Major city · Australia
Port HedlandMarapikurrinya
Stop one night on the Perth–Broome run, or skip: the port, the ore trains and the turtles are the whole show, and May–Aug is the only sane window.
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- May–Aug
- avoid Oct–Mar (extreme heat, cyclone season from Dec)
- Airport
- PHE
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Port Hedland is an iron-ore export port in the Pilbara, 1,600–1,750 km north of Perth by road and two hours by air. Freighters queue offshore, trains almost 3 km long roll in from Newman, and flatback turtles nest on Cemetery Beach. It is a working town with motel prices to match, so most travellers use it as a break in a long drive rather than a destination.
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Port Hedland, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA safe working town with two real hazards: heat and isolation.
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckPHE Port Hedland Airport (11 km southeast of town and 11 km northeast of South Hedland; taxi about 10 min, roughly A$40 (≈ US$30) (check).PHE Port Hedland Airport (6.8 mi southeast of town and 6.8 mi northeast of South Hedland; taxi about 10 min, roughly A$40 (≈ US$30) (check).
- Getting aroundYou need a vehicle: sights are spread over 15 km and the heat rules out long walks.You need a vehicle: sights are spread over 9.3 mi and the heat rules out long walks.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- Sit-down mealPub main courseA$25–40 (≈ US$17–30)
- Street or quick mealCafé breakfast or lunchA$15–28 (≈ US$10–19)
- Beerschooner in a pub / six-pack at the bottle shopA$8–12 (≈ US$6–8)A$20–28 (≈ US$14–19)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$20–40 (≈ US$14–30)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Dalgety House)checkA$3 (≈ US$2) adult, A$1.50 (≈ under US$1) child
- Budget bedHostel or caravan-park cabin bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomA$280 (≈ US$190)
- High-end bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomA$420 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$120 (≈ US$80) · Mid A$200 (≈ US$140) · High A$320 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PHE Port Hedland Airport (11 km southeast of town and 11 km northeast of South Hedland; taxi about 10 min, roughly A$40 (check). Car rental on site.)PHE Port Hedland Airport (6.8 mi southeast of town and 6.8 mi northeast of South Hedland; taxi about 10 min, roughly A$40 (check). Car rental on site.)
Weather and climate
Port Hedland: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
37°C98°F
26°C79°F
9 rd
Feb
36°C97°F
26°C79°F
9 rd
Mar
37°C99°F
25°C77°F
7 rd
Apr
36°C96°F
22°C72°F
3 rd
May
31°C89°F
18°C64°F
3 rd
Jun
28°C82°F
15°C58°F
3 rd
Jul
28°C82°F
13°C56°F
2 rd
Aug
30°C86°F
14°C56°F
1 rd
Sep
33°C91°F
16°C61°F
1 rd
Oct
36°C97°F
20°C67°F
1 rd
Nov
37°C98°F
22°C72°F
1 rd
Dec
37°C98°F
25°C77°F
3 rd
High / low °C°F · rd = rain days
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a vehicle: sights are spread over 15 km and the heat rules out long walks. Bus 870 runs hourly Mon–Fri from Wedge St to South Hedland (about 40 min) and does not serve the airport. Taxis and app-based H-Ride cover short hops; rental cars are at the airport.
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Fish Rock (Mikurrunya Hills)
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Drive 50 km east on the Great Northern Highway to the Marble Bar turn-offDrive 31 mi east on the Great Northern Highway to the Marble Bar turn-off
Rock formation at the junction of Hwy 138; go early, there is no shade.
Marble Bar
cautionDoor to door: 2.5–3 h each way
Hwy 138 south via Doolena Gorge, about 200 kmHwy 138 south via Doolena Gorge, about 124 mi
One of Australia's hottest towns; fuel and water first, and only in the cool months.
Karratha
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h
North West Coastal Highway, about 240 km westNorth West Coastal Highway, about 149 mi west
Next town west with more services; too far for a comfortable return day.
Eighty Mile Beach
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h
Drive northeast towards Broome, about 250 kmDrive northeast towards Broome, about 155 mi
Long beach camping and fishing; treat it as a stop on the Broome run, not a day out.
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Port Hedland (the peninsula)
Wedge St and The Esplanade: visitor centre, cafés, Pier Hotel, walk to Marapikurrinya Park. Best if you are here one night without a car.
Beachside, McGregor St
Hedland Hotel and Hospitality Inn near Koombana beach; 2 km east of the centre, needs a car or taxi.Hedland Hotel and Hospitality Inn near Koombana beach; 1.2 mi east of the centre, needs a car or taxi.
South Hedland
13 km south: shopping centre, motels, caravan parks, cheaper and closer to the airport. Bus 870 links it to town on weekdays.8.1 mi south: shopping centre, motels, caravan parks, cheaper and closer to the airport. Bus 870 links it to town on weekdays.
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$120–180 (≈ US$80–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$180–280 (≈ US$120–190) excl. bed
- High
- A$280 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or hotel double room1 × 1 night × A$280 | A$280 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$200 | A$400 |
| Airport taxi, one way1 × A$40 · check | A$40 |
| Car hire, one day1 × A$90 · check | A$90 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$86 |
| Trip total≈ A$473 per person per day, bed included | A$946≈ US$650 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights and long-distance coaches excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Café breakfast or lunch | A$15–28 (≈ US$10–19) |
| Pub main course | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Beer: schooner in a pub / six-pack at the bottle shop | A$8–12 (≈ US$6–8) / A$20–28 (≈ US$14–19) |
| Fuel, unleaded per litrecheck | A$1.80–2.20 (≈ US$2) |
| Museum entry (Dalgety House)check | A$3 (≈ US$2) adult, A$1.50 (≈ under US$1) child |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$20–40 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Iron-ore dust gets into everything, including contact lenses: pack spares and rinse gear.
- Oct–Mar is dangerously hot; daytime apparent temperatures can reach the high 40s °C. Carry water and plan indoor stops.
- Cyclone season runs Dec–Mar: check warnings before driving the coast.
- Turtle nesting beaches at Cemetery Beach and Koombana may be cordoned off Nov–Mar; stay clear of nests and never use lights on the sand at night.
- Don't swim at Rock of Ages or off the eastern rocky shore; the safe swimming is at Spoil Bank and Koombana.
- Fuel up before leaving town: the next stops are hundreds of kilometres away.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Port HedlandMarapikurrinya
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No embassies here; the nearest consulates are in Perth. US, UK, Canadian and other citizens should register with their Perth mission before travelling to the Pilbara (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → town or South Hedland, taxi: about A$40 (≈ US$30), 10 min (check)
- Bus 870, town → South Hedland: hourly Mon–Fri, about 40 min (check)
- Perth → Port Hedland, flight: about 2 h; return fares around A$600 (≈ US$400) (check)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thanks
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
- Is it safe to swim here? — Is it safe to swim here?
English is the working language; the Kariyarra and Nyamal people call this place Marapikurrinya.
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Port Hedland. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Aug · avoid Oct–Mar (extreme heat, cyclone season from Dec) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PHE: taxi and rental desk hours, late-arrival plan, South Hedland fallback.
- Walking cluster around Wedge St and The Esplanade with heat and dust anchors.
- Place pages with verified hours for Dalgety House Museum, Courthouse Gallery and Spinifex Hill Studios.
- Turtle-season fixtures for Cemetery Beach and Koombana so the nesting rules are stated once, clearly.
Sources
- officialTown of Port Hedland
- officialVisit Port Hedland
- officialPort Hedland International Airport
- officialBureau of Meteorology — Port Hedland climate
- officialIntegrity Coach Lines
- secondaryWikivoyage: Port Hedland, revision 5081835 (CC BY-SA 4.0)