Nullagine

A small mining hamlet near Marble Bar which has survived its hot and isolated environment because of tin mining activities in the area. Gold prospecting and gem fossicking are still very popular. There is an amethyst mine 20 minutes away from the hotel and numerous copper and gold mines to explore. Nullagine’s red granite hills and majestic paperback gumtrees create a diverse and unique landscape with a wealth of rock holes, winter wildflowers and wildlife.

Visitors eager to fossick for gold can visit the beautiful Beaton's Rockhole and Gorge 4 km to the west of the town where both gold and precious stones can be found. Take a four-wheel drive road trip to explore Coppin’s Gap, Doolena Gorge or Carawine Gorge. Karajini National Park is well worth the experience. Comet gold mine and tourist center is located just outside of Marble Bar and for the more adventurous you could book a Hamersley Mine Tour.

Beaton's Rockhole

Another interesting journey can be taken to the town's lookout on the Conglomerate Hills 4 km to the north of the town. Nearby (in the gully to the north of the lookout) are the unusual Chinese walls which were built by the Chinese gold miners as sluices. Such structures are found nowhere else in the Pilbara.


Karlamilyi National Park

(275 km east) Formerly Rudall River National Park, Karlamilyi is Western Australia's largest and most remote park. Two-and-a-half times as large as the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, it is a world of desert dunes, salt lakes and mountain ranges. The Rudall River is unique in the region, being a major watercourse with reliable water sources and permanent pools. This, together with the abundant wildlife it attracts, makes it an oasis for desert dwellers.


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Where is it?

112 km south of Marble Bar, 1,364 km north north east of Perth and 297 km south east of Port Hedland on the pastoral lease of Bonney Downs Station.


Brief history

Gold was first discovered here by NW Cooke in 1886 which sparked a mini goldrush, though the town came into being some years later. In 1902 Nullagine was the site of Australia's first discovery of diamonds but the development of this and subsequent small alluvial deposits proved not economically viable. Since then prospectors and fossickers have come to the area and found agate, asbestos, antimony, beryl, chalcedony, copper, jade, jasper, manganese, tiger eye and wolfram.

Prior to World War II the population was nearly 1,500. Today Nullagine is home to a small number of prospectors, goldminers and the Yirrangadji Aboriginal Community. The population fluctuates depending on the season, but generally is home to about 250 people, most of whom are of Aboriginal descent.

Origin of name: named after the local Ngalagunya Aboriginal name for the river which runs through the centre of town.

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