Port Hedland to Perth inland road trip: Best stops, distance & time
Port Hedland to Perth road trip: Karijini to Newman leg
Keep going towards Newman however, and you’ll pass the Robinson Rest Area – another free camping site – and Wonmunna Gorge. This narrow gorge has a permanent pool and swathes of Aboriginal rock engravings, but you’ll need a 4WD vehicle to get there.
It’s another 75km from Wonmunna Gorge to Newman.
Things to do in Newman once there include taking in the view of the enormous Mount Whaleback Mine from the Radio Hill Lookout. If you fancy getting a closer look at the BHP Billiton mining operation, then you can take a Mount Whaleback mine tour.
Elsewhere, the Lions Animal Park is a rudimentary wildlife park and the Fortescue Golf Club has an 18 hole public golf course.
20 minutes south-west of town, the Opthalmia Dam on the Fortescue River provides Newman’s water supply. It’s a good spot for canoeing and birdwatching, but swimming is not permitted.
If it’s a wild swim you want, the Gingianna Pool just off the Great Northern Highway before it crosses the Fortescue River is the best bet.
Accommodation in Newman is notorious for booking out well in advance. Make sure you have a room lined up before you arrive.
Prices at the Seasons Hotel and Capricorn Village vary wildly, but both have pools. Mia Mia House In The Desert gets good reviews, too.
Port Hedland to Perth inland drive: Newman to Meekatharra
It’s another 1,177km from Newman to Perth, of which the first 422km takes you to Meekatharra. On the way out of Newman, you cross the Tropic of Capricorn just south of Newman Airport. There’s a sign by the roadside should you wish to get a souvenir photo.
The route passes through Collier Range National Park, which is not set up for visitors. To even attempt to explore it you’ll need a 4WD vehicle and permission from neighbouring station owners to use their tracks.
To the south of Collier Range National Park, you can refuel at the Kumarina Roadhouse. This is the last place to fill up before Meekatharra, and is priced accordingly.
Otherwise, there are basic campgrounds by the Gascoyne River crossings.
Meekatharra is the logical overnight stop, and has a few attractions to keep you occupied. The Meekatharra Museum is mainly old photos, but there are several walking trails that should keep the attention for longer.
The Meeka Town Heritage Walk tells the town’s gold-mining backstory, while the 3km Meeka Rangelands Discovery Trail focuses more on culture and Indigenous heritage.
For natural attractions, the highlight is Peace Gorge, about 5km north-west of town. Expect big granite rock formations here.
There are a few accommodation options in Meekatharra, but don’t expect luxury.
Click through to the next section: Meekatharra to Mount Magnet.