for the sign posted road, on the left, which will take you to a large jasper deposit. Samples of rock may be taken from this area and they make a wonderful souvenir of the day.
8km from the town, to the right off the Hillside Road, is the Flying Fox Lookout which offers magnificent views overlooking the Coongan River and surrounding hills. It is particularly spectacular when the river is running. Further along the Hillside Road, some 10km from Marble Bar, is the Comet Gold Mine. It has the tallest smoke stack in the southern hemisphere, some 75 metres (225 feet) high. Tours of the mine are not available, however if you drive up to the mine entrance the road then weaves through old buildings and allows you to still see old mine
shafts and workings.
No visit to Marble Bar is complete without a visit to the Iron Clad Hotel. The original town hotel, it offers incomparable atmosphere and will leave you wishing that the corrugated cladding of the walls could speak!
Karijini National Park:
While one of the big attractions of Karijini National Park is that its scenery is so accessible - you can literally pull into a car park, walk 50 metres and peer into a 100 metre canyon to see waterfalls and emerald coloured rock pools -
the great appeal of Karijini lies deep within its gorges. The Karijini experience is all about adventure. It's about exploring the serpentine tunnels of marbled rock, clamouring over boulders and squeezing through narrow tunnels, inching your way along ledges, paddling or wading through subterranean waterways and descending deep into chasms which have been eroded into the landscape over two billion years. Its about the thrill of having done one of the
harder walks with an organised tour operator, sharing the experience, and going to where few have been.
While you really need to be there to experience it yourself, here's a brief overview of some of the highlights of the park.
Fortesque Falls and Ferns Pool These would have to be the two highlights of Dales Gorge. The descent to the falls is relatively easy and safe (You can see it from the top). At a leisurely
pace, it should take you about 15 minutes. At the bottom of the trail, you can turn right to Ferns Pool or left for the three hour walk to Circular Pool. Ferns Pool is about 10 minutes away and is one of the most picturesque settings in the park.
Joffre Lookout: Peer deep into the Gorge from Joffre Lookout at the unusual curved wall which forms a natural amphitheatre. It's particularly spectacular after a rain when a 100 metre waterfall cascades down its face.
Junction Pool Lookout: This is where three mighty gorges join. Stand in awe, and appreciate the tremendous forces which tore apart the earth.
Red Gorge and Knox Gorge: Whether you're above the gorge peering down or deep within it looking up, both these Gorges provide a dramatic insight into the forces of natural which
have shaped the earth. Within the gorges flow streams of crystal clear water and sand bars, warmed only by the midday sun. Ask the Park rangers and tour operators about the adventure trails if you want a real thrill.
Weano Gorge: This picturesque gorge is possibly the best introduction to the walks of
Karijini. It has a little bit of everything and it's not too difficult. You have a relatively easy walk down steps to the basin and short meander between the layered rock walls and paperbark pools to Handrail Pool which is great for swimming. For the intrepid explorer the adventure continues beyond the pool, though particular care needs to be taken
Hancock Gorge: Simply stunning but best appreciated with a guide. After climbing down a
ladder, you wander into the gorge which narrows into a huge chamber and an attractive setting of small rock pools and marbled walls.
Hamersley Gorge: Marvel at the wave of tectonic rock which forms a spectacular backdrop to a pleasant swimming hole and natural spa.
Mount Bruce: Mt Bruce is Western Australia's second highest mountain. Rising from the spinifex covered plains of the Pilbara, it is revered as one of the state's most scenic walks, offering stunning, panoramic views all the way to its 1,165 metre summit.
Of course this is just a taste of what Karijini National Park has to offer. Whether it's a light walk or a vigorous outing you're seeking, we're sure you won't be disappointed in this adventure - an adventure more than two billion
years in the making.
Karratha:
Karratha is an Aboriginal word meaning "good country". It was the name given to the pastoral property (Karratha Station) by the first owners, Dr Bayton and Harry Whittal Venn.
Karratha was brought about mainly by the continued development of the Hamersley Iron project, the lack of suitable land for the expansion of Dampier and the start of the Dampier Salt Project. Karratha commenced in 1968, with provision for it to become the regional centre of the area with administrative, commercial, industrial and residential infrastructure to satisfy the increasing needs of a rapidly developing area.
Karratha, with near-to-perfect warm winter temperatures, is used to escape the southern cold and soak up the sun in a clean, modern town. Most visitors use Karratha as a base while touring nearby Dampier, Roebourne, Wickham,
Cossack and Samson, or as a base for fishing trips, exploring the offshore islands, rock collecting, or enjoying the scenery in the neighbouring hills and gorges.
Depart Karratha at approximately 8.3C0am in time to arrive at the Hamersley Iron Training Centre for the 9am Port Facility tour. This tour must be pre-booked with tickets which are available from all accommodation houses, or the Karratha Tourist Bureau (a small fee applies).
The tour lasts approximately two hours and includes an audio-visual presentation of the Hamersley Iron Operations followed by a bush tour taking in both of Hamersley's ship loading facilities at Parker Point and East Intercourse Island.
The view from Queens Lookout on the island will give you a lasting impression of some of the 42 islands that go to make-up the Dampier Archipelago. At the conclusion of the tour drive to the Red Dog Memorial and the Rotary lookout,
both located in Dampier. It is suggested that you eat your lunch on the Dampier waterfront or at Jurat Reserve (barbecue and shade facilities are located at both these locations). After lunch head back towards Karratha and turn-up the Burrup
Peninsula, travelling to the end of the main road and the North West Natural Gas Project.
On your arrival you will notice the Visitors Centre located on the right. Allow about 45 minutes here to fully explore all the centre has to offer. On departing the Centre, return back to the Hearson Cove turn-off. This is a gravel road, but is
always in top condition and accessible to all vehicles in all weather conditions.
On arrival at Hearson Cove, appreciate the safe swimming area of the basin, as well as a laze on the shell based beach. Here you will find barbecues and shaded areas. On departing Hearson's Cove travel 1.1km before taking the well formed track on the left. This short drive of approximately 100 metres will take you to
Deep Gorge, an area rich in Aboriginal Rock engravings. This dry river bed is prolific with the engravings know as petroglyphs with some 500 being located in the immediate area.
After your walk, return to the sealed road and make your way back to the junction of the Burrup Road and Dampier Road. To the left you will notice a dirt track doubling back and heading to the radio transmitter on the top of the hill.
This track is accessible by two-wheel-drive, although a little bumpy towards the end. A pull-over area is located before the last incline and the short walk to the top is rewarded with tremendous views over the Burrup and evaporative ponds of the Dampier Salt operation. From this point travel back along the main road to Karratha.
Dampier: The Dampier Archipelago, named after English explorer William Dampier, has a history of shipwrecks, whaling, pearling and farming.
Aborigines were well established on the islands and mainland and their campsites may still be recognised by large shell middens and magnificent rock art found throughout the area.
The town of Dampier was built in the 1960's by Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd as the port facility, servicing the iron ore mines of Tom Price and Paraburdoo. Dampier is a company town with excellent facilities. The typical North-West tropical weather makes it a popular tourist centre. Being a coastal town, the major attractions revolve around the water, with boating, sailing, fishing, diving, windsurfing and swimming, but there are also many other attractions.
At the Information Bay (at the entrance to Dampier) is a bronze statue of Red Dog, a Kelpie cattle dog cross, well known throughout the North-West in the 1970's for his wanderings. The single men of the town opened a bank account for him to pay Vet bills and sundry expenses and when he died in 1979 as a
result of taking a strychnine bait, it was decided that a memorial be built.
The Pilbara Railway Historical Society Museum, 10km from Dampier, is open Sunday mornings from 9am to 12 noon. Nearby Hearsons Cove is a popular beach/picnic area.
The Society periodically organises train trips on the Hamersley Iron railroad through the Millstream Chichester National Park and the Karijini National Park. The Museum features 'The Pendennis Castle' fastest steam engine in the world, and a miniature steam rail line.
Millstream:
Arriving at Millstream is like stepping back through the eons, arriving at the fascinating world of prehistory. This is a land of hidden treasure. Lily ponds shimmer in the sun, surrounded by date and cotton palms, and a few rare example of the unique Millstream Palm. Colonies of bats squeak and squawk in the trees throughout the day before venturing out for food in the cool dusk. The climb to the peak of Mount Herbert is rewarded with the unequalled views of the bronzed expanse of the coastal plains.
Again it's best to seek the advice and local knowledge of the park rangers, who can tell you how to find fairy tale camping grounds a Crossing Pool or Deep Pool.Leaving the wonder of Millstream Chichester behind, the road to Roebourne traverses the richly coloured country of the Pilbara. Huge knobs of raw red rock jut majestically from the flat earth, worn flat and almost smooth by the years. If you travel at the right time of year, the red earth will be covered with a blush of wildflowers on a rainbow of colours waving in the coastal breeze.
Your visit to Karijini Range National Park and Millstream Chichester National Park is an experience that will remain with you forever.
The vivid colours, the imperial gorges, the incredible diversity of flora and fauna, and the serenity of the natural pools, will astound and delight you. You will know that you have seen, like only relatively few before you, a land that is in every sense naturally remarkable, and you will have found the hidden treasures of our north west.
Newman:
Newman takes its name from Mt Newman. A peak 1053 metres above sea level, which was named in 1896 after explorer Aubrey Woodward Newman. In 1957 veteran prospector A.S. 'Stan' Hilditch discovered a massive Iron Ore deposit at Mt Whaleback (south east of Mt Newman). Mt Whaleback is now the largest single open-cut Iron Ore Mine in the world. Newman is a modern town equipped with an array of facilities including
recreational clubs and centres, schools, college campus, hospital and medical centre, shopping centre, ANZ Bank, Bankwest, post office, Commonwealth Bank agency, caravan parks, hotels, tavern and service stations. The population is approximately 4,500. Take in the vast rugged surroundings from Radio Hill Lookout and the peak of Mt Newman or experience the beautiful sunsets over the Ophthalmia Dam, a large expanse of red water. Barbecue facilities at the Dam make this an excellent picnic spot.
Explore the natural beauty of the Newman Waterhole Circuit, a suggested itinerary of natural waterholes, ancient Aboriginal art sites and an abundance of flora and fauna. Weeli Wolli, a permanent spring of clear water is lined with majestic paperbarks and rivergums, providing a haven for fish and birdlife and is ,just one example of the many unique waterholes. All waterholes are within one and a half hours drive of Newman and are accessible by four--wheel-drive. If you feel like taking it easy you can visit the waterholes with one of the local expert tour operators, who will be happy to show you all the best spots. Mine Tours of the Mt Whaleback Mining Operation, can be booked at the Newman Tourist Information Centre. Tours are available departing at 8.3Oam and 1pm, during the tourist season (9.3Oam only duringthe off season) Monday to Friday and 8.3Oam on Saturday. Visitors can marvel at the massive pit and see huge machinery in operation. Located adjacent to the Tourist Centre is the BHP Silver Jubilee Museum Gallery. This was officially opened by the Premier, Richard Court, on July 23, 1994. The building is constructed of rammed earth and features a magnificent 9 x 2.5 metre
leadlight window, depicting the Pilbara landscape. The Mining and Pastoral Museum is also situated in the Tourist Centre grounds. The collection is made up mainly of mining and pastoral equipment dating back from the start of this century which has been collected from an area bounded by Meekatharra in the south to Cockatoo Island in the north. Ken Walker, from Newman Eco-tours, runs half day, one day and safari tours to see the wildflowers in a specialised luxury four-wheel-drive vehicle. The tours specialise in camp-oven cooking, including roasts and freshly baked bread, complemented by billy tea or percolated coffee, enjoyed around a hearty campfire, before retiring to a swag or tent. Participants learn about arid plants and animals, visit tranquil waterholes and see Aboriginal carvings. Ken, who has had 20 years experience with Pilbara flora, introduces visitors to bush tucker such as the native plums, desert raisins and native lemongrass. Participants only need take a camera with plenty of spare film, personal attire and toiletries; everything else is provided. Safaris range from short tours around Newman to extended safari tours of Karijini and Rudall River National Parks, deserts and other Pilbara attractions. People who wish to participate using their own vehicles are welcome, and have the assurance of not getting lost and the benefit of an experienced guide.
|