The area's economy includes iron ore operations, sea-salt mining, ammonia export, plus petroleum and natural gas exploration. More than 18,000 people live in the town, which is experiencing substantial growth due to the mineral resources boom.
The town adjoins the port of Dampier and was initially developed during the 1960s to accommodate the processing and exportation workforce of the Hamersley Iron mining company operations in the Pilbara.
In the 1980s, the petroleum and liquefied natural gas operations of the North West Shelf Venture commenced, and the town has since then provided accommodation to workers in those industries.
The town has the largest shopping centre in the Pilbara, known as Karratha City, which includes major food and grocery retailers and department chains stores. The centre was opened in 1986 and expanded in 2005. The centre also serves residents of the nearby towns of Dampier, Wickham and Roebourne.
A range of accommodation services are available within the town including, a hotel, motel, B&B and caravan park. However, because the town is booming, accommodation is often difficult to find and it is wise to make reservations in advance.
The town provides entertainment through several restaurants, a tavern, two hotels and two night clubs.
Education is available through several public primary schools and a private primary school. Plus, one public and one private high school. A TAFE centre is available, with university facilities and a library.
The district is served by the Nickol Bay Hospital which provides a range of medical services and facilities, plus training.
The airport is the second busiest in the state. Three passenger airlines service the town with regular flights to and from Perth and other destinations. The airport also serves as a hub for the Pilbara's light-aircraft and helicopter services, enabling contractors to access destinations offshore and throughout the region.
Nearby schools
Karratha Education Support Centre
Karratha Primary School
Karratha Senior High School
Millars Well Primary School >
Pegs Creek Primary School
Pindan College >
St Luke's College >
St Paul's Primary School >
Tambrey Pre Primary
Tambrey Primary School
Karratha. Photograph © nipper30. Courtesy of Panoramio .
Vision for Karratha
Video © lastpixelstudios. Courtesy of YouTube.