Newman

Newman, in the state's north, is the southern gateway to the beautiful Karijini National Park and is in close proximity to the Newman Waterholes and Aboriginal rock carvings. Newman is located 1,184 kilometres north of Perth along the Great Northern highway in the heart of the Pilbara. Newman, now a tourist attraction, was originally built to house mining staff. It is surrounded by the ancient eroded hills of the Ophthalmia Ranges and offers the chance to visit the local waterhole or visit the largest open cut iron ore mine in the world. A sealed road from Perth makes the inland and northern route to Karijini National Park accessible to all vehicles. Tour the iron ore operation at Mount Whaleback and marvel at the giant mining equipment. Drop in to the Visitor Centre which is made from rammed earth and features a huge leadlight window depicting the area's landscape. Newman Visitor Centre has an art gallery, interpretative displays, an Outdoor Mining Museum and an arts and crafts shop featuring an extensive range of Western Australian and locally made products. At the back of the centre is the Mining and Pastoral Museum and Interpretive Garden with mining machinery dating back to the beginning of last century. Wildflowers are spread throughout the countryside with flora such as the Mulla Mulla and Sturt Desert Pea. Newman also boasts the first grassed golf course in the Pilbara. Newman offers an excellent selection of restaurants with a variety of cuisines. Takeaway and fast food outlets are also available. Newman nightlife and entertainment varies from quiet pub drinks to cocktail lounges and raging evenings at the local nightclub. Newman offers a broad range of accommodation including hotels, lodges and cabins. Caravan and camping sites are also available for the more independent traveller.