Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/937563
Newman Newman is the largest modern mining town in the inland Pilbara. Sitting on the edge of the Western Desert, the town is surrounded by the ancient eroded hills of the Ophthalmia Ranges. Chalet accommodation is available at the Newman Visitor Centre, along with hotel accommodation within the town. Early bookings are recommended. • Take in the vast rugged surroundings of Newman from Radio Hill Lookout. • Visit Newman's East Pilbara Art Centre to view Aboriginal artwork. • View the world's largest open cut iron ore mine on an organised tour at BHP Billiton Mt Whaleback Mine. • Marvel at Mount Newman. Its peak rises 1053 metres above sea level. • Enjoy a picnic at Eagle Rock Falls, Eagle Rock Pool, or Ophthalmia Dam. • Accessible by four wheel drive only, Kalgan's Pool is a popular day trip and a permit can be obtained from the Newman Visitor Centre. Nullagine Located on the Nullagine River almost 200km north of Newman, Nullagine's red granite hills create a unique landscape with an abundance of rock holes, winter wildflowers and wildlife. • Take a walk among the ancient rocks of Conglomerate Gorge. • Enjoy the peace and natural beauty of Elle's Pool. • Explore the water holes including Beaton's Creek Gorge, Garden and Daylight Pools. • Nullagine was proclaimed as a town following the discovery of gold in 1888. Why not try your luck at prospecting in the area? Contact the Department of Mines, Industry, Regulation and Safety for any permit requirements. Marble Bar Marble Bar is a unique example of a pioneering outback town from the gold rush days of the late 1800s. Named after what was originally thought to be a colourful marble bar which crosses the Coongan River, the bar is actually made of jasper. • Located 7km down Comet Mine Road, visit the historic Comet Gold Mine which is a museum and tourist stop with displays of rocks, minerals and local gemstones. • Cool off in the pool below the 'Marble Bar', a popular swimming spot. • Enjoy a scenic picnic at the Flying Fox Lookout with the panoramic view of the Coongan River, 4km down the Comet Gold Mine Road. Pioneering Past • Visit the old Corunna Downs Hidden Airbase, located 35km from Marble Bar. • Visit the Marble Bar Museum in the Old Government Building to get a peek into the pioneering days of Marble Bar and surrounding areas. • Try your hand at prospecting. Contact the Department of Mines, Industry, Regulation and Safety for any permit requirements. Tom Price Visitor Centre Central Road, Tom Price Ph: (08) 9188 5488 www.tomprice.org.au Newman Visitor Centre Cnr Fortescue Ave & Newman Dr, Newman Ph: (08) 9175 2888 www.newman.org.au Australia's North West | 41