The Gateway Town to Australia’s Famous National Parks – 5 Must-Visit Spots in Karratha

Karratha is a town located along the northern coast of Western Australia. Known for its abundance of natural gas and minerals, it also offers enjoyable sightseeing opportunities. From national parks that showcase Australia’s great outdoors to attractions that both adults and children can enjoy, here’s a guide to Karratha’s top spots. Use this as a reference for your trip!

1. Karratha Visitor Centre

If you’re visiting Karratha, the first stop should be the Karratha Visitor Centre. This is where you can get information about tourist spots accessible from Karratha.

From here, you can explore national parks such as Millstream-Chichester National Park with its striking red rocky hills, Karijini National Park with its beautiful gorges, and Murujuga National Park, home to ancient Aboriginal rock art. Other unique attractions include the lighthouse on Jarman Island to the east of Karratha. North of the town, the sea is dotted with islands where you can enjoy boating, snorkeling, camping, and other marine activities.

The Karratha Visitor Centre also offers tour bookings for these destinations. It’s a great place to plan your itinerary in detail.

2. Millstream-Chichester National Park

A must-see when in Karratha, Millstream-Chichester National Park is located about a two-hour drive south of the town. The journey there offers wildflowers and sweeping Australian landscapes. It’s a popular spot for outdoor activities and camping.

Inside the park, you’ll find vast grasslands, red dirt roads, eucalyptus trees, and termite mounds—classic Australian scenery. The highlight is the "Python Pool," a beautiful waterhole surrounded by brownish-red rock formations. Along hiking trails, you can see unique local plants such as spinifex grass and the vivid red Sturt’s desert pea.

The park also has the Millstream Visitor Centre and a museum where you can learn about attractions, trekking routes, and view Aboriginal art exhibits.

3. Murujuga National Park

About a 30-minute drive north from Karratha lies Murujuga National Park, Australia’s 100th designated national park and home to one of the world’s largest rock art collections—over one million pieces. The carvings depict animals such as birds and marine life, humans, and geometric patterns, recording not just the history of human habitation but also valuable Aboriginal traditions.

The park’s landscape includes granite and gabbro rock formations, mangroves, and tidal flats, offering a rich ecological variety. This is a place where you can feel the depth of Australia’s history within a vast natural setting.

4. Yaburara Heritage Trail

For those who want to enjoy trekking amidst Karratha’s stunning scenery, the Yaburara Heritage Trail is ideal—though it’s recommended for those in good health and with reasonable fitness.

Named after the Yaburara people who once lived on the Burrup Peninsula north of Karratha, this 3.5 km trail winds over the hills surrounding the town. Along the way, you’ll see unique terrain, native plants and animals, cultural heritage sites, and rock engravings. There are also viewpoints offering panoramic views of Karratha.

The trail offers both short and longer routes, so choose according to your fitness level. Wildlife such as snakes and lizards inhabit the area, so be sure to get the latest safety information from the Karratha Visitor Centre. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes, and protect yourself from the sun—daytime temperatures and sunlight can be intense.

5. The Youth Shed

Karratha also has family-friendly spots, and The Youth Shed is a favorite among children and young people. Located in the town center, it features an air-conditioned children’s playground, a café, a performing arts area, and a skate park.

Visitors can also enjoy music instruments, computers, games, and billiards—some facilities are even free to use. Seasonal events are held throughout the year, with schedules posted online. It’s an excellent choice for spending relaxed time with children while in Karratha.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced some of the best sightseeing spots in Karratha. Be sure to use this guide when planning your trip. Did you know about the natural phenomenon called the “Staircase to the Moon” visible in Western Australia? You can experience it at Hearson’s Cove, located near Karratha. Wishing you a wonderful journey!

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