Guide to Newman Western Australia Australia

Newman is a mining town in the eastern Pilbara, about 1,190 km north of Perth on the Great Northern Highway. It grew up around Mount Whaleback, one of the largest single open-cut iron ore mines in the world, and for travellers heading north it is the first big Pilbara town and a natural overnight stop before Karijini National Park.

This is Nyiyaparli country, and Martu people from the deserts to the east also have strong links to the town. Newman has a good range of services, an excellent art centre showing Martu work, lookouts over the town and mine, and some lovely waterholes and gorges within a few hours’ drive.

Newman began as a company town for BHP’s mining operations in the 1960s and still revolves around the mine, so expect road trains, ore trains and plenty of workers in hi-vis. Behind the industry, the country is rugged and colourful, with spinifex-covered ranges, river gums and big skies.

Known For

• BHP’s Mount Whaleback, one of the world’s largest open-cut iron ore mines
• The first big Pilbara town on the Great Northern Highway from Perth
• Martu art at the East Pilbara Arts Centre

Things To Do in Newman

Mount Whaleback mine tours

Tours of the Mount Whaleback mine have been run from the Newman Visitor Centre, with long sleeves, long pants and enclosed shoes required. Regular tour times change from year to year, so check with the visitor centre before planning your visit.

Radio Hill Lookout

A walking trail leads from behind the visitor centre up Radio Hill, with views over the town and the mine. It is best at sunrise or sunset.

East Pilbara Arts Centre

The East Pilbara Arts Centre is home to Martumili Artists, who paint the desert country of the Martu people in vivid colours. The gallery shows and sells their work.

East Pilbara Art Trail

Murals by around 30 artists brighten electrical substations around East Newman, with QR codes telling the story of each work.

Ophthalmia Dam

About 20 minutes from town, Ophthalmia Dam is a peaceful spot for picnics, birdwatching and kayaking. Swimming is not allowed.

Kalgan Pool

Kalgan Pool, about an hour and a half out on a 4WD track into the Ophthalmia Range, is a permanent waterhole with swimming and bush camping. It featured in the film Japanese Story.

Hickman Crater

Hickman Crater, a meteorite crater about 260 m wide, lies north of town and takes about two hours to reach by 4WD. There is a visitor book at the rim.

Stanley and Ella statue

A 12 m steel sculpture in town honours Stan and Ella Hilditch, the prospectors who found the iron ore at Mount Whaleback.

Where To Stay

Yurlu Caravan Park on Newman Drive is the town’s main public caravan park, with powered and unpowered sites, a dump point, camp kitchen and laundry, and dogs on a lead are welcome. The visitor centre has chalets, and hotels and motels include Seasons Hotel Newman and Red Sands Accommodation. Workforce demand can fill motels during the week, so book ahead.

The Great Northern Highway is sealed and suits all caravans. Fuel and supplies are available in town; heading north, the next fuel is at the Auski (Munjina) Roadhouse near Karijini, so fill up before you go. Kalgan Pool and Hickman Crater need a 4WD.

Eat & Drink

Newman has several pubs and cafes, including the Red Sands Tavern, the Purple Pub, a Dome Cafe and the bar at Seasons Hotel. There are supermarkets in the town centre for stocking up before heading to Karijini or out to the desert.

History

Stan and Ella Hilditch found the iron ore at Mount Whaleback while prospecting in the area in the 1950s. In 1966 the Mount Newman Mining Company established the town, and in 1969 the first ore was railed to Port Hedland. The town was handed over from the company in 1981 and renamed Newman. It is named after Mount Newman, which honours the explorer A. W. Newman, who died of typhoid in 1896. Today around 6,500 people live in Newman, with more workers flying in and out.

Getting to Newman

Newman is about 1,190 km north of Perth, around 13 hours via the Great Northern Highway through Meekatharra. Port Hedland is 452 km north, Tom Price 277 km west and Karijini’s Dales Gorge about 200 km north-west. Newman Airport has flights from Perth, and coaches run along the inland highway.

The best time to visit is May to September. The Outback Fortescue Festival is held in mid-August, and summers are very hot.