Karratha means good country in the language of local Aborigines. The hills around Karratha are carpeted in spinifex and its creeks are lined with beautiful white-barked coolabahs trees. Close by are tranquil rock pools and beautiful picnic spots where you can lunch besides the twisted layers of rock caused by massive ancient geological forces.

The Pilbara Echo is the only independent newspaper in North West Western Australia.

Almost 7,000 copies of the the unique quarterfold are produced each week and delivered free to every home and business in Karratha and Dampier. The Echo also reaches nearby towns of Roebourne, Wickham and Point Samson.

The Pilbara Echo has a strong focus on community spirit, local sports and events in Karratha and surrounding towns.

the REGION

The Shire of Roebourne’s population is estimated to be over 24,000*.

Average weekly income in the region is well above average due to the influence of the resources boom. Median weekly earnings are over $1,200per week* 2006 Census Data / Shire of Roebourne website.

Karratha is the centre of the region with modern administrative, commercial, industrial and growing residential infrastructure. It boasts the third busiest shire owned airport in Austalia, the largest ‘city’ style shopping centre north of Geraldton, eight primary schools, three secondary schools, a tertiary college, regional hospital, quality restaurants, and a two screen cinema complex.

The nearby North West Shelf Natural gas plant is part of the biggest resource project in Australia. Natural gas from offshore platforms is liquefied at the Burrup Peninsula facility for export to Japan.

Iron ore, oil, nickel, salt, fishing and tourism are also major industries in the region.

Lying just offshore is the magnificent Dampier Archipelago comprising of 42 islands within 45 km radius.

The Burrup Peninsula is home of the world’s most prolific Aboriginal rock engraving gallery with more than 10,000 identified Aboriginal art-sites.

Free classifieds and community interest stories attract readers to the Echo. Karratha Tourism Western Australia Western Australia

1557km north of Perth, Karratha was built in 1968 to service and accommodate workers mining iron ore in the Hamersley Ranges. Now the busy centre of the Pilbara district, Karratha is large and its facilities are modern. Nearby is the magnificent Millstream-Chichester National Park with its hidden pools, beautiful vegetation and interesting links to times gone by.

Karratha Today

Much of the business conducted in the Pilbara region has its administration centers in Karratha, including government departments. The shopping centre was once the largest shopping centre outside of the city of Perth.

Cossack

Near to Karratha is Cossack, the first port in the northwest, just east of Karratha along the coast. Cossack was originally a pearling and farming centre, cruises go 2.5km to Jarman Island where visitors can laze on the beach watching the amazing wildlife and climb into the lighthouse as the cruise host relays some of the interesting anecdotes and stories of the area.

Central Karratha North West WA - Western Australia