Dusty mining port now a tourist attraction

PORT Hedland may not be everyone's idea of a scenic stop-over, but it is becoming increasingly popular with cruise ships. Want to know why?

Port Hedland cruise ship

THE red-dust iron ore export town of Port Hedland, in Western Australia's northwest, may not be everyone's idea of a scenic stop-over, but it is becoming increasingly popular - with cruise ships, according to its port authority.

Five cruise ships have so far booked visits to the Pilbara port next financial year, compared to two visits so far this year.

The main attraction, according Port Hedland Port Authority chief executive Roger Johnston, is Australia's highest tonnage port facilities and giant mounds of iron ore - "red gold" - destined for export, and one of the few commodities propping up the nation's economy.

"Not only is this a great opportunity for the port and the Town of Port Hedland, but also for the hundreds of tourists who will get the chance to witness operations at the world's largest bulk export port first hand," Mr Johnston said.

Mr Johnston said the town shire and community were positive about recent cruise-ship visits and benefits for the local economy.

"The port authority is keen to facilitate the diversification of trade through the port and surrounding region, and at the same time enhance the sustainability of the town," he said.

Port Hedland's only other main claim to fame is its Pier Hotel, which London's Sunday Telegraph described as "the world's toughest pub" in the 1970s, declaring it held the record of 33,000 broken beer glasses a year.