Roebourne
Established in 1866, Roebourne is the oldest town in the North West. Named after Sir John Septimus Roe it was the administrative capital for the North West, while Cossack was the port. The nearest towns at the time were Geraldton to the south and Darwin to the North.
The original Roebourne was built on the land which falls within the boundaries of Ngarluma country, a language group that inhabited ‘flood country’ from the Maitland River in the West to the Peewah River in the East, an area approximately 6,400 square kilometres. There are differing dialects within this language group, with the most dominant in Roebourne today being Yindjibarndi.
Roebourne Experiences
- Call in and chat with Aboriginal artists producing distinctive and significant pieces of art at the various art groups in town.
- The Emma Withnell Heritage Trail is a 52km drive and walk route that starts in Roebourne and explores Cossack, Wickham and Point Samson.
- If walls could talk then those of the heritage listed Old Roebourne Gaol would have a story to tell, now home to the Roebourne Visitor Centre, historical museum, local arts and crafts, learn more.
- During June and July the Roebourne Race Course come to life with the annual race round, join in!
- Check out the panoramic view from the top of Mt Welcome.
- Take a visit to the Harding Dam located only 27km from Roebourne, this popular day destination has ideal picnic spots equipped with gazebos and gas barbeques.
- North of Roebourne turnoff to take the unsealed road towards Millstream Chichester National Park.
- Discover more at the Roebourne Visitor Centre