The history of Port Hedland can be discovered at the Dalgety House Museum where the Port Hedland Historical Society has preserved some of the greatest stories for visitors to discover. Trevor headed there to have a chat with Arnold Carter, a former employee of Mt Goldsworthy Mining, to find out more about the towns’ rich history.

 Dalgety House was originally built for pastoral purposes by Dalgety and Co. in 1903. The house was used as the Manager’s headquarters and a large warehouse stood alongside. The House is typical of ‘North-West’ architecture of the time, with partially enclosed verandahs used as sleep outs and a central dark, cool living area. Over time, the town began to focus on mining activities. In 1960, restrictions meant that iron ore could not be sold. However in 1964, this ban was lifted and within ten days the town was flooded by people arriving on all modes of transport. The numbers arriving were so large that people were forced to sleep temporarily under the jetty and trees. A harbor was built and mining companies like BHP Billiton began to establish themselves in the area. Today Port Hedland port is Australia’s largest tonnage port. At the museum, visitors can learn about how early settlers lived, and how the impact of settlement affected the Indigenous people of the Pilbara. There are audio visual display, recordings of personal memoirs and photographic displays in unique North-West architecture.

Another museum worth visiting is the Don Rhodes Mining and Transport Museum located on Wilson Street. The outdoor museum contains historic machinery used to set up the mining industry. Don Rhodes was the first mining entrepreneur in the area and he mined manganese, long before iron ore was mined. Manganese mining peaked in the region in the 1960s but as international demand and prices dropped, operations ceased by 1972.  Much of the equipment at the museum was used in early mining ventures in the Pilbara.  The three locomotives were donated by Goldsworthy and Mt Newman Mining (now BHP Billiton Iron Ore) and were previously used to rail ore from Newman to Port Hedland. The museum is a great place of discovery and also a fantastic spot for a picnic or BBQ.

The Port Hedland Courthouse gallery houses a number of exhibitions and artwork, especially Indigenous art pieces. The gallery has a public program that is designed to offer value across the community and is well worth a visit.

Port Hedland Visitor Centre
Address: 13 Wedge Street, Port Hedland WA
Postal address: PO Box 664, Port Hedland WA 6721
Phone: +61 8 9173 1711
Fax: +61 8 9173 2632
Email: phtbinfo@norcom.net.au