The Australian Bucket List

Western Australia

Pilbara RegionTwice the size of the United Kingdom, WA's Pilbara region is home to some of the world's oldest and most breathtaking natural landscapes. From the vibrant colours of Karinini National Park to the glistening waters of Cape Keraudren...

Home to more than 700 Indigenous archaeological sites and one million rock engravings dating back some 30,000 years - immerse yourself in the art, history and culture of the Aboriginal people who call the Pilbara home. Picture peaceful plunge pools in the heart of Karijini National Park, sparkling white sand and vibrant coral reefs along the Dampier Archipelago and Mackerel Islands, and regional towns built off the back of a booming mining industry.

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Things to do

Explore Karijini National Park

Two billion years in the making, Karijini National Park is one of Western Australia's most spectacular natural attractions offering amazing hiking trails through ancient gorges. With massive gorges, crystal clear rock pools and waterfalls, Karijini National Park is a must for anyone with a thirst for adventure. Explore tunnels of marbled rock, clamber over boulders, squeeze through narrow tunnels, paddle through waterways and descend deep into ancient chasms. There's also easy access to stunning lookouts and walking trails of varying levels so everyone can experience this awesome landscape. Permanent water pools mean there's always the chance for a refreshing swim. There are excellent picnic areas as well as allocated camping sites within the park. Karijini National Park is located about two hours drive from the town of Newman. It's best accessed by joining a four-wheel drive tour. There are a number of tour operators taking visitors from Perth to Karijini and the surrounding region. Camping in Western Australia's natural areas is a special experience. Selected campgrounds from across the state are now bookable online for a trial period. Tourists are advised to check for alerts and road/park closures before commencing their travel on www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au

Millstream Chichester National Park

Camp under an outback sky and immerse yourself in a landscape of rolling hills, escarpments, tree-lined rivers and water pools at Millstream Chichester National Park. Located near Roebourne in the north-west of Western Australia, the national park is a tropical oasis in the outback. The Chichester Range rises sharply from the plain and includes rocky peaks, tranquil gorges, and hidden rock pools such as Python pool. The Fortesque River flows through the park and supports huge ferns, lilies, a large variety of water birds and flying foxes. Freshwater springs create tropical Chinderwarriner Pool, surrounded by paperbark and palm trees. Several bushwalking tracks that pass by cooling swimming holes. Climb to the peak of Mount Herbert for amazing views of the plain and visit the Historic Millstream Homestead. There are shady camping areas at Crossing Pool and Deep Reach. The best time to visit is between May and August when there is little rain, wildflowers are in bloom and the day time temperature is comfortable. Millstream Chichester National Park is a 1.5-hour drive from Roebourne or 3-hours from Karratha. Tourists are advised to check for alerts and road/park closures before commencing their travel on www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au

Visit Cape Keraudren Nature Reserve

Cape Keraudren Nature Reserve is situated on a picturesque beach with pristine white sands that stretch as far as the eye can see. The clear blue water is a spectacular welcome to the start of the famous Eighty Mile Beach. This well-travelled stretch of beach is well placed on the tourist trail between Port Hedland and Broome. Take one of several walk trails through the nature reserve to see a diversity of native flora and fauna that has made its home along this pristine coastline. Relax on the beach while the children collect shells as souvenirs to take home. There is easy access for beach fishing, and even a few mud crabs around to tempt your taste buds. Camp overnight and catch the magnificent sunset over the ocean. Gaze at hundreds of stars lighting up the night sky in this secluded location. With so much on offer in the reserve, allow at least one full day to explore the remote surroundings. Cape Keraudren Nature Reserve is a 1.75-hour drive northeast of Port Hedland. Tourists are advised to check for alerts and road/park closures before commencing their travel on www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au

Mackerel Islands

Relax, explore and delight in the unexpected discoveries of the Mackerel Islands - 10 pristine droplets of land 22 kilometres off the coast of Onslow, Western Australia. Watch determined sea turtles haul themselves up the beach to lay eggs, admire the kaleidoscope of tropical fish dart out of the coral garden while you snorkel, or test your skill and strength as you try and haul in a Red Emperor or Spanish Mackerel from Pilbara’s fishiest waters. If you’re travelling the historical Warlu Way trail, the diversion out to coastal Onslow is 80 kilometres off the North-West Coastal Highway. From Onslow, the Mackerel Islands boat charter provides easy access to the islands, or bring your own boat and use the islands’ moorings. Of the islands that comprise the Mackerels, two provide accommodation - Thevenard Island and Direction Island. You can organise day trips or extended holidays including dive and fishing charters, whale watching, four-wheel-drive adventure tours, guided snorkelling tours and more. The beautiful untouched landscape of the Mackerel Islands offers a classical north-western Australian experience – a unique coastal expression of the Pilbara, where rugged adventure meets isolation at its most splendid.

Visit the Tidal Flats

Be amazed by the huge tides of the North West. The resulting Tidal Flats left at Port Hedland as the tide goes out to make a truly spectacular vista. Don’t forget your camera to photograph these unique patterns etched into the sand. The tides, which move quickly from half a metre to eight meters, create great fishing spots in the massive waterholes left behind. Tide times can be obtained from the Port Hedland Visitor Centre. Take some time to wander along the beach at low tide and collect a few beautiful shell souvenirs. Collectors will be impressed with the diversity and abundance of shells. If you are in Port Hedland between May and October, be sure to check out the stunning 'Staircase to the Moon' phenomenon during the full moon dates. As the moonlight reflects off the tidal flats on the rising moon, the resulting light show is a fine example of some of nature’s best artwork. Port Hedland is a well-serviced regional town situated on the far north coast between Perth and Broome. It is well serviced by flights from Perth or is a 20 hour drive.

Join the Ngurin Bush Tucker Trail

The Ngurin Bush Tucker Trail is a 2-kilometre self-guided walk around the Ieramargadu pool on the Harding River (Ngurin) in Roebourne, which utilises some of the existing tracks and the old De Gray Street bridge to cross the Harding River at the southernmost end of the trail. The layout of the trail was done in close liaison with the Ngarluma people, the traditional owners of the land. The Ngurin and all the vegetation surrounding it, holds great significance to the Ngarluma peoples. Ngarluma Elders David Walker, Violet Samson and Pansy Hicks provide insightful and valuable learnings along the Ngurin Bush Tucker Trail on featured explanatory signs depicting bush tucker, bush medicines and other artefacts which are used by Aboriginal people in their traditional way of life, as well as today.

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