All you need to know about Karratha

Can you swim in Karratha?

Yes! Karratha has several beaches, such as Whitnell and King Bay where you can swim at any time. Otherwise popular beaches such as Hearson’s Cove, Dampier, and Back Beach are tide dependent and require high tide. There are plenty of fresh water swimming holes within an hours drive of Karratha.

What can you do in Karratha?

Karratha offers fantastic natural sites and destinations. Visitors can enjoy beaches, creeks, swimming, camping, fishing, diving, four-wheel driving, hiking, and exploring the traditional culture of Australia. Karratha itself has several cafes, restaurants, regular festivals, and frequent community events. This is just part of all you need to know about Karratha.

Are there crocodiles in Karratha?

Generally no. Crocodiles are rarely sighted a couple of hundred km away from Karratha. However, the Kimberley and Pilbara regions are considered crocodile country. If concerned local DPaW office and be crocodile wise in your behaviour. Check out the brochure here.

How far is Karratha from Perth?

How far is it from Karratha to Broome?

Broome is 835.2km via National Highway from Karratha. Unfortunately, if you wish to fly between these two towns, you will need to fly down to Perth or to Darwin first with Virgin Australia or Qantas.

How hot does it get in Karratha?

Summers in Karratha are very hot and usually dry with temperatures between 35 °C – 46 °C. November until March is also cyclone season, so high humidity and thunderstorms are possible that provide cooler lulls from the heat. Winter in Karratha from June until September provides comfortable 20 °C – 28 °C days. The record high temperature is 48.2 °C (118.8 °F), while the record low was 6.9 °C (44.4 °F).

What is Karratha known for?

Karratha is known as the heart of West Pilbara Coast. It’s 20,000 permanent residence and central location makes it a frequent stop for visitors travelling the coast. Primarily known as a mining town due to several large iron ore and oil and gas plants. It is also a hidden gem in Western Australia. It is a fantastic base from where to explore the Millstream-Chichester National Park, Karijini National Park, Dampier Archipelago, Point Samson Peninsula and the Burrup Peninsula.

Is Red Dog true?

The movie and book are based on a true story of a Kelpie/cattle dog cross who lived from 1971 until November 21, 1979. In his life, Red Dog was well known for his travels through the Pilbara region of Western Australia. His home in Dampier, near Karratha, erected several statues in his memory you can visit here.

Is Karratha a mining town?

Karratha is an oil and gas hub of Western Australia. It is one of Australia’s largest nation’s mining towns in terms of population growth. Some of the large firms that work here include Rio Tinto, Woodside, and Yara. While there is a significant proportion of (FIFO) Fly in Fly out workers, the majority of the employees are families that live in the Karrataha suburbs. In addition to high salaries and wages, Karratha also has many beautiful natural sights to visit on days off or shift swings.

How populous is Karratha?

As of 2016, the population is 21,473 individuals. There are 5,000 families nd 9,000 private dwellings.

How are the schools in Karratha?

There are multiple preschools and primary schools. Both public and private catholic schools dispersed in the Karratha and Dampier Neighbourhoods. There are two high schools. The public Karratha State High has around 1,300 students while St Luke’s College has roughly 300 students.

What is there to do in Karratha today?

Karratha has extensive things to do including exploring natural areas including beaches, creeks or 4 wheel drive tracks, and much more. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to check out. There is also a Red Earth Art’s Center, historic towns including Cossack or beautiful Port Samson.

Are there many team sports in Karratha?

Team sports are extremely popular in Karratha. Male and Female Football, Rugby, Soccer, Basketball, Underwater Hockey, Volleyball, Netball, Water Polo are just some of the few. Tennis, Squash, and Swimming.

Things to do in Karratha

There are so many things to do in Karratha from outside adventures to indoor activities. Check out this website for plenty of outdoor camping, fishing, and hiking. Or click on the Events tab to see what is happening in town! This is all you need to know about Karratha.

Are there gyms in Karratha?

The Karratha Leisureplex contains a gym, classes, and an olympic sized pool. There is also a yoga studio and an F45 gym.

What are dog friendly places in Karratha?

Karratha has a range of dog-friendly restaurants including Stadium 26, Empire 6714, Lo’s Cafe, Fiorita, Blanche. Dampier has several including The Mermaid and Soak. Often these restaurants do not allow dogs for dinner, so check in advance. There are also several dog sitters and dog walkers if you need.

Are there dog or pet sitters in Karratha?

Karratha has several dog and pet sitting businesses designed to keep your pooch safe and happy. Feel free to check out the Karratha Pet Sitting Page or contact Dog Sitting Karratha.

What are the best things to do in Karratha?

Luckily, this website has the answers to all the free things you can do in town and all the places you can explore. Click on any of our categories to start your adventure in Karratha, or head over to our Facebook page for regular updates of events.

What bars and restaurants are there in Karratha?

There are several bars and restaurants in Karratha. Explore Karratha will have a dedicated section to them coming soon! You can find Mexican, Thai, Singaporean, Australian, Indian, and European cuisines. Along with several fast-food chains including McDonald’s, Hungry Jacks, KFC, and Chicken Treat.

What is fishing in Karratha like?

Read all about Karratha fishing and fishing rules in Western Australia here. 

What is diving like in Karratha?

Karratha has some of the most remote, biodiverse, and incredible diving on the Western coast. If you have your own boat, you are flexible to explore the myriad of reefs and rocks in the Dampier Archipelago. There are also some dive operators that you can contact for dive courses, or try your luck snorkelling off the coasts. There are Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Turtles, and Reef fish everywhere!

Check out some of the snorkelling or diving spots you can access with you car here.

Why is Karratha so expensive?

Karratha is expensive due to the isolated nature of the town and the large majority of mining, oil and gas companies. Due to higher than average wages and expensive running costs the prices of everything from housing, food, fuel and services reflect that.

Check out some of the snorkelling or diving spots you can access with you car here.