Port Hedland Visitor's Centre

The Town of Port Hedland was founded in 1863 by Captain Peter Hedland, Commanding Officer of the ship 'Mystery', and called the town 'Mangrove Harbour'. It was his Surveyor-General who renamed the town 'Port Hedland'.

The town underwent continual development to expand its port and in the 1960's a development program was implemented to introduce housing and infrastructure to support the growing community. The suburb South Hedland as born out of this program.

There is a rich history of Indigenous culture in the Town of Port Hedland. Port Hedland is home to the Karriyarra people and their language is still spoken in the region today; the word 'Marapikurrinya' is the Karriyarra word for Port Hedland (named after the hand shaped formation of the tidal creeks coming off the natural harbour).

South Hedland is located 18km inland from Port Hedland. The Town Centre is currently undergoing a revitalisation with the end result boasting a lively and attractive town square with shops, offices, cafes, bars and restaurants.

The Town's location on the Indian Ocean provides for a variety of aquatic leisure activities, including superb fishing. Other popular recreational activities include diving, camping, whale watching and turtle monitoring.

Nearby are Millstream and Karajini National Parks, as well as Pardoo, Indee and De Grey Stations. The towns of Karratha, Roebourne, Wickham and Dampier are a two hour drive south of Hedland, whilst the popular tourist destination Broome is a six hour drive north.

Port Hedland Visitor's Centre Information

Where to find us

Port Hedland Visitor's Centre
13 Wedge Street, Port Hedland
(adjacent to ANZ Bank and opposite Australia Post)

Opening Hours

Peak Season
Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 4.30pm
Saturday - 9am to 4pm
Sunday and Public Holidays - Closed

Off Season
Monday to Friday - 9am to 4pm
Weekends and Public Holidays - Closed

Contact Us

Phone: (08) 9173 1711
Fax: (08) 9173 2632

Services we offer

• Book the famous BHP Billiton Iron Ore tour
• Local, regional and state information
• Public Internet (ADSL)
• Modern Souvenir Range
• Tour bookings - local and regional
• Accommodation bookings
• Photocopying
• Greyhound/Integrity Bus Bookings
• Airport Shuttle Bus