Port Hedland: Turtles, harbour views and street art

Port Hedland combines special nature experiences with glimpses of harbour activity, art and mining history. In season, the beaches are all about sea turtles; in the West End, street art and a heritage trail lead through the historic district. There are also lookout points, a gallery and museums.

Turtles and moonlight throughout the year

The flatback turtle season (Natator depressus) runs from October to March. During this time, Port Hedland’s beaches are dotted with numerous turtle nests; at Hedland’s beaches, you can watch turtles nesting and hatching. Cemetery Beach Park is also a beach where sea turtles nest.

For observation and monitoring, visitors are advised to contact the Care for Hedland Environmental Association. Guided evening tours to observe nesting turtles are offered in accordance with a turtle-watcher code of conduct. As tour operations should be confirmed before travelling, it is advisable to enquire when planning your trip.

Another natural spectacle is the Staircase to the Moon. The phenomenon occurs at the Port Hedland lookout between March and October, when the light of the full moon is reflected in water left behind in the sand ripples created by the tides. There is also a purpose-built viewing platform next to the Discovery Caravan Park on Goode Street. The timing requirements differ from those for turtle season: the key factors are the period from March to October, a full moon and water left behind in the sand ripples.

Harbour activity and fishing opportunities

If you’re interested in the harbour, Marapikurrinya Park on Richardson Street is recommended as a place to view harbour activity. Fishing options also vary: Finucane Island Boat Ramp offers visitors a place to fish and launch boats; Spoilbank Marina has a public fishing jetty. When planning, you can consider whether fishing alone or also launching a boat is your priority.

Street art, gallery and mining history

You can explore art at your own pace in the West End: a map leads you on a self-guided street art tour through laneways and streets. For a different perspective on the historic district, the Visitor Centre’s cultural and heritage trail takes you on a self-guided walk through the historic West End. Check locally to see if the guide is available.

The museums also have different areas of focus. 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 available for the local community and tourists to view. Don Rhodes Mining Museum on Wilson Street displays historic mining and transport equipment. On Edgar Street, Port Hedland Courthouse Gallery presents a year-round exhibition programme featuring works by Indigenous, national and local artists, as well as photographers.

These places offer different ways to discover Port Hedland: street art and the heritage trail explore the historic West End, while the museums and gallery focus on art, photographs, publications and mining history. When choosing accommodation, consider whether seasonal nature experiences, the harbour and fishing, or art and history will be the main focus of your stay.

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