Port Hedland: Turtles, Harbour Views and Culture

Discover Port Hedland from three distinct perspectives: seasonal wildlife viewing, insights into harbour operations, and art and history throughout the town. Places to visit range from beaches and lookouts to galleries and museums. Seasonal natural events are particularly relevant when planning your visit; art, heritage and industrial history offer other points of interest.

Turtles on the beaches

The flatback turtle season in Port Hedland runs from October to March. During these months, numerous turtle nests can be found on the beaches. From October to March, you can watch flatback turtles (Natator depressus) nesting and hatching on Hedland’s beaches. Cemetery Beach Park is also a beach where sea turtles nest.

If you would like to join a guided evening tour to watch nesting turtles, confirm that the tour is available before you travel. A code of conduct applies to turtle watching. For information about watching and monitoring, contact the Care for Hedland Environmental Association, which runs the monitoring program.

Staircase to the Moon

Another seasonal natural attraction is the Staircase to the Moon. It occurs at the Port Hedland lookout between March and October, when moonlight reflects off water left in the sand ripples formed by the tides. The phenomenon depends on these conditions: the month alone does not indicate whether it will be visible on a particular night. Next to Discovery Caravan Park on Goode Street, there is a viewing platform built for the Staircase to the Moon.

Harbour views and activities on the water

Marapikurrinya Park on Richardson Street is recommended as a vantage point for watching harbour operations. It offers a designated perspective on Port Hedland’s harbour. There are several places to go for activities on the water: Finucane Island Boat Ramp is a spot where visitors can fish and launch boats, while Spoilbank Marina has a public fishing jetty.

Art and walking tours in the West End

A map is available for a self-guided street art walk through the West End’s laneways and streets. Another self-guided option is the Visitor Centre’s cultural and heritage trail, which passes through Port Hedland’s historic West End. Check locally to see whether the trail guide is available.

The Port Hedland Courthouse Gallery on Edgar Street offers a different cultural focus. Its year-round exhibition program includes works by Indigenous, national and local artists, as well as photographers. Alongside walks through the West End, the gallery’s exhibition program offers another cultural highlight.

Museums and industrial history

Dalgety House on Wedge Street has been converted into a museum and interpretation centre. Dalgety House Museum has an extensive collection of photographs and publications for the local community and tourists to view. Don Rhodes Mining Museum on Wilson Street displays historic mining and transport equipment. The two museums have different focuses: Dalgety House features photographs and publications, while Don Rhodes Mining Museum showcases historic mining and transport equipment.

Discover more destinations: Leeman, Prevelly, Cuballing, Forrestfield, Frankland River, Karijini, Neerabup, Middle Swan

For the broader travel overview: Western Australia.