Marble Bar

Situated 218 kilometres southeast of Port Hedland, Marble Bar is best known for being the hottest town in Australia, although perfect weather is enjoyed from April to September. The town was called Marble Bar after a stunning formation of jasper which settlers mistook for a huge bar of marble. The natural scenic beauty of the area offers many places for exploration. Chinaman's Pool and Marble Bar Pool are popular picnic and swimming areas. Jasper deposits allow visitors to take a souvenir from this area. There are many gorges surrounding Marble Bar, including Coppin's Gap, Kitty's Gap and Doolena Gorge. Most are accessible by four wheel drive vehicles only. Marble Bar had a population of over 5,000 after gold was found nearby in 1891, but today the town has about 410 inhabitants. However, it continues to be a very productive centre, with gold, tin, silver, lead, zinc, copper and jade deposits being mined. Marble Bar is a very historic town, with many old buildings and remnants of the past. The Government Buildings built in 1896 cost 7949 pounds, 11 shillings and two pence to complete. Comet Gold Mine and the Corunna Downs Airbase were one of the best kept secrets of World War II. Marble Bar has licensed restaurants and cafes offering a la carte menus and takeaway foods. No visit is complete without a cold beer at the Iron Clad Hotel or a seafood dinner at the Marble Bar Travellers Stop. Accommodation available includes motel style, budget and backpacker facilities. Marble Bar Shire of East Pilbara Office is available for tourist information; open weekdays 8.30am to 4.30pm. Weekends and after-hours tourist information and brochures are available at the Marble Bar Travellers Stop (telephone 08 9176 1166) and the Marble Bar Garage.