Ancient mountains, breath-taking gorges, vast plains and tranquil oases greet the new explorers of the Pilbara. Travellers seeking an adventurous holiday are turning this Western Australian wilderness into a popular holiday destination. Located about 1500 kilometres north of Perth , the Pilbara offers many hidden treasures amongst its broad Spinifex plains. Engulfed by a 2.5 billion year old landscape are three excellent national parks, including the magnificent Karijini, regarded as one of the key attractions of North Western Australia .

An excellent base to prepare for a trip to the Karijini is Tom Price, a town that boasts one of the world’s largest high-grade bodies of iron ore.  Day trips to Hamersley Iron’s mining operations are available from the local tourist bureau, providing an insight into the technology, which drives the State’s largest export industry. There are many hidden treasures in the Pilbara, but Karijini National Park is a must see. Its rugged mountain ranges were formed beneath an ancient ocean where iron-rich sediments settled before being lifted to the surface by a tremendous geological upheaval over millions of years. The slow process of erosion sculpted the rock into breath-taking gorges where monsoonal rains create spectacular waterfalls and raging torrents. As the waters recede for the temperate winter, they leave scenic walks, which range from an easy stroll to a challenging two-day adventure with thrilling water slides and rock climbing up sheer cliffs.  The tranquil pools along the gorges provide trekkers with a place to relax swim or shower under the pure, fresh water trickling from the rocks above.

They are also a haven for much of the park’s unique flora and fauna, and colourful butterflies and dragonflies dance among delicate ferns while curious lizards keep a vigilant watch on passers-by.  There are walks for visitors of all fitness levels, from a half-hour trip to Junction Lookout to see the spectacular junction of four gorges, to weekend treks along Hancock Gorge, which involve a thrilling waterslide, as you get deeper into its red heart.

The best viewing times are usually early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the sun’s rays pick up the deep red of the gorges and make them glow spectacularly. Considering the sun shines nearly every day in the Pilbara, there is plenty of opportunity for checking them out. It takes just a couple of days to experience the different ecosystems represented in Karijini National Park , such is its diversity, but visitors will be left with a lifetime of memories.

After exploring, Tom Price and the inland Pilbara weave your way through the Chichester Ranges to the Millstream-Chichester National Park , which boasts some of the most amenable campsites around.  The historic Millstream homestead is a reminder of last century when the pastoral industry was the backbone of the region and cameleers pioneered outback transport routes.  It is situated on the Fortescue River and surrounded by lush waterlilies, ferns and the rare livistonia (Millstream Palm) which evokes the ancient rainforest, which retreated millions of years ago.  Along the coast, Onslow, Dampier, Karratha, Point Samson and Port Hedland are a short drive from pristine coastlines, which provide fertile fishing grounds and diving, which is in many places superior to the Great Barrier Reef .

In the warm, clear waters of the Dampier Archipelago, a group of 42 offshore islands, you’ll discover a boating and divers paradise.   Rent a ‘Getaway’ boat and explore the myriad of islands and reclusive sandy coves and beaches that bask in this warm blue ocean paradise.   Fishing charters depart from Onslow, Dampier, Point Samson and Port Hedland.  Go deep sea fishing where big mackerel, red emperor, coral trout and snapper abound.

Point Sampson Lodge is an ideal base from which to explore the coast and take part in a fishing, diving or snorkelling day with Point Sampson Charters.

Near Karratha, the Burrup Peninsula contrasts ancient Aboriginal rock art with the latest technology in the petroleum and natural gas industries.  Nearby, the former ghost town of Cossack has been restored and with the Pilbara’s first town, Roebourne gives a hands-on feel of what life was like for the early explorers.

The Pilbara ... An adventure 2 billion Years in the Making.