Things To Do In Karratha

Once better known as a mining town, you’ll be surprised just how many things to do in Karratha there are! As you drive into the town of Karratha you’ll be taken back by the rugged red hills that surround the town. Karratha thrives not just on the mining and oil & gas industry, but also tourism and hospitality. It’s for this reason that this country town features modern amenities, a welcoming atmosphere and a rich connection with country. Find the best things to do in Karratha (and its surrounds) plus the best places to eat and stay too!

Where is Karratha located?

Karratha is located close to the coast, 1500km north of Perth, 834km south west of Broome and 550km north east of Exmouth in Western Australia’s Norwest Pilbara Region.

Top Things to do in Karratha

Swim at Hearsons Cove

Hearson’s Cove is one of Karratha’s most popular and most visited beaches. Located just a short drive away (around 20mins) in Dampier.  The calm, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, paddling and throwing in a line. The beach carpark is 2WD accessible and the beach is AWD / 4WD accessible. Facilities include picnic shelters, BBQs and toilets, making this a great place to relax and cool off on a warm Pilbara day. Read more in the Always Adventure Ready Hearson’s Cove Dampier Review here.

Walk the Yaburara Heritage Trail

The Yaburara Heritage Trail is a 3.5km, Grade 4 trail that starts near the Karratha Leisureplex. It trails up the rugged hill, with some steep climbs and several aboriginal sites along the way. Take in an incredible view over the Karratha Town and connect with rich cultural heritage of the area through the magnificent aboriginal artworks featured at the top of the walk trail.  The trail is well signposted from the Karratha Leisureplex carpark and you can find more information on the trail at www.karratha.wa.gov.au.

Take a day trip to Point Samson

A day trip to Point Samson is an absolute must! Enjoy the pleasant 40 min drive, take a swim and snorkel at the beautiful Honeymoon Cove then lunch overlooking the ocean from the upper deck at Samson Beach Tavern.

Get a photo with Red Dog & follow the Red Dog Trail

Wander the trail and visit all the places Red Dog spent a lot of his time, learn about the town’s history and see different parts of Karratha and Dampier. Finish the trail with a photo at the Red Dog Memorial Statue. Download a brochure that includes a trail map and activity ideas from www.karratha.wa.gov.au.

Visit Karijini’s Hamersley Gorge

Hamersley Gorge is located away from many of the other Karijini National Park Gorges. It’s located on the west side of the National Park on the outskirts of Millstream National Park which makes it a good day drip from Karratha (if you leave pretty early in the day). The drive from Karratha to Hamersley Gorge is around 3 & 1/2 hours, however if you get a permit (available online) you can use the Tom Price Rail Line and get there in around 3 hours. Find more information and the link to apply for your permit in the Always Adventure Ready Hamersley Gorge Review.

BBQ on the Dampier Foreshore

The Dampier Foreshore received a $13.6 million upgrade several years ago that was jointly funded by the City of Karratha, Rio Tinto and Lotterywest. Think rolling green grass, palm trees, ocean views plus modern and practical picnic and BBQ facilities that includes picnic shelters, water fountains, BBQs and toilets. The beach is perfect for swimming and fishing and there are some shelters on the beach too. Find more information on the Dampier Foreshore at www.karratha.wa.gov.au.

Road trip and water hole swim at Python Pool

This magnificent Pilbara swimming hole experience is just over one hours’ drive from Karratha. Located within the Millstream National Park and usually filled with water, you may even be a waterfall cascading down from the top of the striking red cliffs during the wet season after periods of high rain fall. Python Pool is easily accessible by 2WD, is only a 200m walk from the carpark and there are toilets available near the carpark too. Find more information on Python Pool check out the Always Adventure Ready Python Pool Review!

Wander the Ngajarli Art Viewing Trail

Explore this $1.3M culturally significant heritage trail by wandering along the boardwalk. Enjoy a self-guided tour by reading the signage to learn about the rock art in this area, some of which is estimated to be more than 45,000 years old. The Ngajarli Art Viewing Trail is located on the Burrup Pennisula, just off Hearsons Cove Road, on the way the Hearsons Cove, only 20 mins drive from Karratha. Find more information on the Ngajarli Art Viewing Trail at dbca.wa.gov.au.

When is the best time to visit?

Planning the timing of your visit to Karratha depends on what your preferences are. In winter the days are warm and the weather is perfect for fishing, visiting the islands and swimming at the beach. However, if you plan to visit the Millstream and Karijini National Park there can be limited water in the gorges (as winter is the dry season) and the water can be super cold.

Summer can be a good time to visit the National Parks with more water flowing and warmer temperatures for swimming in the gorges. It’s important to keep in mind however that the temperatures can be extreme. Also some areas and roads may be subject to flooding and flash flooding and cyclones are a risk this time of year.

Karratha has something to offer all year round. It’s up to you what you would most like to do when deciding when to visit.

Where are the best places to eat in Karratha?

Soak in Dampier

Overlooking the Dampier Foreshore, Soak in Dampier has break taking views over the Dampier Archipelago. On the menu are locally caught fish & chips, burgers and more. Of course what better spot to enjoy a cold softie, beer, wine or a coffee. Open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday – Sunday.

Stadium 26

Stadium 26 Karratha is your classy city look and feel sports bar, located in the Karratha Town Centre. It’s your go to for live sport on the big screen, a cold drink and super cool sports food menu with wings, burgers, pizza and more. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Tambrey

If you love a good beer garden, you will love The Tambrey. Located near the Tambrey Oval and Pavillion, this sports bar and restaurant features open air dining under a huge big screen and amazing pub food and drinks. It’s open for lunch and dinner daily and is the perfect spot to enjoy a balmy Pilbara night, a meal and sports on the big screen.

Where are the best places to stay?

Discovery Parks Pilbara Karratha

If you are looking for affordable and comfortable accommodation Discovery Parks Pilbara Karratha has a big range of cabins, caravan and camping sites. It’s located just a short drive from the Karratha Town Centre making it the perfect choice if you are looking for somewhere to base yourself while you explore and adventure the local area and beyond. Read more in the Always Adventure Ready Discovery Parks Pilbara Karratha Review. Check the availability and find the best prices at Trip.com.

Karratha International

Want to enjoy a stylish, luxury stay while in Karratha? Then the Karratha International is your place. With modern, spacious rooms, a resort style pool, gym and stylish poolside restaurant, this is your inner city style stay location in Karratha. It’s also within walking distance to the Karratha Town Centre where you can find supermarkets, takeaway, restaurant and cafe outlets. Check the availability and find the best prices at Trip.com.

Karratha Things To Do Summary

To the question “Is Karratha worth visiting?” the answer is “Absolutely!” Karratha has something to offer all year round, with a range of things to do from the beach to the many inland gorges and offers experiences that are rich in both culture and adventure.

 

Looking for more North West Adventures? Check out the Always Adventure Ready North West Adventures Guide here!