Western Australia Tourism & Accommodation Guide

Pilbara Towns - History, Ghost Town, Tours

The historic town of Roebourne and the ghost town of Cossack are amongst the oldest settlements in WA.

ROEBOURNE
Situated on North West Coastal Highway, Roebourne is a central base for touring the area to see such places as Cossack, Point Samson, Harding River Dam, Millstream, Python Pool, Karratha, Wittenoom and Tom Price. The many well preserved and restored historic attractions around Roeboume are a must for the history buffs.

COSSACK
The pioneering town of Cossack is nestled at the mouth of the Harding River, 12km from Roeboume. With the cry of "gold" in the 1880's, hundreds of prospectors streamed through the port to seek their fortunes in the Pilbara fields. Today the historic town of Cossack features restored, fine old stone buildings from the past, Settlers Beach and Lookout, are a must for beach lovers. A safe, sandy beach ideal for families and for a leisurely stroll. The Lookout gives a beautiful view of the area, Roeboume, Wickham and Point Samson.

POINT SAMSON
Today, this extremely attractive setting has become the most popular beach resort for the locals from the surrounding mining towns. During spring tides it becomes an island connected to the mainland by a causeway over Pope's Nose Creek. Nearby Honeymoon Cove is a great spot to enjoy a secluded picnic.

The beautiful sandy beach at Point Samson is protected by a coral reef, making it perfect for swimming, game fishing and skindiving. The tidal rivers contain an immense variety of fish, from barramundi to mud crabs. Sam's Creek is also good fishing.

Offshore waters contain some of the best game fishing along the entire West Coast. John's Harbour, located past Honeymoon Cove, has a boat ramp and jetty.

The Backpackers Guide to WA says:-
Wickham, is the support town for Robe River Iron, who export through the port, which is close at hand at Cape Lambert.
The old police headquarters at Cossack has undergone extensive renovations and is now the backpackers headquarters for the area. Roebourne has a hotel and a caravan park, Wickham a hotel and Point Samson economy priced chalets and a caravan park.
Fishing is excellent at Samson and fishing dinghies are available for hire.

Established in 1866, Roebourne was the administration centre of the north-west while Cossack was the major port and base for the pearling fleet.

Handling all supplies to an area from Port Hedland to Marble Bar it was indeed an important waterway. Problems with silt caused the demise of Cossack as a port and subsequently the town was deserted and fast became a ghost town but local interest has kept the remaining buildings in very good repair.

Roebourne, the gateway to Australia’s greatest oasis Millstream, which emerges out of the stark rugged iron ore country of the Chichester National Park, is a tropical paradise set on the Fortescue River with tall trees, palms, water lillies and ferns surrounding a huge lake.

Snappy Gum Safaris run regular trips to this amazing oasis.

Return to the Pilbara Region page.

Towns
Onslow 
Karratha 
Dampier 
Roebourne
Cossack 
Point Samson
Wickham 
Wittenoom 
Whim Creek
Port Hedland 
Pardoo Roadhouse
Marble Bar 
Nullagine 
Newman
Tom Price  
Paraburdoo

Attractions and Tours
Virtual Photo Album
Hammersley Ranges
Mt Bruce
Mt Bruce Photos
Pilbara Railways Historical Society

Advertise here