Port Hedland’s Best Kept Secrets: 10 Places That Deserve A Spot On Your Itinerary

Port Hedland isn’t your typical tourist town. Set in the rugged Pilbara region of Western Australia, this industrial powerhouse hides a treasure trove of unique experiences. From the world’s largest bulk export port to ancient Aboriginal sites, Port Hedland tourist attractions serve up a heady mix of history, culture and natural beauty. Ready to uncover its secrets? Let’s dive in.

1. Get a Glimpse of the World’s Biggest Port

Port of Port Hedland is the star of the show. It’s the world’s largest bulk export port, shipping a staggering 519 million tonnes of cargo in 2022. Here’s how to experience it:

• Follow the Port Interpretive Walk to learn about its history and inner workings

• Visit Marapikurrinya Park for the best vantage point to watch ships come and go

• Take a guided tour to get an up-close look at the mammoth machinery in action

2. Step Back in Time on the Cultural and Heritage Trail

Port Hedland’s Cultural and Heritage Trail is a window into the town’s layered past. This self-guided walk takes you to 16 historical sites, including:

• Dalgety House Museum – Built in 1903, it’s the oldest remaining building in town

• Airey Point – A sacred Aboriginal site with 8,000-year-old shell middens

• Lock Hospital – A grim reminder of the segregated medical facilities in the early 1900s

Allow 2-3 hours to complete the 4 km trail. Grab a map from the Visitor Centre or download the Port Hedland Now app for an audio guide.

3. Spot Larger-than-Life Murals on the Street Art Trail

The West End precinct is an open-air gallery, thanks to the Port Hedland Street Art Trail. Armed with a map, you can discover:

• Vast murals by world-renowned artists like Yok & Sheryo and Stormie Mills

• Thought-provoking installations that reflect the town’s spirit

• Hidden artworks in unexpected places, from alleyways to water towers

Pro tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and photo ops.

4. Witness the Staircase to the Moon

This lunar phenomenon is one of Port Hedland’s top tourist attractions. It occurs when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats at low tide, creating an optical illusion of stairs leading to the moon.

• Best viewing spots: Cooke Point or Marapikurrinya Park

• When to visit: Any evening with a full moon from March to October

• Photography tips: Use a tripod, remote shutter release and manual settings for crisp shots

5. Cool Off at Pretty Pool

Pretty Pool is a welcome oasis in Port Hedland’s arid landscape. This sheltered tidal inlet is perfect for:

• Swimming and snorkeling in the calm, clear waters

• Picnicking on the sandy beach or grassy foreshore

• Spotting migratory birds like ospreys and common sandpipers

Facilities include toilets, showers, BBQs and a children’s playground. Note that swimming is safest 2 hours either side of high tide.

6. Chase the Perfect Sunset at Redbank Bridge

For a quintessential Pilbara sunset, head to Redbank Bridge. This unassuming causeway offers a stunning backdrop of:

• Towering piles of salt, glowing pink in the fading light

• Endless trains snaking their way to the port, silhouetted against the sky

• The Indian Ocean, set ablaze by the sinking sun

Pack a picnic and settle in for nature’s nightly show. Keep an eye out for the resident osprey pair that nests nearby.

7. Get Off the Beaten Track at Cape Keraudren Nature Reserve

Just a 2-hour drive from Port Hedland lies Cape Keraudren Nature Reserve. Part of the Great Sandy Desert, this pristine coastal wilderness is a haven for:

• Secluded beaches and rocky coves, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and fishing

• Incredible birdlife, from migratory waders to majestic birds of prey

• Scenic walking trails through spinifex grasslands and along rugged cliffs

You’ll need a 4WD to access most of the reserve. Camping is allowed at designated sites, but facilities are basic. Come prepared with all supplies, including drinking water.

8. Discover the Inner Workings of a Mining Giant

Port Hedland is the gateway to the Pilbara’s vast mineral wealth. To get a taste of the mining action, sign up for a BHP Billiton Iron Ore Tour. You’ll get to:

• Visit a working iron ore mine and see the jaw-dropping scale of operations

• Learn about the state-of-the-art technology used in modern mining

• Hear insider stories from knowledgeable guides with decades of experience

Tours depart from the Visitor Centre and include transport, lunch and safety gear. Minimum age is 12 years.

9. Explore the Region’s Maritime Heritage

The Port Hedland Seafarers Centre offers a unique peek into the lives of the mariners who keep the port running. Highlights include:

• The Seafarers Memorial, honoring those lost at sea

• Model ships and vintage diving equipment displays

• The chance to chat with visiting seafarers from around the globe

Entry is by gold coin donation. Profits support the center’s work in providing a home away from home for sailors.

10. Immerse Yourself in Nature

Port Hedland’s rugged landscape teems with wildlife if you know where to look. Top spots for nature lovers include:

• Cemetery Beach – Watch threatened flatback turtles nesting from October to March

• Pretty Pool – Spy migratory shorebirds like bar-tailed godwits and great knots

• Spoilbank – Try your luck fishing for mulloway, queenfish and trevally

Always keep a respectful distance from wildlife and stick to designated paths to avoid disturbing habitats.

Practical Tips for Visiting Port Hedland

• Best time to visit: May to September for cooler temperatures and less humidity

• Getting there: Fly to Port Hedland International Airport or drive the Great Northern Highway

• Getting around: Rent a car for flexibility, as public transport is limited

• Where to stay: Hedland Hotel for ocean views, Discovery Caravan Park for cabins and camping

• Where to eat: Esplanade Hotel for steak, Chillpilz for Thai, The Silver Star Cafe for breakfast

Where to Stay in Port Hedland

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