Hedland Locality Guide
ABOUT PORT HEDLAND
Port Hedland, located in Western Australia’s North West about 1,800km from Perth, is a vibrant town of 16,000 people, spanning 11,844 square kilometers in the Pilbara region. As Australia's largest bulk export port, we set a record with 566.5 million tonnes of annual tonnage throughput in 2022-23. Internationally recognized, our port attracts major resource companies and plays a significant role in the Australian economy.
ABORIGINAL CULTURE & HISTORY
Port Hedland boasts a profound cultural heritage, with the Kariyarra people as its traditional custodians, naming it 'Marapikurrinya' after its unique hand-shaped tidal creeks. This area, along with the entire Pilbara region, is rich in Aboriginal culture, home to over 31 language groups. Notably, the Burrup Peninsula in Dampier features more than forty thousand ancient petroglyphs. The strong connection to land, cultural practices, and traditional laws remains a vital aspect of Aboriginal identity in the Pilbara.
WEATHER
Pilbara's climate, with temperatures between 5°C to 40°C, shifts between two distinct seasons. The Summer (November-April) offers hot days, balmy nights, and vibrant natural displays like lightning shows and waterfalls but may include road closures and cyclones. This is the off peak time and planning ahead is advised due to potential disruptions. Winter (May-November), the preferred season for visitors, features milder days perfect for outdoor activities and cool nights. For detailed weather information, visit the Bureau of Meteorology at http://www.bom.gov.au/
EMPLOYMENT
Port Hedland supports 10,985 jobs and boasts a Gross Regional Product of $11.4 billion, or 2.56% of the State’s Gross State Product. Mining dominates employment, with 3,683 jobs created in 2020/21. Construction, transport, postal, and warehousing are also key sectors. The town is home to 836 businesses, highlighting a vibrant culture of innovative and resilient small and micro-businesses.
REAL ESTATE MARKET
In South Hedland, home buyers can find houses for an average of $470,000 and units for $325,000, with rental prices at $800 and $700 per week, respectively. In Port Hedland, prices rise to $685,000 for homes and $430,361 for units, with rental rates at $1,200 for houses and $775 for units per week.
EDUCATION
South Hedland Primary Schools
South Hedland Primary School
1 Weaver Place, South Hedland WA 6722
(08) 9172 7272
southhedland.ps@education.wa.edu.au
https://www.southhedlandps.wa.edu.au/
Cassia Primary School
16 Boronia Close, South Hedland WA 6722
(08) 9172 8500
Baler Primary School
Baler Close, South Hedland WA 6722
(08) 9172 8400
Port Hedland Primary Schools
Port Hedland Primary School
Corney Street, Port Hedland WA 6721
(08) 9174 6000
porthedland.ps@education.wa.edu.au
https://porthedlandps.wa.edu.au/
St Cecilia’s Primary School (Private / Catholic)
35 Sutherland Street, Port Hedland WA 6721
(08) 9174 7000
https://www.stcecilia.wa.edu.au/
Secondary School (South Hedland only)
Hedland Senior High School
78 Hamilton Road, South Hedland WA 6722
(08) 9158 1900
hedland.shs@education.wa.edu.au
HEALTHCARE
Hedland Health Campus (Regional Hospital)
2/34 Colebatch Way, South Hedland WA 6722
(08) 9174 1000
Port Hedland Medical Centre (Dr Clinic)
7 Edgar Street, Port Hedland WA 6721
(08) 9173 3733
reception@porthedlandmedical.com.au
https://www.porthedlandmedical.com.au/
TRANSPORT
Trans Regional operate the school and intra-town bus services in Hedland. You can find information about buses, including timetables at https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/our-services/transregional
AMENITIES & FACILITIES
Residents here enjoy a relaxed pace of life, surrounded by the calming seaside atmosphere that offers many leisure activities. Port Hedland and South Hedland both serve as the heart of community life with cultural events, recreational options, and convenient shopping amenities.
Located within the Wedgefield Industrial Area, a diverse blend of light manufacturing and service industries harmoniously coexist with eclectic dining establishments. This area seamlessly combines a dynamic industrial atmosphere with welcoming eateries perfect for a relaxing lunch break.
ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS
Port Hedland is well-known for its Flatback Sea Turtle Monitoring program, which operates from November to March each year. For more details on the turtle nesting and hatching season, visit the Care for Hedland website at https://careforhedland.org.au/turtle-monitoring/
In addition to numerous other attractions that contribute to the town's unique distinctive appeal, Hedland offers a diverse range of events year-round, catering to both adults and children. To stay informed about upcoming events, check out the Town of Port Hedland website events page at https://www.porthedland.wa.gov.au/events/
SPORT
Port Hedland boasts a wide array of sports and established sporting clubs, offering well serviced facilities in both South and Port Hedland. You can find out more about available sporting groups at https://www.porthedland.wa.gov.au/our-community/community/sports-recreation.aspx
PORT HEDLAND VISITOR'S CENTRE
Address: 13 Wedge street, Port Hedland WA 6721
Phone: (08) 9173 1711
Hours: Weekdays 9am – 5pm
Weekends 9am – 3pm
https://visitporthedland.com.au/