Onslow Travel Guide

Plan the perfect trip to Onslow, Western Australia with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to see and do, top attractions, hiking/biking routes, where to stay, what to eat, local culture, and more.


Onslow is a small town located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It’s a lesser-known tourist destination but is a hidden gem for those who love natural beauty and outdoor activities. In this comprehensive travel guide to Onslow, we will tell you everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to this Australian town.

Introduction to Onslow

Onslow is located around 1385km north of Perth, which takes around 15 hours to travel. The town is situated on the coast, and its beautiful beaches and natural attractions make it a true paradise for nature lovers.

List of Places to Visit in Onslow

Onslow has a lot to offer to its visitors, from culturally significant museums and historical places to natural attractions such as scenic views and outdoor adventures.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Onslow Historical Society Museum: This museum contains the history of Onslow town and its development from a pearling center to the present.
  2. St Nicholas Anglican Church: The church was built in 1912 and features unique architecture.
  3. The Old Onslow Gaol: This jail was built-in the early 1900s used for people who break pilgrim’s rules. It displays the life of prisoners.
  4. Beadon Bay Hotel: This building was used in the 1800s as a telegraph station and post office, and was later converted into a hotel.

Natural Attractions of Onslow: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Beadon Bay: This is a beautiful bay perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
  2. Mackerel Island: A 40-minute boat ride from Onslow that offers world-class fishing opportunities.
  3. Minilya River: This is the perfect place for fishing and kayaking.
  4. The Warroora Station: This is a scenic site that is perfect for hikes and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Onslow

  1. Beadon Point Coastal Walk: This is a 7km walk with serene and scenic coastal views.
  2. Three Mile Pool Walk Trail: A 15km trek for travellers who want a longer hike among beautiful natural surroundings.
  3. Old Onslow Town Site Walk: This is a 5km walk that takes visitors through the ruins of the old Onslow town.

Best Things to Do in Onslow: Activities and Tours

  1. Snorkelling, diving, and swimming in Beadon Bay
  2. Fishing at Mackerel Island and Minilya River
  3. Experience the turtles at Warroora Station
  4. Sunset on the beach

Week-Long Itinerary for Onslow

Day 1: Arrival and Beadon Bay Swim Day 2: Visit the Onslow Historical Society Museum and St Nicholas Anglican Church Day 3: Hike to Three Mile Pool Walk Trail, and kayak the Minilya River Day 4: Snorkel and observe Coral Reef Day 5: A Day Trip to Mackerel Island and enjoy Fishing Day 6: Visit Old Onslow Town Site and top it by dinner at Beadon Bay Hotel Day 7: Relax on Warroora Station Beach and watch the beautiful sunset

Food and Drink Scene of Onslow

Onslow has numerous restaurants that offer delicious seafood and even local delicacies. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to try.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Barramundi-fish native to Northern Australia and is a highly sought-after seafood item.
  2. Shark Bay King Prawns: The town is famous for its prawns, which are a must-try seafood delicacy.
  3. Damper: A traditional Outback bread cooked over an open fire.

Local Beverages

  1. Meg’s Tea: A tasty herbal tea that’s beloved in Onslow.
  2. Bianca’s Brew: A unique coffee blend with a hint of smooth chocolate.

Where to Stay in Onslow: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Onslow has several accommodation options that cater to various budgets. Here are some options to consider:

  1. Beadon Bay Hotel: One of the town’s oldest hotels and is well-renowned for its delicious seafood, cozy room and beautiful views.
  2. Onslow Beach Resort: A luxury resort that offers visitors stunning beach views and modern amenities.
  3. Onslow Caravan Park: Set up the camp and experience the beauty of Onslow, close to the coast.

What to Buy in Onslow: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the local products to consider are:

  1. Pearls: The town’s pearls are famous around the world and make for great gifts.
  2. Aboriginal Art: The town has a rich history and culture with its Aboriginal community, and their artwork is a beautiful and unique souvenir.
  3. Handmade Crafts: The town has several markets where visitors can purchase handmade crafts made by the locals for a unique and personal souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Onslow

The Aboriginal community at Onslow has a rich history and culture that visitors can experience through their art, dance and music. Visitors should respect these customs and traditions. Visitors should also be aware that the town has strict fishing rules that are designed to preserve the environment.

Best Time to Visit Onslow

Visitors should consider visiting Onslow between March and October, which is their dry season. The weather is pleasant during this period and visitors will be able to experience the town’s natural beauty and outdoor activities to the fullest.

Do’s and Don’ts of Onslow

Do:

  1. Respect the local customs and traditions
  2. Follow the fishing rules to preserve the environment
  3. Take advantage of outdoor activities that Onslow offers.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or damage the natural surroundings.
  2. Violate the fishing rules to conserve the ecosystem and marine life.

Safety and Health

Safety in Onslow

Onslow is a very safe town, but visitors should still take precautions and practice general safety measures.

Health in Onslow

If visitors have previously had medical concerns, it’s essential to bring the necessary medications with them. Onslow does not have a hospital, but it does have medical facilities.

Getting to Onslow: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Onslow

  1. RAAF Base Learmonth: 75 km away from Onslow town and is the closest airport.

Bus Stations Near Onslow

  1. Onslow Bus Stop: The town connects to the North West Coastal Highway.

Other Options

  1. Self-Drive: Visitors can plan their route and explore the town by themselves.
  2. Hire a car: Car-hire is another option, with several rental car companies.

How to Get Around in Onslow

Visitors can explore Onslow by a hired car or by walking about. There is no public transport in the town, so visitors must be aware of this before visiting.

Where to Go Next from Onslow: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can check out other gems near Onslow, including Coral Bay and Exmouth, that possess towns with major tourist attractions and sightseeing opportunities. Broome, a coastal town known for tourism, is also a nearby destination.

Conclusion

Onslow is a fantastic destination that offers visitors a perfect balance between natural beauty and outdoor activities. This comprehensive travel guide is an excellent reference for visitors planning a trip to the town. It covers everything from hiking/biking trails and natural attractions to cultural and historical sites and local customs and traditions. With this guide, visitors will be well-equipped to build their itinerary for their visit to Onslow.

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