A cosmopolitan oasis on Australia’s northwestern coastline, Karratha is one of Western Australia’s few mining city success stories—where heavy industry sits side by side with Aboriginal art, beaches, and quirky cafés and culture. The best things to do in Karratha revolve around natural and historical phenomena. See the Staircase to the Moon, island-hop the Dampier archipelago, and search for 40,000-year-old petroglyphs in Murujuga National Park. Karratha is also known for its adventurous side, with natural swimming holes and easy access to nearby ghost towns and national parks.
The best time to visit Karratha is in winter when the weather is warm and dry. Summer is hot, humid, and prone to thunderstorms and cyclones; generally, cyclone season (between November and March) is best avoided. Visit on a full moon night between April and October to have a chance to see the Staircase to the Moon, a natural phenomenon where the reflection of the rising moon can be seen in the exposed tidal flats.
The best way to get around Karratha is by car, but there are public transport options and tours, too. Tours are the best way to explore the Dampier Peninsula and the Aboriginal rock art in Murujuga National Park on the Burrup Peninsula. A vehicle—cars and 4WDs can be rented locally—is handy, especially if you want to check out some cool spots around Karratha, including Dampier, Cossack ghost town, and Millstream-Chichester National Park.
Karratha has undergone a renaissance in recent years—bringing a touch of cosmopolitan cool to the streets of K-town—while Dampier, a short drive to the west of the town, has more of a tropical vacation vibe. From the palm-fringed foreshore to the island-dotted horizon and the rock art and beaches of nearby Murujuga National Park, Dampier is worth a visit. Many travelers to Karratha stay in Dampier, although there are plenty of great options in Karratha.