Within Australia's North West stretches the Pilbara region. The size of Victoria, it lies about 1200km north of Perth and is about as far away from the populated east coast as you can get. However once discovered the area will never be forgotten. You will come away from the Pilbara with a new respect for the early sea captains who explored its rugged coast in small sailing vessels and for the gold prospectors who braved heat and isolation to seek their fortune in the area east of Newman and Nullagine. And you will remember with awe the deep gorges and emerald-coloured rock pools of Karijini National Park. Rocky outcrops that dot the countryside are the best place to see wildflowers because the rainfall that runs off the rocks concentrates the multitude of flowers that grow at the base.
Whether you are climbing the magnificent Mount Augustus or Kennedy Range, the true way to experience the area is to get out of the car and take a walk. If you are looking for something more off the beaten track, then there is Karlamilyi (Rudall River) National Park. Totalling some 1.3 million hectares, this Park is WA’s largest and most remote national park, situated in both the Great Sandy and Little Sandy deserts.
Make sure that you are well prepared to explore the Pilbara region, and above all avoid the scorching heat of the summer months unless you decide to stay close to the cool waters of the Indian Ocean.
View our range of atlases, guides and maps of The Pilbara: