Things to do and see in Port Hedland
Local tours - BHP Billiton Iron Ore and harbour cruises are all booked through the Port Hedland Visitor's Centre. BHPBIO tours run all year. All other tours operate during the peak tourist season (May - October).
Rass Mail Run - Partake in the weekly mail run to surrounding stations. Tours depart to Newman on Tuesday and from Port Hedland on Wednesdays.
Courthouse Art Centre and Gallery - 1960's vintage and located on Edgar Street, the building previously accommodated the Port Hedland Courthouse. It services local artists and Indigenous groups in the community.
Dalgety House Museum - Here you can learn how the impact of settlement affected Indigenous people of the Pilbara as well as offering audiovisual displays, recording of personal memories and photographic displays. Open only during peak season (May - August).
Marapikurrinya Park - Provides the best vantage point to view the movement of the huge ore-carriers and salt ships as they move through the harbour. Check with the PHVC for movement times.
Redbank Bridge Lookout - Two Australian exports (iron ore/salt) meet at this point. From the bridge you can see some of the world's longest and heaviest regularly scheduled trains. Check with the PHVC for daily movement times.
Don Rhodes Mining Museum - An open air museum established as a testimony to the pastoral, railway, manganese and iron ore industries.
Stairway to the Moon - A viewing platform was recently constructed to allow moongazers to view the natural phenomenon between April and October. Contact the PHVC for location, times and dates.
Koombana Lookout - Panoramic views across the port entrance and back across the Port Hedland hinterland. On a clear day you can see forever!
Cemetery Beach Park - This shady park right on the ocean has free gas BBQ's, toilet facilities and a large children's playground.
Old Port Hedland Pioneer's Cemetery - This cemetery was opened in 1912 and was in use until 1968. Many of the graves reflect the hardships faced by the early settlers. It is currently undergoing an upgrade and all histories are being recorded.
Annual Highlights
Hedland Cup - The Hedland Cup is the climax of the Port Hedland racing season. Hosted by the Port Hedland Turf Club, the Cup is held on the first Monday of August and is also the town's local public holiday (in lieu of Queen's Birthday).
Welcome to Hedland Night - Organised by the Town of Port Hedland, this is Hedland's largest community expo bringing together community groups, industry and businesses to celebrate and welcome all new residents to Hedland. For more information pleae contact the Town of Port Hedland on 9158 9300.
Spinifex Spree Festival - The town's largest and oldest festival and carnival spans over Friday night and Saturday. It features a variety of carnival rides, food and business stalls and entertainment including some of the country's biggest bands and performers such as Jimmy Barnes, Evermore and Spiderbait. The event is organised by the Town of Port Hedland and is held in late July.
West End Markets - Hosted by FORM and the Port Hedland Courthouse Art Gallery, the West End Markets is one of the biggest events on the community calendar. Held on Glass Lane and at the Courthouse Gallery Gardens, the markets are held four times a year and attracts over 20 stall holders selling food, art and crafts as well as featuring mystical creatures and live performances during the evening.
Hedland Art Awards - One of the biggest art awards in the country. The 2011 cash prize was the highest to date being over $50,000. The prestige of the awards is growing and it is expected the Hedland Art Awards will grow with every year. It is held towards the end of year.