Things To Do
in Tom Price

Tom Price is a remote mining town in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, perched on a rugged plateau surrounded by red ranges. It sits as a gateway to the Hamersley Range and the expansive outback, offering dramatic desert scenery and clear night skies. The town centers on mining life, with essential services that cater to residents and itinerant workers alike.

The landscape around Tom Price features sweeping horizons, ancient gorges, and a palpable sense of the outback’s vast scale.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Tom Price and settle into your accommodation. Start your journey with a visit to the Tom Price Visitor Centre where you can gather useful information and maps for your adventures. Spend some time exploring the town and getting a feel for the friendly local atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby beautiful Mount Nameless for a scenic hike. The views from the summit are breathtaking, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Take plenty of photos to capture this incredible experience.

evening
:

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local pub, where you can taste some Australian cuisine. Share stories with locals and fellow travelers, soaking in the unique culture of the region. As the stars come out, consider taking a stroll around the town to enjoy the peaceful night.

day 2
Karijini National Park Adventure
morning
:

Set out early for Karijini National Park, just a short drive from Tom Price, and get ready for a full day of adventure. Trek through the stunning gorges, layered rock formations, and mesmerizing waterholes that make the park famous. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature's splendor.

afternoon
:

Explore the various lookouts, including Joffre Falls and Fortescue Falls, where a cool swim awaits you. Take your time to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and serenity of the park, and don’t forget to bring your camera for those Instagram-worthy shots. Continue hiking through the unique landscapes that define this remarkable region.

evening
:

Return to Tom Price, and unwind after a day of exploration. Treat yourself to a well-deserved dinner at a local restaurant, savoring fresh ingredients and regional flavors. Reflect on the incredible sights and experiences of the day as you plan for tomorrow's adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-25
Coffee or tea$3-5
🥗Lunch at cafe$12-20
🏨Hotel room per night$100-180
🚗Gasoline per liter$1.80-2.60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Remote and peaceful setting with striking red landscapes
  • Gateway access to Karijini National Park and surrounding ranges
  • Limited dining and nightlife options within town
  • Long drives required to reach larger services and airports

Places to Visit in Tom Price

Visit one of these nice places.

Mount Tom Price Lookout

Panoramic views over the town and red ranges, especially striking at sunrise and sunset.

Hamersley Range from the Plateau Roads

Golden-hour shots of dramatic escarpments and expansive plateaus with deep red earth.

Karijini National Park vistas (short drive away)

Overlooks and deep gorges provide dramatic backdrops for landscape photography.

Tom Price town silhouette at dusk

Lights against the backdrop of the ranges create classic outback imagery.

Mining heritage rail yard and equipment

Industrial scenes with red earth and weathered machinery offer unique architectural shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Tom Price

Tom Price’s dining scene reflects its remote setting, with hearty Western Australian fare, roadhouse staples, and simple yet satisfying options that cater to miners, workers, and travelers.

Tom Price Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Emu or Kangaroo Pie

A hearty meat pie featuring game meat; common at roadhouses and pubs in the region.

Must-Try!

Wattleseed Damper

Traditional Australian damper flavored with wattleseed, often served with butter or golden syrup.

Grilled barramundi with lemon myrtle

WA seafood-inspired dish available at some restaurants; a nod to the region’s produce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Tom Price Community Market

Occasional weekend markets with local produce, crafts, and food stalls.

Roadhouse Food Stalls

Casual street-food-style options at the town roadhouse and hotel.

Climate Guide

Weather

Tom Price has a hot, arid to semi-arid climate with very hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is infrequent but more common in the wet season (roughly November to March) with occasional tropical-style storms. Expect clear skies and dramatic temperature swings between day and night in the shoulder seasons.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Indigenous respect

Respect local Indigenous cultures; ask permission before taking photos of people or sacred sites; be mindful of country and cultural protocols.

Greetings and behavior

Greet with a friendly 'G’day' attitude; keep conversations relaxed and courteous; reduce noise late at night in residential areas.

Remote area awareness

Be mindful of limited services and plan ahead for fuel, water, and communication when traveling in remote stretches.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travelers should stay hydrated, use sun protection, and carry extra water and a map when exploring remote areas. Road conditions can be challenging in extreme heat or after rain; mobile service may be limited in outback stretches, so plan ahead for emergencies and have a basic first-aid kit.

Tipping in Tom Price

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not required in Australia but appreciated for excellent service; rounding up at a till or leaving a small tip is common in casual settings.

Payment Methods

Australian dollars are standard; cards (Visa, Mastercard, EFTPOS) are widely accepted, and contactless payments are common. Cash is still accepted, and some remote venues may have limited card processing.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Dec–Feb: Very hot days with high UV; storms possible. Hydrate, wear sun protection, and schedule outdoor activity for early mornings or late afternoons.

Autumn

Mar–May: Warm days and gradually cooler evenings; pleasant hiking conditions with occasional rain.

Winter

Jun–Aug: Mild daytime temperatures and cooler nights; great for outdoor exploration, but bring a warm layer after sunset.

Spring

Sep–Nov: Warm days returning; increasing humidity as the wet season approaches; wildflowers may appear after rains.

Nightlife Guide

Tom Price at Night

The nightlife in Tom Price is low-key and largely centered around roadhouses, pubs, and hotel bars. Expect casual dining, a few live music events on weekends, and early evenings as the town quiets down due to its remote, working-town character.

Hiking in Tom Price

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mount Tom Price Summit Trail

A short ascent offering rewarding views of the town and surrounding ranges.

Karijini National Park – Fortescue Falls Trail

A popular gorge trail with waterfalls and swimming holes; a longer day trip from Tom Price.

Weano Gorge Rim Walk (Karijini NP)

Classic gorge walk with breathtaking cliff faces and water features.

Dales Gorge Lookout Trail (Karijini NP)

Scenic vantage points overlooking broad gorge walls and pools.

Hamersley Range Lookout Trails

Shorter tracks that yield sweeping views across the range and plateau landscapes.

Airports

How to reach Tom Price by plane.

Paraburdoo Airport (PBO)

Small regional airport serving the Tom Price area; provides basic services and connections to major hubs via charter or scheduled flights.

Newman Airport (ZNE)

Larger regional airport with more scheduled services and connections to Perth and other WA centers.

Karratha Airport (KTA)

Regional hub in the Pilbara offering broader flight options and access to the wider region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Tom Price is compact enough that most central amenities are reachable on foot, but the town is car-dependent for out-of-town trips. Streets are straightforward to navigate, with some outdoor areas requiring a vehicle to access scenic lookouts and trails.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Indigenous communities

Traditional owners and local Indigenous residents who contribute to the region’s culture and heritage.

Mining workforce

A mix of permanent and temporary workers forming a significant part of the town’s population.

Local families and retirees

Long-term residents and families who call Tom Price home and sustain community life.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Australian Rules Football (AFL)

Widely followed in WA, with local clubs and community games.

Cricket

Popular in the cooler months; local leagues and social matches common in regional towns.

Fishing and boating

Pursued in nearby rivers and waterholes when accessible; a common leisure activity in the Pilbara.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Tom Price is light, with most travel concentrated on local roads and the Great Northern Highway. Public transportation is limited, so a car is usually essential. Driving conditions are straightforward but can be hot and dusty, especially in the dry season; plan for fuel and water on longer excursions.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Tom Price.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available at hotel bistros and cafes; choose salads, grilled vegetables, pasta, veggie burgers, or omelets; ask about daily specials.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Tom Price has a regional health service with outpatient clinics and a small hospital. For major emergencies or specialty care, patients may be transferred to larger centers such as Newman or Port Hedland, depending on the situation and flight availability.

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