Discovery Parks - Carnarvon
Carnarvon · Shire of Carnarvon
★ 4.4
Ancient gorges, red earth and the iron-ore coast of WA's north-west.
The Pilbara is a vast, ancient region in the north-west of Western Australia — red earth, spinifex plains and some of the oldest exposed rock on the planet. It is the engine room of the state's iron-ore industry, but beyond the mines lies extraordinary country for travellers.
Karijini National Park is the region's showpiece, a maze of deep gorges, hidden pools and waterfalls carved into banded ironstone over two billion years. On the coast, Karratha, Port Hedland and Dampier open onto the turquoise waters and coral of the Dampier Archipelago and Murujuga (Burrup Peninsula), home to one of the world's largest collections of Aboriginal rock art.
Distances out here are large and the seasons matter — the cooler, dry months from about April to September are the comfortable time to explore. Whether you're gorge-walking in Karijini, fishing the coast or following the Warlu Way, the Pilbara rewards those who make the trip.
Next 7 days at The Pilbara
Live forecast from Open-Meteo. Updated each time the page loads.
Loading forecast…
Photos from around The Pilbara
Frequently asked about The Pilbara
- Where is The Pilbara?
- The Pilbara is in North West, Western Australia, Australia. The destination guide above maps the area; the drive-times panel further down lists distances to other Western Australia destinations so you can pencil it into a longer itinerary.
- Where can I stay near The Pilbara?
- We list 5 caravan and holiday parks in and around The Pilbara above — powered sites, cabins, glamping, and big-rig-friendly options. Pet rules, dump points and shaded sites are noted on each park's page. For hotel-style stays, the Drive Times panel makes it easy to base yourself in a nearby town and day-trip in.
- Is The Pilbara good for families with kids?
- The Pilbara is generally suited to families — outdoor space, accommodation options for all budgets, and a slower pace away from the major cities. The "What else is around" panel above lists everything nearby; if a museum, aquarium or wildlife park is what your kids want, check the closest larger town for those.
- Is there public transport at The Pilbara?
- Coverage varies — major destinations have train and bus links from the closest capital, but smaller regional towns rely on infrequent coach services. The most reliable way to explore the wider area is a hire car or your own vehicle. If you're using public transport, plan around the timetables and check the night before you travel; rural routes are often once or twice a day.
- How much does a trip to The Pilbara cost?
- Budget travellers can do The Pilbara on roughly $120–180 per person per day (caravan park, cooking your own, free walks); mid-range $200–350 (hotel, paid attractions, eating out once a day); higher-end $400+ (boutique stays, tours, fine dining). Fuel is the big variable — Australia's regional driving distances add up. Tours and attractions in the listings above show prices in AUD where the operator publishes them.
- Will I have phone signal at The Pilbara?
- Most named destinations in Western Australia have at least Telstra and Optus coverage in town. Coverage drops off quickly outside built-up areas — particularly in national parks, valleys and along long stretches of highway. If you're heading into remote areas, download offline maps before you leave, tell someone your itinerary, and consider a PLB (personal locator beacon) for serious bush walks.
Everything in The Pilbara
Browse every guide, listing and how-to for The Pilbara.
Accommodation(3)
Activities(2)
Tours(1)
Transport & hire(1)
All tours in The Pilbara
No tours matched to this destination yet.
