Top Things to Do and See
Murujuga
Murujuga is another name for the Burrup Peninsula, which is a short distance from Karratha. The area is known for having the largest and most important set of ancient Aboriginal rock carvings, called petroglyphs. There are more than one million petroglyphs throughout Murujuga that date back about 10,000 years. Visitors with return flights to Karratha can take a tour of Murujuga to see the famous rock art and hear ancient stories from local Aboriginal guides.
Yaburara Trail
For a scenic walk through an Aboriginal heritage site, head to the Yaburara Trail after your flights to Karratha. The trail stretches for 3.5 kilometres (2.1 miles) past significant Aboriginal artefacts and native vegetation. Along the trail, visitors with an airfare to Karratha can view Aboriginal rock art and ceremonial sites, as well as some gorgeous views over the landscape.
Hearson’s Cove
Hearson’s Cove is a beautiful example of a Western Australian beach to see when you have cheap flights to Karratha. It has rust-coloured sand and a rocky coastline along the water. What makes Hearson’s Beach extra special is a natural event that occurs between April and October of each year. During low tide, full moons reflect off the wet sand in such a way that it gives the illusion of a staircase between Hearson’s Cove and the moon.
Cossack
Visitors with flights to Karratha can take a step back in time by visiting the neighbouring town of Cossack. The town showcases bluestone architecture that was built by the earliest settlers to the region. Cossack became an important port for trading and a hub for gold prospectors. As industry shifted from Cossack to nearby towns, people began to move out; by 1950, Cossack was abandoned. Today, visitors with tickets to Karratha can explore the ghost town to learn about the area’s history and understand what life was like for early settlers to the region. To get a full insight into Cossack, you can make the 52-kilometre (32-mile) drive along the Cossack Heritage Trail between your return flights to Karratha.
Karijini National Park
If you have a couple of free days after arriving on flights to Karratha, head inland to the incredible Karijini National Park. The park is located in the heart of the Outback, offering a unique experience to Karratha and the WA coast. The park is teeming with scenic views, hiking trails, Aboriginal rock art, gorges, and native animals to discover after your flights to Karratha. Some must-see spots to visit within Karijini National Park are Mount Bruce, Hamersley Gorge, Hancock Gorge, and Fortescue Falls.
Public Transport and How to Get Around
In early 2017, Karratha introduced a new bus service that has made it much easier for tourists with cheap flights to Karratha to get around. There is one major bus route that travels in both directions during the day. The bus makes several stops in Karratha and also extends to Point Samson near Cossack and to the Dampier Shopping Centre on the Burrup Peninsula.
For extra freedom to explore the Karratha region, you can book a hire car for pick up from Karratha Airport (KTA). Cars are available from many of the top hire companies. For a great deal, you can book a rental car through Webjet to pick up after your flights to Karratha arrive.
The Best Time to Visit with Flights to Karratha
No matter what time of year you book cheap flights to Karratha, you can expect warm weather. Summers are hot, with temperatures reaching about 32°C on most days. To accompany the heat, the region gets humid as well. Karratha doesn’t see much rainfall at any time of year, but precipitation is most likely during the summer months. On the other hand, winter in Karratha is mild with average temperatures of about 20°C, plenty of sunshine, and rare rainfall.
Karratha never experiences the large crowds of Perth or other major Australian cities. However, it does experience an increase in tourism over the summer months. December and January are particularly popular. If you’ll be booking your return flights to Karratha then, book your hotel early to get the best rate. For a quieter experience during your trip, book your tickets to Karratha during the off-season winter months.
When is The Best Time to Visit Karratha?
If you're planning on visiting Millstream Chichester National Park, the best time to visit Karratha is between May and August. The temperatures are warm, and there is little chance of rain. There is also the nearby Python Pool which is great for swimming all year round.
The busiest time of year is the summer months. From December to February, local tourists flock to the city for the festive season break. Make sure you book your flights and accommodation a few months in advance as prices increase to meet the demand.
For a more quieter time of year, book your trip during autumn (March to May) or spring (September to November). You'll have the city's attractions to yourself, and you'll find that hotels and flights are more affordable during these months.
Airports in Karratha
Karratha Airport
Karratha Airport is located in Western Australia and is the second busiest airport in the region. It mainly operates domestic flights to Perth and Brisbane, but JetGo Australia is starting a route to Singapore from mid-2018.
Getting To and From Karratha Airport
If you're travelling on a budget, the cheapest way to get from the airport is with the local bus service. You can book your spot ahead of time or before you arrive. Prices are AUD 30 per person.
The taxi rank is located outside of the airport's arrival terminal. While the airport isn't far from the city, taxi prices start at AUD 30-40 one-way.
For travellers that prefer more freedom, you can hire a car at the airport. The rental desks are in the arrivals area, near the baggage carousels.