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Practicalities
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Overland
buses
stop next to the
tourist office
on Wedge Street (Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat & Sun noon-4pm; tel 08/9173 1711), while
local buses
operate between South Hedland and Port Hedland (#501; $2) from 7am to 4.30pm on weekdays, handy for shopping or getting to
Pretty Pool
Beach, 8km away. The
post office
is opposite the tourist office on Wedge Street, where most banks are also situated.
The liveliest place to stay is at the Port Hedland Backpackers (tel 08/9173 3282; under $20), 20 Richardson St. A simple but friendly hostel , it offers verandah views of the huge ore-carriers gliding up the channel to the port, and heaps of activities. Dingo's Oasis Backpackers (tel 08/9173 1000; under $20), 59 Kingsmill St, is the newer kid in town with good bunks, tours, and with its own private "beach" to watch ships pass in the night. The Pier Hotel (tel 08/9173 1488; $50-70) on the Esplanade describes itself as "infamous", and is a safe bet for a beer, band or a punch-up. Pricey motels include the Hospitality Inn (tel 08/9173 1044 or 13 1779, fax 9173 1464; $115-150) on Webster Street, 4km from the centre, or the Mercure Inn (tel 08/9172 1222 or free call 1800 642 244, fax 9140 1245; $115-150), with a swimming pool and rocking bar, on the highway opposite the airport. Dixon's Caravan Park (tel 08/9172 2525; chalets $50-70), also on the highway, suits those who just want to crash out, while Cooke Point Caravan Park (tel 08/9173 1271; on-site vans $35-50) is on Athol Street by the ocean, 8km from town (bus #501). Iron-ore dust can't do much for the taste buds, judging by Port Hedland's eateries. Good restaurants are confined to the Hospitality and Mercure motels. Otherwise, try Kath's Kitchen , a snack bar on Wedge Street, or the Esplanade Hotel on the Esplanade, where you will be served by waitresses wearing "skimpies".
Internet facilities
are at the South Hedland Newsagency and in the laundromat on Wedge Street. Other useful information
for tourists (each section contains more specific sub-sections): |
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Australia,
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