In area, East Pilbara is the world’s largest Local Government authority. Stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Northern Territory border, the Shire’s 10,200 residents are largely found in the four towns of Newman, Marble Bar, Nullagine and Telfer.
Most towns and cattle stations are located in the west of the Shire but there are a number of Aboriginal communities and some mining activity in the very remote eastern areas of the Great Sandy and Gibson Deserts.
Rivers, gorges and pools; wildlife and birds; flora and geological resources provide visitors and local people with an untouched natural splendour.
For those wanting to experience a wilderness adventure, the East Pilbara offers exploration, fishing, boating, camping, ecotourism and prospecting.
Mt Whaleback mine at Newman is the largest single open cut iron ore operation in the world. Free tours are conducted on most weekdays. The iron ore extracted is shipped to Port Hedland by rail.
East Pilbara Shire was created in 1972 with the amalgamation of the Shires of Marble Bar and Nullagine.
Originally a mining town, in the early 1980s Newman was handed over to the Shire following a ‘normalisation’ agreement between the State Government and the Mt Newman Mining Company.
Today, Newman has a population of 5,000 offering residents and visitors a full array of services fulfilling recreational, cultural, accommodation and commercial needs.
East Pilbara Shire provides services throughout its vast geographical area, including facilities such as a swimming pool in Marble Bar and caravan parks both here and in Nullagine.
Marble Bar is well known for its history and striking jasper deposits, originally thought to be marble.
Nullagine and surrounding areas continue to produce gold through prospecting and small mining operations. With temperatures hovering around the low to mid 40s in the summer months, the peak tourist season is May to October when skies are clear blue and nights pleasantly cool.
