Tom Price

Tom Price is a remote mining town in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, perched high in the Hamersley Range. It’s the gateway to some of the country’s most dramatic outback landscapes – think rust-red gorges, ancient rock formations, and vast iron-ore mines. This is a place where you’ll feel the raw power of the Australian interior, with a friendly frontier-town vibe and surprising comforts for travellers.

Highlights & What to See

• Karijini National Park – Just a short drive away, this is the star attraction. Plunge into cool swimming holes like Fern Pool and Circular Pool, and hike through spectacular gorges such as Hancock, Weano, and Joffre. The contrast of turquoise water against red rock is unforgettable.
• Mount Nameless (Jarndunmunha) – Towering over town, this peak offers a challenging 4WD track or a steep walk to panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and the massive Tom Price mine.
• Tom Price Mine Tour – Get up close to one of the world’s largest open-pit iron-ore mines. The guided tour (book in advance) gives insight into the scale of operations and the region’s mining history.
• Hamersley Gorge – A stunning spot in the northern reaches of Karijini, with striking banded rock formations and a natural spa pool. It’s less visited than the main gorges, offering a more serene experience.
• Tom Price Visitor Centre – Stop here for maps, local knowledge, and a small museum showcasing Aboriginal artefacts and mining memorabilia.

Suggested Time to Spend

Base yourself in Tom Price for at least two full days to explore Karijini National Park properly. One day can be dedicated to the park’s main gorges (Hancock and Weano), while a second day allows for Hamersley Gorge, Mount Nameless, and the mine tour. If you’re short on time, a single day trip from Newman or Paraburdoo is possible but rushed – you’ll miss the best walks. Most travellers find three nights ideal, giving you a relaxed pace to soak in the outback atmosphere.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Paraburdoo – 80 km south, another mining town with its own gorge walks and a handy airport if you’re flying in.
• Newman – 250 km southeast, gateway to the southern Pilbara and the stunning Karijini-like gorges of the Ophthalmia Range.
• Millstream-Chichester National Park – 300 km northwest, featuring palm-fringed pools and the historic Millstream homestead – a cool contrast to the red gorges.
• Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef – About 600 km west, a longer detour for a coastal finale with whale sharks and pristine beaches.
• Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) – Roughly 700 km northeast, the iconic beehive domes are a bucket-list addition for a longer Kimberley road trip.

Please check official sources for current details.