Car & Van Hire - Port Hedland

Port Hedland is the second-largest settlement in the Pilbara region. Car rental in Port Hedland is the best way to see the area's unique conditions. There is a fascinating combination of ancient landscapes, wildlife, Aboriginal heritage and global-scale industry that offers much to explore. A great place to start your visit is the Port Hedland Visitor Centre. Here you can gain insights into the town's culture and history, learn about regional attractions and buy a range of locally-made products.

The seafront at Port Hedland is renowned for its dramatic sunsets. Of particular interest is Redbank Ridge. Here you can watch the extraordinary light reflected in salt piles generated by the local salt-making industry. Salt Eco Tours are another way to learn about the town's unique combination of nature and industry.

Wildlife fans will find much to interest them. Cooke Point Viewing Platform and other points along the shoreline allow visitors to catch a glimpse of rare flatback sea turtles. You can also see several species of dolphins and other marine mammals. The estuary at Pretty Pool, at the eastern end of the town, supports mangroves and unusual marine fish.

The Port Hedland Saltworks Important Bird Area, about 25 kilometres to the east, is perfect for bird watchers. This intertidal sanctuary supports many rare species, including Asian dowitchers, broad-billed sandpipers, red-necked avocets and Oriental plovers, as well as dusky gerygones, which are rarely seen elsewhere.

For kids, Lisa's Kangaroo Retreat provides fun and education. This animal sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned kangaroos, wallabies, possums and other animals. It's an opportunity to see Australia's most iconic creatures up close.

Port Hedland's industrial and mining history is a major aspect of the town. The large natural harbour is now home to the world's largest export tonnage port. It is easily viewed from comfortable locations like Marapikurrinya Park. Dalgety House Museum in the town centre is run by the local historical society and offers further insights into the industry and culture of Port Hedland.

Port Hedland is home to many eateries to suit a range of tastes and budgets. For fine dining, try the Pilbara Room Restaurant, The Esplanade and Heddys Bar and Bistro. For quick bites and coffees, try the Dome Cafe and Hedland Harbour Cafe or Zambrero South Hedland for some tasty Mexican snacks.

Port Hedland is situated in a relatively sparsely populated area of Australia, so a vehicle is essential to get the most out of the region. The town itself features extensive parking facilities and is easily accessible by car. Road conditions are generally favourable in the town. Efforts have been made to segregate industrial traffic as much as possible.

With car or van rental in Port Hedland, you can easily travel around the town and its satellites as well as further afield. The area is well-connected, with several major highways. These link Port Hedland to other coastal towns like Karratha and Broome, as well as south into the wild landscapes of Western Australia.

Port Hedland's main road, Wilson Street, stretches the length of the town and leads directly out to the airport, 8 kilometres to the southeast. There, it links with the Great Northern Highway. At this junction, Wilson Street becomes Wallwark Road, which leads directly into Port Hedland's satellite town of South Hedland. This largely residential settlement is some 17 kilometres south of Port Hedland and is also conveniently located for access to the airport.

The Great Northern Highway itself spans Western Australia, linking the state capital Perth with the northern port of Wyndham. At around 3,218 kilometres, it is Australia's longest highway. Close to Port Headland and throughout its northeastern stretch, it is signed as National Route 1. In its western and southern portions, it is signed as National Route 95.

Taking Route 1 to the west, the area is sparsely populated until you reach the towns of Roeburn, Wickham and Karratha, some 240 kilometres away. To the northeast, the Great Northern Highway stays within a few kilometres of the coast, where you'll find several nature reserves and indigenous protected areas. The next significant settlement in this direction is Broome, around 610 kilometres away.

Route 95, the continuation of the Great Northern Highway, diverges from Route 1 just a few kilometres west of Port Hedland. From here, you can drive south through arid land as well as river valleys until you reach Newman, 450 kilometres to the south. This region is home to the Martu people, who have occupied the territory for over 45,000 years.

In this area of Australia, towns are quite well-dispersed. However, the country's highways are generally well-maintained, with many straight stretches. With the low traffic density, you can expect a relatively quick and hassle-free journey if you choose to take a long drive.