Wayiba! Wanthiwa! Tharnardu!

The City of Karratha recognises the ancient and ongoing connection of the Ngarluma people as traditional custodians of this land and their deep historical and spiritual connection to the region’s country, waterways, rivers, and seas. We acknowledge the significance of the traditional welcoming rituals of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and pay respect to the Ngarluma people and their Elders, past, present, and emerging. We also acknowledge that Indigenous Australians were the first inhabitants of Australia and have unique languages and spiritual relationships with the land. The name “Karratha” is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning “good country” or “soft earth.”

Not only is the City of Karratha the host of the Red Earth Arts Festival, it is also one of the largest and fastest growing towns in the north of Western Australia and the ideal base for exploring the natural delights of the area – Millstream-Chichester National Park, Karijini National Park, Dampier Archipelago, Point Samson Peninsula and the Burrup Peninsula.

The City of Karratha is home to a vibrant and diverse community with a population of around 22,000 people, located approximately 1,500km north of Perth, that enjoys a level of amenity and service usually only seen in much larger metropolitan areas. Home to more than 200 registered community groups, sporting clubs, associations and cultural groups, the City embraces social events and experiences, providing more than 86 parks, ovals, streetscapes, buildings, open spaces, foreshores and creeks, hosting roughly 56 events and festivals each year and offering almost $1 million in community funding grants annually.

The City of Karratha offers a unique natural environment with the Dampier Archipelago and Murujuga National Park (Burrup Peninsula). This blend of world-class fishing and rich cultural history make for an exceptional ifestyle. The Dampier Archipelago consists of 42 islands, inlets and rock formations within a 45km radius of Dampier and Point Samson. These islands feature scenic coastal cliffs, sand plains, and pristine beaches perfect for fishing, swimming and snorkelling. The Burrup Peninsula boasts the highest concentration of rock art globally with over one million engravings showcasing 50,000 years of human habitation.