Keen For Karratha?

Want to escape the cold during the winter months? Do you enjoy a pleasant blend of the outback and the sea? Seeking the campervan hire adventure of a lifetime? Well you can stop your searching because we have found the perfect place for you.

The beautiful town of Karratha adjoins the Port of Dampier in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Situated approximately 1,535 kilometres north of Perth and 850 kilometres south of Broome, Karratha is an ideal distance from the state's major cities and is the perfect place for a campervan holiday away from them.

In the local Aboriginal language, the word Karratha translates into "good country" and "soft earth". This could not be any more literal as this is a truly beautiful town that has very few faults. Its population of just under 12,000 people means that it is a quiet and peaceful town to stay in, and the perfect place to escape the crowds of the city.

As soon as you drive into Karratha you will notice the change of pace, the laid-back atmosphere and what can only be described as awe-inspiring surrounds. The hills that surround Karratha are carpeted with spinifex and its creeks are lined with beautiful white-barked coolabah trees. Hidden amongst these beautiful scenes you will find tranquil rockpools and unforgettable picnic spots. These rest next to twisted layers of rock that have formed as the result of hundreds of years of massive geological forces.

The first thing you should take care of upon arrival is deciding where you wish to stay over the next few days in your campervan hire Perth. The best option in town is without doubt the Pilbara Holiday Park. Centrally located within the heart of Karratha, this is the region's best resort park and provides outback adventurers with everything they could possibly need after a long day of driving and exploring. Once you have set up your camper, take a refreshing dip in the resort-style pool and enjoy a family BBQ in one of the many facilities on offer. This is the life!

Wake up fresh in the morning, prepared to embark on some of the state's most intriguing walking trails. The best one to start with is the Jaburara Heritage Trail, which spans a total of 3.5 kilometres. This trail runs along the tops of the ranges and offers some truly breathtaking views. Take some time to discover the Aboriginal art and unique flora and fauna, and don't forget to take your camera.

The Chichester Range Camel Trail is another fantastic trail as it takes you right through the heart of the Chichester National Park. This walk provides a fascinating insight into the hardships experienced by the early settlers of Karratha and will really open your eyes to their history.

The Dampier Archipelago offers something a little different and will allow you to take a break from the outback for a while and discover an amazing part of the coastline. Explore some of the 42 islands that are located off the Dampier Coast and you will uncover a haven of fish and marine life. This is the perfect eco-tourism activity as it offers a unique experience that not too many people have yet discovered.

Once you have attempted all of the fantastic trails, spend some time discovering everything else that Karratha has to offer. Since this town is the commercial hub of the Pilbara region it should come as no surprise that it boasts a wide range of recreational activities. Everything from golf, tennis and lawn bowls, to beautiful beaches, fishing and snorkeling are on offer here and are simply begging to be experienced.

After all this fun and exploration, it's nice to have a "home" to go back to at the end of the day. Campervanning around Australia is perhaps the best way to experience everything this incredible country has to offer. Karratha is just one of these places, but once you visit you are almost guaranteed to want to come back again.

Christine Barton