Karratha is one of the largest and fastest growing towns in the north of Western Australia (WA) – and it’s easy to see why. Known as ‘Munjaree’ – or the heart of the West Pilbara Coast – its size and central location make it the ideal base for exploring the natural delights of the area – Millstream-Chichester National Park, Karijini National Park, Dampier Archipelago, Point Samson Peninsula and the Burrup Peninsula. The amazing Ningaloo Reef is also just 350 kilometres to the east.
Taking its name from one of WA’s early pastoral stations, from which the land was resumed, Karratha is an Aboriginal word meaning “good country” or “soft earth”. For many centuries, the region has been home to Aboriginal communities, and the nearby Burrup Peninsula features the world’s most prolific Aboriginal rock engraving sites, with over 10,000 identified examples.
Please be aware that these are sacred sites, some of which are not open to the public.
There is a good choice of accommodation in Karratha, from hotels and resorts to motel and camping options. Considered to be the shopping hub of the Pilbara, air-conditioned major retail stores service this thriving town.
