Karratha, Western Australia

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Karratha
Western Australia

Location of Karratha in Western Australia (red)
Population: 10,796 (2001)
Established: 1960s
Postcode: 6714
Location: 1,575 km from Perth
LGA: Shire of Roebourne
State District: North West Coastal
Federal Division: Kalgoorlie
Mean Max Temp Mean Min Temp Rainfall
30.6 °C
87 °F
22.7 °C
73 °F
310.3 mm
12.2 in

Karratha (20°43′52″S, 116°51′25″E; post code: 6714) is an important centre in the resource-rich WA's northwest. It is located approximately 1,575 km (980 miles) north of Perth and can be reached by the North West Coastal Highway.

Its economic base includes local iron ore, salt mining, fertilizer and export operations, together with the North West Shelf Natural Gas Project, Australia's largest natural resource development. All this makes it the biggest town in the northwest after Port Hedland with a population around 10,000. Karratha came into being in the late 1960s due to the tremendous growth of the iron ore industry and the need for a new regional centre caused by the lack of land in Dampier. Karratha also has the biggest shopping centre in the Pilbara, called Centro Karratha.

Karratha townsite at dusk.
Enlarge
Karratha townsite at dusk.

Karratha is comprised of five main suburbs: Bulgarra, Pegs Creek, Millars Well, Nickol and the newer Baynton; and one industrial suburb, Stove Hill.

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Coordinates: -20.731° 116.857°

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