Top things to do in the Shire of Roebourne

Explore the Dampier Archipelago

The Dampier Archipelago is a coastal wonderland comprising 42 islands and islets off the coast of Dampier and Point Samson. The islands offer excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, snorkelling, camping or family recreation. Please note that permits are required to access Sam's Island and are available at the visitor centres, along with further information on charter boat operators.

Participate in Local Industry Tours

The Pilbara Coast contributes over 15 per cent of Australia's national economy through exports, taxes and royalties, and the Port of Dampier is the highest export port in the country.

Resources of the Pilbara Tour

This fascinating tour takes a look at the nation's major resource providers including a visit to Dampier Salt Lookout, the Rio Tinto Parker Point and East Intercourse Island operations, as well as the Woodside gas plant and visitors' centre. Morning tea is provided, as well as a visit to Red Dog statue and the William Dampier Lookout. The tour departs from the Karratha Visitor Centre, bookings are essential.

Port to Port Tour

The Port to Port Tour leaves from the Roebourne Visitor Centre which is also the Old Goal Museum. The tour commences with a visit to the heritage building in Roebourne, then onto Cape Lambert's iron ore ship loading facilities, which boasts one of the longest and tallest jetty in Australia. Next stop is the old pearling port of Cossack, where your tour guide will provide you with a wealth of information about the history of the town. This tour takes approximately four hours and is run from May to October, booking are essential through the Roebourne Visitor Centre.

Marvel at Deep Gorge Rock Art & Hearsons Cove

This lovely sheltered cove is a popular swimming spot for families. Located on the Burrup Peninsula between Karratha and Dampier, Hearson's Cove provides an excellent location to see the 'Staircase to the Moon'. Barbeque facilities and shade are available making it the perfect picnic spot.

On your way to Hearsons Cove, call into Deep Gorge to see the Aboriginal rock engravings (petroglyphs). This area is recognised as one of the most prolific Aboriginal art sites in Australia, listed by the Heritage Council of WA in July 2007. More than 10, 000 individual rock engravings and etchings have been identified in this area.

Discover the North West Shelf Venture Visitors Centre

The internationally renowned North West Shelf Venture Visitors' Centre includes interactive displays that invite you to look, touch, feel and listen as you learn. Overlooking the Karratha Gas Plant, the visitors' centre is situated on the Burrup Road about 20km from Karratha. As opening times are seasonal, please call 9158 8292 for information. Admission is free.

Admire the Natural Wonders

Python Pool is a permanent freshwater plunge pool at the base of a cliff in the Chichester Range escarpment. This popular picnic and swimming spot is located on the Roebourne/Wittenoon Road, 78km from the North West Coastal Highway turn-off, 28km east of Roebourne.

Miaree Pool is located a few hundred metres east of the bridge on the North West Costal Highway, about 30km from Karratha. This pool is a lovely spot for a picnic, camping, swimming or just lying around under the wonderland of the trees that grow to the water's edge. Harding River Dam is an ideal destination for a day drive and picnic with free gas barbecues and shade gazebos, set amongst grassed areas on the edge of the downstream water course. The dam provides water for the local towns and offers several vantage points from which to take in the dramatic scenery of red Pilbara rocks contrasting starkly with the deep blue/green of the water. Toilets and running water are available.

Follow the footsteps of Early Settlers at Cossack

The Cossack self-drive day trip follows the footsteps of the early settlers who came to WA's West Pilbara Coast in search of their fortune during the gold rush. The town boasts eight restored buildings and the cemetery, all of which have been listed by the National Trust. While visiting Cossack, enjoy Settlers Beach, located just metres from the town, with its wide sandy shores it is an excellent location for swimming, fishing, diving and snorkelling.

Aboriginal rock art can be seen on nearby cliffs, and the lookout offers 360 degree panoramic views.

Soak up the Culture at Roebourne Old Goal & Museum

The Roebourne Visitor Centre is located in the Old Goal which is now a museum. The Old Goal has played an important role in the history of law enforcement in the North West. In the museum you will experience a glimpse of what life was like, not just for the traditional owners, but for the men and women who came to this area as the first European settlers. Roebourne is 30km east of Karratha and has many fine old buildings still remaining as a reminder of the town's pioneering past.

Throw a line in at one of the local Fishing Spots

The Pilbara Coast boasts some of the best fishing in Western Australia. Even if you don't have a boat to explore the Dampier Archipelago there are a number of great fishing spots where you can throw a line in. Try Pope's Nose and John's Creek at Point Samson, or alternatively Karratha Back Beach and Dampier Boat Ramp are all ideal places for fishing.

Be Inspired by Local Art

With two indigenous art groups based in Roebourne, you can view and purchase local artwork that is inspired by their country and culture. The Roebourne Art Group (9182 1396) and Yinjaa-Barni Art Group (9182 1959) are home to some local talented artists who have won awards and have had their art work displayed throughout WA.