Events not to miss out on!

FeNaClng FESTIVAL

If you visit Karratha during the last weekend of July don't miss the FeNaCIng Festival. The name comes from the chemical symbols of the three main production and export commodities in Karratha and Dampier: Iron Ore-Fe, Salt-NaCl and Natural Gas-NG (not strictly correct but it makes the name work!). The festival is of such importance locally that the Monday is a gazetted public holiday

Roebourne Cup Races

The Nor West Jockey Club was established in 1867, the oldest continuous run club in Western Australia. The season commences in June including the Roebourne Cup Race Day which is one of the biggest events in the Pilbara social calendar. You'll even get the chance to join in the old Australian game, two-up, which is played at the end of each race day.

The Cossack Art Awards

Every August the historic town of Cossack comes alive with artistic expression with the Cossack Art Awards. Beginning in 1993, it has now become the richest regional acquisitive art award in Australia.

Turtle Nesting & Whale Watching

Pilbara beaches and islands are important nesting sites for green, flatback hawksbill and loggerhead turtles. Females come ashore to lay their eggs between September and April. Humpback whales arrive between June and July each year to calf in the warm tropical waters and depart in October. For more information brochures are available at the local visitor centres and Department of Environment and Conservation.

The Staircase to the Moon

Blink and you'll miss it! The staircase to the moon is an illusion created by a full moon rising over mudflats on a low tide. The effect is breathtaking and creates the illusion of a staircase leading to the moon. This phenomenon occurs in several areas on the West Coast including Hearson's Cove and various locations overlooking the mud flats from Cossack. Check local guides for current dates and times.

APEX Garden Party

More than 300 guests are transported from Karratha to historic Cossack to enjoy an afternoon of fun and festivities at the annual APEX Garden Party. The historic town site is transformed into a refi ned afternoon party with local entertainment. Guests must dress in either period, formal or fancy dress with groups of friends or workmates creating themes to stretch everyone's imagination. The Garden Party is held on the last weekend in August.

Fishing Competitions

The Bill Fish Shoot-out is held on the Foundation Day Long Weekend (June) each year and is a tag and release competition hosted by the Nickol Bay Sport Fishing Club. Over the FeNaCIng Festival long weekend (August) the King Bay Game Fishing club hosts the Dampier Classic. Both events are open to the public.

Business Excellence Awards

Hosted by the KDCCI, this gala dinner event is about recognising and celebrating the achievements of local businesses in the area including franchises, not-for-profit, individuals and community organisations. This year's awards ceremony and gala dinner is scheduled for September. For more information visit www.kdcci.asn.au.

Guy Fawkes Night

Held in early November each year, the Guy Fawkes Night is hosted by the Hampton Harbour Boat Club. The event is a great opportunity for the family to get together with a picnic or barbeque on the shores of Dampier to watch the fireworks display.

For these and many more events that are held throughout the year, check the local paper and guides for times and locations.