Nullagine is located in the Heart of the Pilbara, 191 kilometres North of Newman and 112 Kilometres southeast of Marble Bar on the Marble Bar Road.
The township of Nullagine hugs the Nullagine River and provides some of the most spectacular scenery in the Pilbara during the wet season.
It is held that diamonds were first discovered in Australia at Nullagine, however the gold rush in Nullagine between 1895 and 1914 sealed Nullagine's fate as being well known for gold. It is still a favourite prospecting area for both panners and detector users. Prospecting is still very popular among the locals and if it is your intention to try your luck, we would ask that you obtain all appropriate prospecting licenses prior to arriving in Nullagine.
The nearest office to purchase prospecting licenses is in Marble Bar.
Nullagine district hosts a number of cultural sites including;
- Camalier routes of past eras and
- Indigenous art sites
The waterways during the wet season provide a cool reprieve as well as wonderful photo opportunities.
Lynas Lookout provides a panoramic 360-degree view of the district, gifting us the most amazing sunrise you could ever witness and is a must visit even if you are just passing through. Lynas lookout has a free gas BBQ area and shaded seating.
Please keep in mind that once you leave the Marble Bar Road which takes you through Nullagine a 4wd is required for most tourist sites. Garden Pool, Lynas Lookout and nearby petroglyphs however are accessible by 2wd vehicles in good driving conditions. Check conditions with the Nullagine Community Resource Centre if uncertain and check the Shire of East Pilbara for updates on road conditions.
Never rely on old mud maps for directions as track and road conditions alter considerably with rainfall and river flooding. There is also a 24 hour on call Nursing Post located in the main street.
Running Waters
Nullagine
2 Day 1: Arrival & Exploration
Morning:
8:00 AM – Depart from Newman
- Travel time: Approx. 2.5 hours via Marble Bar Road. Ensure you have fuel, water, and supplies.
- Be mindful of road conditions and local wildlife (especially at dawn or while driving in the dark).
10:30 AM – Arrive in Nullagine
Midday:
12:00 – 1:00 PM – Lunch at the Nullagine Hotel (The Nully)
- Known as "The Nully" by locals, the Nullagine Hotel is a central gathering place in town, offering hearty pub-style meals, cold drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel has been serving locals and travellers for decades, making it a great spot to chat with residents and learn about the town’s gold mining history. It also provides accommodation for those looking for a more comfortable stay. Whether you're dropping in for a meal, staying overnight, or just soaking in the atmosphere, The Nully is an essential stop on any Nullagine adventure.
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM – Drive towards Garden Pool
- Relax by the Garden Pool, a serene spot perfect for birdwatching and photography.
- Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including native birds and kangaroos.
Afternoon:
2:15 PM – Visit Nullagine Dam
- Located north of the town just off Marble Bar Road, Nullagine Dam offers a peaceful spot for relaxation, photography, and birdwatching. The dam is accessible via dirt roads leading to a viewing point over the dam and its wall. It is particularly scenic when water levels are high, reflecting the surrounding landscape. Bird enthusiasts may spot a variety of species in the area. Visitors should check local conditions before planning a visit, as accessibility can vary depending on weather and road conditions.
Evening:
6:00 PM – Sunset at Lynas Lookout
- Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscapes.
Lynas Lookout, located along Gallop Road, is equipped with shade shelters, a free electric barbecue, and interpretive signage about Bill Lynas. Lynas was a decorated World War I soldier who served at Gallipoli and on the Western Front, earning multiple military honours, including the Military Cross with two Bars and the Distinguished Service Order. After the war, he returned to mining and became a key figure in the Nullagine community.
The lookout is an ideal spot for capturing the beauty of the outback at dusk. Visitors should note that access is steep and not suitable for vehicles with trailers.
7:00 PM – Dinner at Nullagine Hotel or BBQ at the Caravan Park
- Enjoy a meal under the vast outback sky. If camping, experience bush cooking.
Garden Pool 
Lynas Lookout 
Day 2: Outdoor Adventure & Departure
Morning:
6:30 AM – Breakfast at camp
- Start the day with a nice breakfast before heading out for an adventure.
7:30 AM – Explore Mosquito Creek
- well-known old gold prospecting site; take a short walk to appreciate the scenery.
9:00 AM – Final town exploration
- Visit local art displays or chat with residents about Nullagine’s history.
- Contact with The Mantingunya Arts & Culture Centre where visitors can experience authentic art and storytelling or visit the store online https://mantingunya.com.au/ While the gallery itself may not always be accessible by foot, it has a well-established online store, allowing visitors to browse and purchase local Indigenous artworks from anywhere.
- Explore remnants of the town’s historic gold mining days.
Midday:
12:00 PM – Lunch & Prepare for Departure
- Quick bite at the Nullagine Hotel.
Afternoon:
1:00 PM – Depart Nullagine
Nullagine Hotel
Nullagine Hotel
Alternatively, embark on the Skull Springs, Running Waters & Carawine Gorge adventure for an extended trip.
Approximately 10 km from Nullagine, the Seven Sisters site is of high cultural significance to the local Irrungadji Aboriginal community. Visitors must respect the site’s sacred nature.
The Irrungadji community continues to visit and care for this area, as their Dreamtime ancestors did before them. Please respect their heritage and traditions.