Nullagine

Nullagine is a tiny, historic gold-mining town in the remote East Pilbara region of Western Australia, about 300 km south-east of Port Hedland. Once a bustling 1890s gold rush settlement, today it's a quiet, almost ghostly outpost with a handful of residents, a pub, and a caravan park. For travellers venturing into the Kimberley's rugged interior, Nullagine offers a raw, authentic glimpse of Outback history and a base for exploring the surrounding spinifex plains and rocky gorges.

Highlights & What to See

• Nullagine Hotel (the 'Nully Pub'): The town's social heart, this classic Outback pub serves cold beer, hearty meals, and stories from locals and prospectors. It's a must for atmosphere and a cold drink after a long drive.
• Historic gold-mining remnants: Scattered around town and along the nearby creeks, you'll find old mine shafts, rusting machinery, and mullock heaps – relics of the 1890s gold rush. Pan for gold yourself in the Nullagine River (permit required from the Department of Mines).
• Carrawine Gorge: About 60 km south-west, this dramatic red-rock gorge on the Oakover River offers swimming holes, camping, and Aboriginal rock art. It's a stunning spot for a day trip or overnight stay.
• Nullagine River: Dry for much of the year, but after rains it becomes a life-giving waterway lined with river red gums. Birdlife is abundant, and the riverbed is a popular spot for fossicking.
• Great Northern Highway scenery: The drive to Nullagine crosses vast, empty landscapes of spinifex and red dirt, with the occasional termite mound. It's a quintessential Outback road trip experience.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers pass through Nullagine on a self-drive itinerary between Port Hedland and Newman or the Kimberley. Plan to stop for lunch at the pub and explore the town's historic remnants in about an hour. If you're keen on gold panning or visiting Carrawine Gorge, allow a full day or an overnight stay at the caravan park. Two nights would let you relax and soak up the remote atmosphere.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Newman – 220 km south, a modern mining town with excellent visitor centre and access to Karijini National Park's gorges.
• Karijini National Park – 250 km south-west, one of WA's most spectacular parks with swimming holes, waterfalls, and dramatic gorges.
• Marble Bar – 150 km north-west, famous as Australia's hottest town and home to the historic Ironclad Hotel and ancient rock formations.
• Port Hedland – 300 km north-west, a major port town with giant ore carriers, a salt mine, and the Don Rhodes Mining Museum.
• Eighty Mile Beach – 350 km north-west, a stunning 80-mile stretch of white sand for camping, fishing, and turtle nesting (seasonal).

Please check official sources for current details.