KARRATHA & SURROUNDS
Karratha and the surrounding areas of Roebourne, Dampier and Cossack boast a wide range of things to see and do from mine tours, historical ghost towns, aboriginal art and walking trails including the Roaming the Red Dog trail. This Karratha travel guide will assist with planning your trip, how to get to Karratha and once there, how to get around from Karratha to Dampier and other surrounding areas.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
KARRATHA
Karratha is a vibrant city with a variety of historical sights, artwork, museums and various other areas of interest surrounding it. There are several lookouts and when the tide is right you can wander along the mudflats beachcombing.
ABORIGINAL ROCK ART
The Murujuga National Park is an ideal location to bask in the beauty of Aboriginal Rock Art as it is fortunate enough to be home to some of the highest concentrations of Aboriginal Rock Art in the country. For Guided tours you can choose between the Murujuga Rock Art & Cultural Experience or the Ngurrangga Tour. Alternatively, you can take one or all of the 4 walking trails that form the Yaburara Heritage Trail that weave around the hills of Karratha between the Visitor Centre Tank Lookout and the Leisureplex car park.
COSSACK HISTORICAL TOWN
Cossack is a heritage listed town and regarded as the ghost town of the area. The town has many areas of aboriginal significance so completing the 3km Cossack Heritage Trail (walk/bike trail) is an ideal way to enjoy the area. Please ensure that you have a decent hat and adequate water with you if you walk the trail, as there are no designated water stations or shade shelters along the way. Check with the bus as to the days they down out there.
DAMPIER & RED DOG
Dampier is a major industrial port in the Pilbara region and is part of the Dampier Archipelago. Although a working port, Dampier has a variety of attractions and sights to see.
Sam arrived in Dampier in the 1960’s and built a castle on Tidepole Island, hence it has since been known by the locals as Sam’s Island. Be sure to take time out to visit the island and explore the magnificent castle.
For the ‘Red Dog’ movie enthusiasts there is a Red Dog Statue at the entrance to Dampier. Red Dog was believed to have been born in Paraburdoo, however he travelled and was well known by all the locals in the Pilbara Region. Since the Red Dog movie was made, his popularity has soared and many passionate fans have made the trip to the areas that Red Dog travelled. Dampier also has a Roaming with Red Dog Trail, this is a 10km walking trail through Dampier where you can explore many of the spots that Red Dog was known to visit.