To visit the Pilbara is to step back in time. Maybe it’s the sheer scale of the place, with its tower-ing red cliffs of ancient rock, tranquil pools of turquoise cupped amongst lush greenery and fields of lavender Mulla Mulla swaying to the rhythm of calming breezes. Literally billions of years old, the Pilbara both astounds and welcomes you in a way that you instantly feel a part of its majesty. It is a place where you slowly let go and allow yourself to be immersed in its magnetic charm.

The Shire of Ashburton is a haven for history, nature and adventure seekers alike. You can explore historic ruins and massive mining operations, conquer rocky mountains, hike the famous Karijini gorges and swim in their beautiful rock pools. There is bountiful fish to be caught, astound-ing coral reefs to discover and breathtaking views at every stop - none more than the phenomenal Staircase to the Moon event. A kaleidoscope of colour, this vast ancient land will never leave you.

Discover the Shire of Ashburton:n Onslown Mackerel Islandsn Emu Creek Stationn Karijini National Parkn Tom Pricen Paraburdoon Millstream Chichester National Parkn Pannawonica

W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A

Your journey begins here.

1 Onslow Onslow is a beautiful coastal town with a nice, sunny climate, particularly April-September. It is the oldest town in the Ashburton Shire, with a colourful history including pearl lugging and devastation by cyclone and Japanese bombing in World War II. Onslow will appeal to those with an avid interest in fishing, history and nature.

MUST SEE: • Scenic attractions

> Heritage Trail: Enjoy leisurely walks and charming historic insights> Ian Blair Memorial Walkway: Extremely popular boardwalk from Beadon Point

Lookout, through natural vegetation to Sunset Beach> Termite Mound Viewing Area: Marvel at these prolific ant nests > Bobby’s Tree: Iconic memorial 60km from town

• Historical Attractions> Onslow Salt: A colossal sight - produces up to 2.5 million tonnes/year!> Good Shed Museum: Heritage listed and houses Onslow’s fascinating historical artifacts> ‘Old Onslow’: Original town abandoned in 1925, now home to restored ruins> Old police station: View the prison and jetty remains

• Staircase to the Moon: One of the best places in WA to view this beautiful optical illusion phenomenon over exposed mudflats

• Sunset & Sunrise: Witness both sunrise and sunset over water MUST DO: • Fishing hotspots

> Sunrise beach: fish, swim, snorkel, collect shells, boat ramp, beach shelter> Sunset Beach: fish, swim, shell collecting, shaded picnic area, fish cleaning

facilities, sunset viewing> Four Mile Creek: fishing, crabbing, picnic, BBQ area, shaded shelter> Ashburton River: fish, swim, picnic, bushwalking, camping> Beadon Creek: fish at the Groyne> Fishing Charters: April to October - call: 08 9184 6644 for availability

MUST KNOW: • Dump point: Located on Cameron Avenue near the public toilets • Water refill tap: Located at Second Avenue next to the Visitors Centre• Ashburton River Camping permits: Free permits available from Shire offices between

9am-4pm, Mon-FriMUST STAY: • Ocean View Caravan Park• Ashburton River Camping Ground: No facilities – take own water• Ashburton Resort • Onslow Sun Chalets

2 Mackerel IslandsLocated 22 kilometres off the Onslow coast, the Mackerel Islands are surrounded by a world-class reef system that links surrounding areas such as the Ningaloo Reef and Montebello Islands. Its pristine waters and coral reefs are home to an abundance of colourful, alluring reef fish and marine life, making it a tantalising lure for those keen on top shelf fishing and snorkeling or anyone with an appreciation of nature at its dazzling best.

MUST SEE: • Everything: Spectacular coral reefs hosting a

whirlpool of marine activity, spotless beaches and island wildlife

MUST DO: • Fishing

> Bring your own boat and cast a line > Join a Mackerel Islands fishing tour and

chase red emperor, spangled emperor, golden trevally, giant trevally and coral trout

• Diving for crayfish• Snorkeling: An array of five-star fish, turtles,

coral reefs and marine life• Bird watching• Relaxing on the beaches• Shell collecting• Eating fresh seafood• Join a Mackerel Islands tour: Explore by boat

or light aircraft

MUST KNOW: • Onslow Visitor Centre: For more information

about tours of the Mackerel Islands• Boat Mooring: A mooring is available for

guests staying at Direction Island for boats less than 6m long

MUST STAY: Two of the ten islands that make up the Mackerel Islands, Thevenard Island and Direction Island, provide a range of accommodation options. Book at bookings@mackerelislands.com.au

3 Emu Creek StationSpanning over 309,000 acres, Emu Creek Station allows you to experience the adventure of Australian outback isolation at its best. It is a privately owned working station run by a friendly Pilbara family who welcome caravanners with true-blue Aussie hospitality. • 22km off the North West Coastal

Hwy travelling from Exmouth towards Nanutarra

• Riverside camping and unpowered caravan sites available from $25 per car

• Authentic family hospitality with home cooked meals, showers and toilets

• Visit www.emucreekstation.com or call 9943 0534 for more information

4 Paraburdoo

Paraburdoo is a 40-year-old purpose built mining town that lies on the desert fringe of the Hamersley Ranges. It is renowned for its beautiful scenery, wildlife diversity and interesting short history - including UFO sightings, the discovery of 200-year-old bones and royal visits.

MUST SEE: • Palm Springs: A permanent water source

with exceptional bird watching. It is a Heritage Site for the Innawonga People, located 50km north along Paraburdoo TP Road

• Kelly’s Pool: ~8kms out of town and the local year round water hole with picnic facilities (swimming prohibited)

• Ratty Springs: Discover Aboriginal rock art and natural springs (50kms away - need permission to access Dirt Road from Rio Tinto Gate House)

MUST DO: • Route to the Karijini: Follow this popular

route via the Tom Price Road and admire the amazing landscape

MUST KNOW: • The airport: Located only 10 minutes

away with Qantas flights daily to Perth • Facilities: Supermarket, newsagency,

bottleshop, pharmacy and gift shop

Barlee RangeNature Reserve

Mungaroona RangeNature Reserve

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Mackerel IslandsPannawonica

Millstream Chichester

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Karijini National Park

• Services: Police station, Royal Flying Doctor Service, library, shire office, post office, credit union, child health clinic, medical centre and Anglican and Catholic Churches

• Temperature: Paraburdoo’s highest recorded maximum temperature is 48.9 degrees and the lowest recorded temperature is 1.5 degrees

MUST STAY: • The Paraburdoo Caravan Park provides 10

caravan bays for tourists. Contact the Rocklea Palms hotel on 9189 5018 for bookings.

• Paraburdoo Inn

5 Tom Price Deep in the

Hamersley Ranges at the foot of Mt Nameless you’ll find Tom Price – Western Australia’s highest town at 747m above sea level. It is a scenic town, named after an American geologist who played an important role in identifying the region’s enormous mineral wealth. Fully serviced with a range of accommodation, it is

the perfect place to base yourself when planning to visit Karijini National Park.

MUST SEE: • Mount Nameless/Jarndunmunhna: 4kms from

town, 1128m high with spectacular panoramic views of Tom Price and Rio Tinto Iron Mine (4WD track and walk trail access to summit)

MUST DO: • Karijini tours: Experience the wonder. Tours

depart most days• Open cut mine tours: Be overawed by some

of the world’s largest Iron Ore-extracting machinery

• Visitors Centre: Drop in for abundant local information!

MUST KNOW: • Facilities: Major supermarket, bank, doctor,

hospital, service station, post office and library and restaurants (Tom Price Hotel-Motel and Windawarri Lodge)

• Temperature: Beware of extremes (from zero at night to up to 45°C)

• Stray animals: Be wary on roads• Road conditions: Check current conditions,

inform others of plans• Mobile Coverage: Telstra strongest, Optus

has limited coverage• Creek beds: Never camp in dry creek beds

due to flash flooding

MUST STAY: • Tom Price Tourist Park • Tom Price Hotel-Motel• Windawarri Lodge

6 Karijini National Park

The Shire of Ashburton’s crown jewel and one of Australia’s greatest treasures, witnessing the splendour of Karijini is an experience to be cherished for a lifetime. Also known as the Hamersley Ranges, Karijini is Western Australia’s second largest national park, boasting breathtaking gorges, waterfalls, permanent rock pools and some of the oldest landforms in the world. Beautifully scarred with deep chasms formed over two billion years ago contrasted by lush greenery, Karijini is the homeland of the Punjima, Kurrama and Innawonga Aboriginal people – many of whom live near Tom Price. An unforgettable experience awaits.

MUST SEE: • Oxers Lookout: Junction where four gorges

merge, one of the most breathtaking views in the park

• Hamersley Gorge• Weano Gorge• Hancock Gorge• Dales Gorge & Circular Pool• Fortescue Falls• Fern Pool• Mt Bruce: WA’s second highest mountain

- stop on the way to Karijini for a beautiful scenic walk

MUST DO: • Bushwalking: For beginners, there are

easy-walk trails through the heart of gorges winding past amazing scenery. For the experienced walker, follow rock pathways, cling to rocky edges and submerge yourself in cool springs

• Swimming in rock pools and waterfalls: Unforgettable, tranquil experience that should not be missed

MUST KNOW: • Park Fees: Pay fees at entrance stations,

Karijini Visitors Centre or Pilbara Visitors Centre• Camp Fees: Deposit at provided collection boxes• Facilities: Picnic facilities, toilets, free BBQs• Fires: Open fires not permitted in the national park• Rock Pools: Can be cold to swim in during

winter months

MUST STAY:• Dales Gorge campsite• Karijini Eco Retreat & Savannah campsite

7 Millstream Chichester National Park A 200,000-hectare park surrounding the Fortescue River, Millstream Chichester National Park echoes the soul of the Pilbara with its rugged gorges contrasting against tropical rock pools, meandering watercourses and water lily-blanketed wetlands. The heartland of the Yindjibarndi people, the park is of great Aboriginal significance as it is the home of the mythological serpent, the ‘warlu’. The reserve is believed to hold almost two million cubic litres of water covering nearly 2,000 square kilometres – creating lush pools of great cultural significance.

MUST SEE: • Python Pool: Superb - one of the park’s most

scenic• Deep Reach Pool: Viewing deck and steps to

access pool for swimming• Chichester Range escarpment: Stunning rock

formations

MUST DO: • Bicycle track: 3km track that starts near

the Visitor Centre at the Old Millstream Homestead and winds through stunning scenery to Cliff Lookout

• Walking trails: Take the 750m Homestead Trail around Jirndawurrunha Pool (Lily Pond), the Murlamunyjunha trail to Crossing Pool or the 8km Heritage Camel Trail. Be sure to cool off in rock pools and absorb the amazing wildlife

MUST KNOW: • Camping facilities: Bush toilets and gas

BBQs. Park maps and information available from the park Visitor Centre

• Book: ‘Ngurra Wardurala Buluyagayi: Exploring Yindjibarndi Country’ is a must-have for travellers wanting to understand more about the significance of the park to its traditional owners

• Park Entry Fee: $11 single entry or purchase DEC’s Annual All Park Pass for unlimited entry into Millstream, Karijini and all national parks throughout WA

• Millstream-Yarraloola Road: Unsuitable for buses, caravans, trailers or two-wheel drives

• Millstream Homestead Visitors Centre: Find out about early settler history and nature information, obtain ranger contact details, phone card telephone

MUST STAY: • Crossing Pool Camping Ground: Small to

medium camper trailers, not suitable for caravans

• Miliyanha Campground: Close to the Homestead Visitor Centre, bush toilets and camp kitchen with hot water

• Stargazers Campground: Bush toilets and gas

8 Pannawonica

Pannawonica’s name was taken from the nearby Pannawonica Hill, which drew its name from the Aboriginal word meaning ‘the hill that came from the sea’. Legend has it that an ownership argument caused the sea spirit to drag the hill inland, gouging the land and forming the Robe River.The town is a purpose built mining town and houses more than 1000 people who work the nearby mines. Built in 1970 and gazetted as a town site in 1972, Pannawonica is a ‘closed

town’, meaning its facilities are mainly reserved for staff and contractors. However, visitors are always welcome, and Pannawonica makes for a fantastic spot to stop for supplies and refuel.

MUST SEE: • Robe River: Well-shaded swimming holes,

picnic and camping areas – a flora and fauna haven!

• Aboriginal rock art: Discover world class, ancient rock art (recommended access via 4WD)

MUST DO: • Robe River Rodeo: A must see annual event

that doubles the town’s population over the weekend and attracts interstate competitors, with fun and competitions for all ages

MUST KNOW: • Pannawonica access: Sealed road from

North-West Coastal Highway • Weather: Mean maximum between 26.7°C

and 40.9°C. December-March wet season, experiences cyclonic storms

• Facilities: Post office, supermarket, milk-bar, pub, public swimming pool, police station, petrol station and a free drive-in cinema

• Accommodation: Limited facilities.

MUST STAY:• Pannawonica Caravan Park: 3 bays available

with shower and toilet facilities - 3 night stay maximum. Bookings in advance recommended by contacting the local shire library on 9184 1038.

Key region contact infoTom Price Visitors Centrewww.tomprice.org.au(09) 9188 1112

Tom Price Tourist Parkwww.tompricetouristpark.com.au(08) 9189 1515

Onslow Visitors Centrewww.onslow.crc.net.au (08) 9184 6644

Ocean View Caravan Park (ONSLOW)(08) 9184 6053

Discovery Park Onslowwww.discoveryparks.com.au (08) 9184 6007

Mackerel Islandswww.mackerelislands.com.au(08) 9184 6444

Department of Environment & Conservation (DEC)www.dec.wa.gov.au

Karijini National Park Visitors Centre (08) 9189 8121

Karijini Eco Retreat www.karijiniecoretreat.com.au

Millstream National Park(08) 9184 5144

Pannawonica town library(08) 9184 1038

Paraburdoo town library (08) 9189 5402

Emu Creek Outback Stationwww.emucreekstation.com (08) 9943 0534

Shire of Ashburtonwww.ashburton.wa.gov.au

Shire of AshburtonThe Shire of Ashburton comprises of four established town sites: Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Onslow and Pannawonica, spanning a massive 105,647km² from ‘reef to range’ – that’s nearly half the size of Victoria!Covering such a vast region, it’s not surprising the Shire has a long list of attractions to boast. Headlined by the awe-inspiring Karijini Park, the region is also the lifeblood of oil, gas, mining, cattle and fishing industries. As the Shire grows in stature, diversity continues to be Ashburton’s badge of hon-our, complementing existing Indigenous communities with thriving tourism and industry; a curious hybrid epitomised by the contrasting nature of the tropical-arid landscapes themselves.