Port Hedland
Postcode: 6721
Port Hedland is the highest tonnage port in Australia and largest town in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, with a population of approximately 14,000 (this includes its satellite suburb South Hedland, 18 km away).
Port Hedland is the main port for the Pilbara iron ore. Much of the accommodation and restaurants in Port Hedland are situated at the far western end, near Laurentius Point, with Sutherland Street leading along the foreshore and Cemetery Beach to Cooke Point at the eastern end.
A great way to see the whole town is from the lookout at the top of the Observation Tower, which offers fantastic views. Another good lookout is situated to the east of the town at Pretty Pool, a small tidal pool from where you can look out at the ‘Stairway to the Moon’. At night you should head to Richardson Street from where you can see the lit up BHP plant on Finucane Island.
The home to Flatback Turtles and Humpback Whales. The turtles can be seen on Cemetery Beach, Cooke Point, Munda Beach and Pretty Pool from October – March. There are also trips out to see the whales during their migration along the coast.
Port Hedland offers a range of accommodation including hostels and hotels. There are also several good restaurants around the town. You can fly to Port Hedland on Qantas, or alternatively catch the Greyhound service which travels along the coast.