Nullagine

Nullagine is a tiny, historic gold-mining town in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, offering a genuine outback experience far from the crowds. Surrounded by red dirt, spinifex, and rocky gorges, it's a place where you can soak up the raw beauty of the Australian interior and trace the footsteps of prospectors from the 1880s gold rush. The town's population hovers around 200, but its character is immense — think corrugated-iron pubs, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and vast, empty landscapes that feel both harsh and hauntingly beautiful.

Highlights & What to See

• Nullagine Hotel (The 'Nully'): A classic outback pub with a corrugated-iron facade, cold beer, and yarns from locals and miners. It's the social heart of town.
• Goldfields Heritage: Explore the historic cemetery and scattered ruins of old mines and machinery — a tangible link to the gold-rush era.
• Carrawine Gorge (Jandamarra Country): A spectacular red-rock gorge on the Oakover River, about 40 km south, perfect for swimming, birdwatching, and photography.
• Aboriginal Rock Art: Nearby sites feature ancient petroglyphs and paintings, best visited with a local guide or by seeking permission from traditional owners.
• Stargazing: With almost zero light pollution, the night sky here is a dazzling canopy of stars — bring a blanket and a star chart.

Suggested Time to Spend

Nullagine is a brief stop rather than a base. Most travellers spend 1–2 hours exploring the town, having a drink at the pub, and visiting the cemetery. If you plan to see Carrawine Gorge or do some four-wheel-driving, budget a full day (including driving time). It's best combined as a short detour on a longer Pilbara road trip, ideally between Newman and Marble Bar.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Marble Bar: Australia's hottest town, 100 km north, famous for its 160-million-year-old 'marble' bar (actually jasper) and historic buildings.
• Newman: The main service centre of the Pilbara, 200 km south, with excellent visitor centre and nearby Karijini National Park.
• Karijini National Park: Stunning gorges, waterfalls, and swimming holes — about 250 km west, a must-see for nature lovers.
• Great Northern Highway: The main route linking the Pilbara to the Kimberley, with classic roadhouses and vast outback scenery.
• Oakover River: A seasonal river that creates lush oases in the dry landscape; great for camping and fishing after rains.

Please check official sources for current details.