Newman

Newman lies some 15 kilometres north of the Tropic of Capricorn and is the largest town in the East Pilbara. A real oasis in the outback it is sometimes referred to as the Heart of the Pilbara, the Gateway to the Western Desert and Australia’s Largest Shire.  The Shire has been focusing on revitalising the town, further enhancing it as a key regional centre, with aspirations to increase its current population base as a resource town of 8,000 people into a subregional centre that caters for 15,000 permanent residents.

Newman is in the East Pilbara region of Western Australia, located about 1,186km north of Perth and 9km north of the Tropic of Capricorn, it can be reached by the Great Northern Highway.
Newman sits on the traditional lands of the Nyiyarparli people and the Martu people are the current custodians.

Newman was built in the 1960s by the Mount Newman Mining Company, following the discovery of rich iron deposits on nearby Mount Whaleback, now the world’s largest open-cut iron ore mine. It is a well-resourced town, with a shopping mall, several hotels, bars and restaurants, an airport and, importantly, a town swimming pool. There are childcare services, a recreation centre, sports ovals and clubs, medical facilities and a hospital. 

Newman is also the gateway to some of Australia’s best outback 4WD tracks and some of Western Australia’s most beautiful National Parks. The surrounding landscape is picturesque with the blue, green and red colours of the outback, natural waterholes, ancient aboriginal art sites and an abundance of Australian flora and fauna.

In 2017 an ambitious revitalisation of Newman Town Centre was complete please view our video of the New Newman 

4 Day Itinerary

Day 1

  • Begin your adventure at the Newman Visitors Centre, situated in the heart of Newman. Their knowledgeable staff will provide you with maps and insights to explore the outback, an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.
  • Embark on a tour of Mount Whaleback/BHP Mine, the world's largest single open-cut iron ore mine. Departing from the Newman Visitor Centre, this 2-hour tour offers a fascinating glimpse into mining operations.
  • Enjoy lunch at the Purple Pub, where you can escape the heat with an ice-cold beer and hearty pub meal while catching live sporting events.
  • Catch breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset from Radio Hill Lookout, accessible via a walking trail behind the Visitor Centre.
  • In the evening, dine at the Newman Hotel Bistro, offering an array of fresh, quality dishes and daily chef specials. Families can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at the Garden Bar, complete with a playground area and regular entertainment.

Night 1:

Yurlu Caravan Park  Newman is for those wanting to camp under the stars or visitors travelling across Australia’s North-West by motor home.

Well-equipped with a laundry, kitchen and air conditioning in the communal lounge, travellers will enjoy the on-site facilities available.
Whether you're enjoying the delights of Newman or using Yurlu Caravan Park, Newman as a basecamp while you're enjoying the incredible sights and natural beauty of the Shire of East Pilbara, we hope you enjoy your stay.

Day 2

  • Start your day with a delicious coffee and take away breakfast at SIP Coffee, conveniently located in the Mia Mia Hotel Foyer. SIP Coffee is committed to delivering top-quality coffee and exceptional service to its patrons. Treat yourself to a variety of expertly crafted beverages, including aromatic coffees and revitalizing cold drinks, paired with an enticing array of sweet and savory snacks. It's the perfect way to fuel up for your adventures ahead while enjoying a welcoming atmosphere and excellent hospitality.
  • Discover Kalgan Pool, a serene oasis nestled deep in the eastern end of the Ophthalmia Range, approximately an hour and a half's drive from Newman. This tranquil spot is renowned for its BBQ , swimming and camping opportunities. Notably, Kalgan Pool gained cinematic fame as a filming location for the Australian production "The Japanese Story," starring Toni Collette and Gotaro Tsunashima. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty that captured the attention of filmmakers and experience the peaceful ambiance of this picturesque destination.
  • On the way back to town, enjoy a picnic lunch at Ophthalmia Dam, offering spectacular views and opportunities for birdwatching.
  • Visit Gingianna Pool, known for its paperbark trees and serene surroundings, accessible to both 2WDs and 4WDs.
  • Dine at the Mia Mia Hotel for a delightful evening meal. The Mia Mia Bar + Restaurant offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with friendly service. Their menu features a variety of delicious dishes, ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat visits. 

Night 2:

Yurlu Caravan Park

Day 3

  • Experience the delightful offerings of Red Sands Cafe, renowned for its exceptional coffee crafted with premium Yahava Koffee Works products. Conveniently located as a drive-thru coffee shop, Red Sands Cafe promises both convenience and quality, allowing you to savor your favorite brew on the go.
  • Embark on a 4WD journey to Hickman Crater, meteorite impact crater surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Ophthalmia Range. Marvel at this geological wonder and learn about its fascinating discovery.
    Hickman Crater, a remarkable discovery made in July 2007 by Arthur Hickman while exploring Google Earth, is a hidden gem worth visiting. Located just 36 kilometers as the crow flies, it takes approximately 2 hours to reach this intriguing site. Initially devoid of any nearby tracks, public interest has since paved the way for access via Marble Bar Road.
    The crater boasts an almost perfect circular shape, with a rim diameter ranging from 250 to 270 meters. The northern, eastern, and southern rims rise 15-20 meters above the surrounding plateau and 20-30 meters above the flat crater floor. At the crater's edge, you'll find a letterbox containing a visitor's book where you can leave your mark to commemorate your visit. It may also serve as a geocache spot. For a deeper exploration, there's a track on the left that descends into the crater.
  • Visit Martumili Artists at East Pilbara Art Centre - Martumili Artists was established by Martu people living in the communities of Parnpajinya (Newman), Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu, Kunawarritji, Irrungadji and Warralong, and it draws on strong influences of aboriginal art history. The artists and their families are the traditional custodians of vast stretches of the Great Sandy, Little Sandy and Gibson Deserts as well as the Karlamilyi (Rudall River) area. Martumili Artists are based in the East Pilbara Arts Centre in Newman, with artists working in the 6 other remote East Pilbara communities.
    ‘Following in footsteps’ is now on display at our Newman Gallery! Curated by Martumili artist Sylvia Wilson, 'Following in footsteps' features the works of 8 Martu families, and explores the concept of Martu kinship and family dynamics.
  • In the evening, indulge in a buffet dinner at Oasis @ Newman. Their on-site restaurant, bar and alfresco area offers a great atmosphere to unwind, relax and enjoy a delicious unique and varied menus. 

Night 3:

Yurlu Caravan Park

Day 4

  • Visit Kate's Humble Pie Bakery, where artisanal delights await. Indulge in freshly baked pies, bread, cakes, and slices, each handcrafted with care to ensure maximum flavor and quality. Pair your treat with a steaming cup of coffee or choose from a selection of sandwiches and cold drinks for a satisfying meal or snack.
  • Admire the Stanley & Ella Statue, iconic steel cutouts overlooking the town of Newman, commemorating the discovery of the Mt Whaleback iron ore deposit.
    The massive, 12m-high, cut steel statue depicts the founder of Mt Whaleback and his wife. Stan and Ella Hilditch became central to the history of Newman, after accidentally stumbling upon the iron ore of Mt Whaleback while out prospecting for manganese.
  • Explore the East Pilbara Art Trail, featuring artworks from local artists displayed on BHP substations around East Newman.
    The Trail showcases artworks from 30 local and emerging artists on BHP substations around East Newman.
    Following your very own trail map, it is an opportunity to explore the artworks in the landscape of East Newman. Take the time to immerse yourself in the artists concept and story behind their artwork and allow your mind to create its own connections.
    You can begin your journey anywhere along the Art Trail and each artwork has a unique QR code that when scanned will provide you with information about the artist and the inspiration behind their artwork.
    More information: https://buff.ly/3D2rq17
    Download the map here: https://buff.ly/3rhAf4y
  • Conclude your journey with a meal at Seasons Steakhouse, reflecting on your unforgettable outback adventure.

Plan your next adventure into the heart of the Pilbara with our Pilbara East app, available for download on both Google Play and the App Store. Visit our website https://www.visitpilbaraeast.com for more information.

 

HISTORY

In 1896, Bamboo Road Board (renamed Marble Bar Road Board in 1904) was gazetted, and in 1898 Nullagine Road Board followed.

On 1 July 1961, both became Shire Councils following changes to the Local Government Act. On 27 May 1972 the two merged to form East Pilbara Shire.

Located about 1186 kilometres north of Perth Newman is a modern mining town that has seen unprecedented growth since 2003.

Originally marginal cattle country, Newman was built in the 1960s by the Mount Newman Mining Company, with the discovery of rich iron deposits on nearby Mount Whaleback. The discovery marked the start of the resource boom in Western Australia in the 1970s. The town takes its name from nearby Mount Newman, named in honour of A.W. Newman, an early explorer who died of typhoid just before reaching the area in 1896.

Map of Newman