Newman - WA

Newman is the largest town in the East Pilbara region and is a resource town. Aboriginal occupation of the area extends to around 26,000 years by the Martu people, but the town 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, town swimming pool, medical facilities and a hospital.

Newman lies right on the Great Northern Hwy, National Highway 95 so it is always quite busy with caravanners and trucks stopping to restock. Most visitors to the town take the short trip up to Radio Hill Lookout for sweeping views over the township, and a mine tour of Whaleback Mine can be booked at the Newman Visitor Centre. Whilst at the Visitor Centre you can apply for a BHP permit (gold coin donation) to visit Kalgan's Pool (4WD accessible only). The East Pilbara Arts Centre features a public art gallery (check opening hours).

Newman is located approx 15km north of the Tropic of Capricon and has a semi-arid climate, with very hot summers and mild winters