Attractions

Please scroll below to view attractions in Pannawonica or alternatively click on the quick links below.

Robe River

The Robe River near Pannawonica offers well shaded swimming holes, picnic and camping areas. These unique pools are a haven for much of the areas native flora and fauna.

Pannawonica Rodeo

The main highlight of the year is the Robe River Rodeo in Pannawonica. The Rodeo is the only event of its kind in the Pilbara and is well supported by the local community and pastoral properties, with competitors and visitors coming from across the State and interstate for this spectacular event. The event sees the town’s population more than double over the action packed weekend.

The rodeo includes a Kids Gymkhana for our younger cowboys and cowgirls with winners vying for the title of All Round Cowboy & Cowgirl along with trophies, sashes & prize money. Competitors who also participate in campdraft events at the Tom Price and Newman Rodeos are automatically in the running for the Pilbara Perpetual Trophy. Spectators can enjoy many exciting events, including the Bull Ride – a highly entertaining show. Each day of the event draws to a close with a live band for entertainment. The grounds, which are located on the outskirts of the town of Pannawonica provide free camping for visitors.

The funds raised by the Rodeo are channeled back into our community, community groups and nominated charities.

The Committee, whose members are comprised of Pannawonica locals, Rio Tinto staff, and managers from the three nearest stations – Yarraloola, Mardie and Yalleen – work tirelessly to organise a showcase event year after year.

For further information please go to www.pannawonicarodeo.com.au

Millstream/Chichester National Park

Pannawonica makes a good place to refuel and obtain supplies before heading east into the Millstream/Chichester National Park, which is only 1.5 hours from Pannawonica along the Millstream - Yarraloola road. Please note the Millstream - Yarraloola road is unsuitable for buses, caravans, trailers or two wheel drive vehicles. It is recommended that the road only be travelled by well prepared four wheel drive vehicles and that travellers notify the Pannawonica Police or the Millstream Ranger of their intention to travel.

Background about the park

Millsteam Chichester is one of the most significant Aboriginal cultural sites in northern Western Australia. Millstream is the home of the mythological serpent or warlu - which visitors say they feel at Deep Reach Pool. All the pools have cultural and mythological importance to them and are to be respected when entered.

The landscape around the park is very unique and the traveller will see rolling spinifex hills, amazing escarpments and winding watercourses lined by trees, not to mention the lush oasis of the Millstream wetlands, with its water lilies, ferns and palms. Deep pools at Crossing Pool and Deep Reach are a tourist drawcard and are great way to cool down in the summer months. A permanent freshwater rock pool, Python Pool, is situated at the base of a cliff in the Chichester Range escarpment with stunning rock formations surrounding it. Visitors pay a fee of $11 to enter the park.

The Millstream Homestead Visitors Centre is a must and great for those who want to find out the history of early settlers and more details about the natural environment.

For further details please visit the Department of Parks and Wildlife Millstream-Chichester National Park Website.