Port Hedland and South Hedland
PERTH TO PORT HEDLAND & GUIDE TO PORT HEDLAND TOURISM
Port Hedland was established in 1896 on Kariyarra country and is surrounded by Ngurluma, Yindjibarni and Nyamal countries. The Kariyarra people call Port Hedland “Marapikurrinya”.
While Port Hedland is now a working/mining town, it’s also a town rich in Indigenous history, pioneering history and wildlife. If you have an interest in Australia’s mining industry then this town would be high on your “to see” list. South Hedland, a “satellite” town is situated 13km’s from Port Hedland.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Port Hedland Harbour Tour – This tour gives you the opportunity to take a lap around a harbour in one of the working Seafarers Launch Service boats. The boat picks up seafarers wishing to go back to the Seafarers Centre during the lap and a staff member provides commentary as the boat travels. Closed in shoes and trousers/jeans must be worn.
Photo Credit: Port Hedland Seafarers Centre Tours Facebook page.
Port Hedland Town Tour – The town tour is led by an historian who has lived in the town. It shows the diversity of history within the town and takes in the multi-cultural heritage and indigenous links that exist today and in the past.
Photo Credit: John White
Don Rhodes Mining and Transport Museum – The museum is actually a public park in Port Hedland with an open air display of retired mining machinery and railway rolling-stock.
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
Dalgety House Museum – Port Hedland started as a port town (rather than mining) and Dalgety and Co was one of the key players. This museum was the company’s manager’s residence which is now a historical interactive museum
Photo Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Public Art in the Pilbara – Follow the map around the West End to see some of the best street art in the region.
Photo Credit: Chris Carlsson
Cultural and Heritage Trail – The West End also has many historical sites such Bangers Bungalow and the Old Nurses Medical Quarters. Download and follow the map. This is also a self-guided tour and you may like to do this and the Public Art in the Pilbara tour at the same time.
The Esplanade Hotel. Photo Credit: tripadvisor.com
Twilight Industry Tour –This is a bus tour with a guide that allows for some great photo opportunities of the mine sites with the sunset in the back ground. During the tour you see the port light up as the night shift begins. This tour can be booked through the Port Hedland Visitor Centre.
Photo Credit: FMG
Salt Eco Tour – On this bus tour you see the Dampier Salt operations, visit wetlands which have a range of birds and animals and take in songs and story lines of the Ngarla traditional owners.
Photo Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Staircase to the Moon – The Staircase to the Moon occurs between March and October in the North West of Australia. This can be viewed at full moon on a still evening. There is a viewing deck set up next to the Cooke Point Caravan Park designed to make the most of this phenomenon.
Photo credit: Australia's North West Facebook page
Turtles – Turtle viewing is associated with tides and the dates and time move according. To participate in a viewing in the evening from November to January contact "Care for Hedland" by email turtle@careforhedland.org.au to find out the dates and times. Alternatively you may wish to join a Hatchling viewing, these are available at 7am from December to March each year, again contact "Care for Hedland" to book yourself on a tour. Alternatively, if you are in Hedland for an extended period, you may wish to volunteer for the turtle monitoring programs.
Photo Credit: Blackrock Caravan Park
Walk the beach – Sandstone formations exist along the beach at the Port Hedland Community Park and turtle beach or check out the Cemetery Beach. Also relaxing to sit back and do some birdwatching.
Photo Credit: Port Tourist Park
WHERE TO STAY
Port Hedland and South Hedland have caravan parks, motels and hotels. We suggest The Landing Resort in Port Hedland or The Lodge Motel in South Hedland or for those on a tighter budget you may wish to look at vans in the caravan park. However there are many options available so you wish wish to contact the Port Hedland Visitor Centre or google options.
HOW TO GET AROUND IN PORT HEDLAND AND SOUTH HEDLAND
Passengers can travel between around in Port Hedland or between Port and South Hedland using the TransHedland bus service. There is also a circle route around South Hedland available.
Alternatively if you wish to travel outside of the bus timetable then it is advisable to book at taxi in advance.
HOW TO GET THERE AND BACK
Express tickets can be purchased for those that wish to do point to point travel ie: direct from one destination to another and Hop on Hop off passes are ideal for travellers who wish to stop along the way at one or several of many destinations or for workers who wish to bus in and bus out between home and their workplace.
Perth to Hedland
Integrity Coach Lines have a bus that travels from Perth to Hedland 4 times a week for passengers from Perth, 3 of the services go along the coast (2 via Karratha and 1 via Tom Price) and one travels on the inland route (eg: via Meekatharra and Newman).
Broome to Hedland
Integrity Coach Lines have two services a week from Broome to Hedland.
Hedland to Perth or Broome.
Integrity Coach Lines have a bus that travels from Hedland to Perth 4 times a week, 3 of these are along the coast and 1 travels south inland.
Hedland to Broome,
Integrity Coach Lines two services a week from Hedland to Broome.
Pick Up and Set Down point in Hedland
- South Hedland Shopping Centre – at the Kmart entrance.
- South Hedland PUMA
- Port Hedland Visitor Centre
WHAT TO EXPECT ON AN INTEGRITY COACH LINES JOURNEY
- Short comfort stops approx. every three hours. This allows you to stretch your legs, use facilities at the roadhouses (there is also a toilet on the coach) and purchase food and drinks if you wish. You may also wish to bring dry snacks or meals that do not have distinctive odours such as eggs and tuna onto the coach. And, of course, your water bottle is most welcome.
- Capture glimpses of various towns along the way if you are using an Express ticket (point to point ticket). If you are using a Hop on Hop off pass then you may wish to stop and enjoy other towns for a couple of days rather than just pass through. The choice is yours!
- Friendly, Personal and Knowledgeable Drivers. Drivers are knowledgeable on all locations and can provide tips and hints as needed. Two professional drivers per trip ensures they are well rested to get you to your destination safely. Best of all, they are a friendly crew that are very approachable.
SO, WHY NOT CATCH A BUS FROM PERTH TO HEDLAND, BROOME TO HEDLAND OR VICE VERSA. PORT HEDLAND IS APPEALING FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO SEE OR KNOW MORE ABOUT THE MINING INDUSTRY, INDIGENOUS OR PIONEERING HISTORY. CALL INTEGRITY COACH LINES NOW ON 08 9274 7464.