Things to do in Port Hedland
Situated on WA’s north coast between Karratha and Broome, Port Hedland is the gateway to Australia’s iron ore industry and a town rich in cultural heritage and rugged natural beauty.
Bordered by mangroves and beaches thriving with fish, turtles, whales, and other awe-inspiring marine life, the town is also a prime spot for watching the ‘Staircase to the Moon’ phenomenon that occurs from March – October every year.
Whether you’re here on business or just passing through the Pilbara region, don’t miss the following Port Hedland tourist attractions when you stay with us.
THE PILBARA REGION
Port Hedland attractions near you
We’ve put together some of our recommended things to do in Port Hedland to help you make the most of your stay. If you’d like to know more, feel free to ask one of our friendly local staff.
Port Hedland Golf Course
Fancy a round of golf? Spend a leisurely afternoon at the Port Hedland Golf Club, which also features an onsite bar and restaurant.
Open 7 days a week, visitors can hire carts and clubs to play.
Seafarers Tour
Take in spectacular sea and harbour views on a boat tour with the Port Hedland Seafarers Centre. With ticket discounts for families and seniors, this educational tour runs regularly during the peak season of May – October.
Port Hedland Turf Club
Scrub up and head out to enjoy the annual racing season at the Port Hedland Turf Club! From May – July, the club hosts six race meetings, including two of the Pilbara’s biggest events: Port Hedland Ladies Day and Port Hedland Cup Day.
Turtle Monitoring
During the Port Hedland turtle season, you can witness local flatback sea turtles emerging from the beach to nest (or even hatch!)
For guided turtle viewing tours, please contact the local Care for Hedland Environmental Association who manage the turtle monitoring program.
Dalgety House Museum
Dalgety House is a historic house museum in Port Hedland.
Explore historical artefacts and photographs that highlight the impact of white colonisation on the local Kariyarra people and talk to the local museum volunteers about days gone by.
Staircase to the Moon
Come see the famed Staircase to the Moon in Port Hedland. This breath-taking natural phenomenon occurs between May and October in WA’s North West region, when the moon’s rays shine over the exposed sea bed at low tide.
Don Rhodes Mining and Transport Museum
Check out the old locomotives and enjoy a BBQ at this open-air museum park. Named after the celebrated pioneer, Don Rhodes, the park pays tribute to Don’s contributions to Port Hedland’s mining and transport industries.
Pretty Pool
A beautiful little beach surrounded by mangroves and dunes, Pretty Pool is a popular spot for swimming and fishing in Port Hedland. A lawn area with BBQ facilities, showers, and toilets is also nearby.
Port Hedland Serge Vessels
Part of the Australian Silo Art trail, these brightly-coloured artworks are a must-see and fun photo opportunity! You’ll find them on the corner of Styles and Wilson Street.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Perth to Port Hedland?
It takes just over 2 hours to fly from Perth to Port Hedland International Airport, which is just an 8-minute drive away from the Hedland Hotel.
When is the best time to visit Port Hedland?
As Port Hedland has a tropical climate, there are two main seasons here: the hot, humid, and rainy wet season, which is from November to April, and the dry season, from May to November.
Most tourists visit Port Hedland during the dry season, where average high temperatures sit around 27°C – the perfect weather for a dip in the ocean or exploring nearby walking trails and lookouts.
Where can I see the Staircase to the Moon in Port Hedland?
The best spot to see the Staircase to the Moon in Port Hedland is from the Cooke Point Viewing Platform at the end of Goode Street, which is just a 5-minute drive away from the Hedland Hotel. For the exact times to watch the Staircase to the Moon, please ask the Port Hedland Visitor Centre.
