Making the most of Port Hedland
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Port Hedland Port is the world's largest bulk-export port by tonnage and is predominantly centred on the iron ore export industry serving Western Australia's Pilbara region. The town's historical growth is founded on iron ore and its shipment to international markets.
Shuttles run into the small but pleasant town. Volunteers greet visitors with maps, cold bottles of water and more.
At first glance, the town seems to offer little, which is why many passengers remain aboard.
Getting around
Leave the ship and your comfort zone to experience the 'orange and blue' town. It is always hot, always dusty, always a terrific photography opportunity and always "raw", but well worth visiting!
The ship will offer an interesting tour of the processing plant.
Food and shopping
Woolworths supermarket is joined by a few other shops, a couple of coffee shops and not much else.
Money
The currency is the Australian Dollar.
Staying connected
English is spoken.
Near the information centre, the Seamen's Club provides 30 minutes of free WiFi and internet access.
Opening Hours and
Shops and services are generally open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and until lunchtime on Saturday. In cities and larger towns, many trade late on Thursday or Friday evening, usually until 9pm, and throughout Saturday. Shopping centres often open on Sundays too.
Roadhouses in remote country areas supply every essential service for the traveller and are generally open 24 hours a day on major highways. Tourist offices, even far off the beaten track, often open daily or at least through the week and on weekend mornings; urban information centres are more likely to follow standard shopping hours.
Museums, galleries, attended historic monuments and other tourist attractions are often open daily, though those in rural communities may keep irregular hours.