The second busiest airport in Western Australia, Karratha Airport is close to the town of Karratha after which it is named. In Aboriginal, the name Karratha translates as ‘soft land', and the town is celebrated for its role in the development of the cattle industry in Australia. The town is well-known for its local festivals and events, as well as its stunning naturally developed swimming holes which are some of the warmest in the world. Hiring a car at Karratha Airport is an absolute must, giving you the chance to explore the town and surrounding areas.
Visitors to Karratha who arrive during Christmas will no doubt have heard about the annual Christmas Lights Competition, and the festive time of year is the perfect place to discover the town and everything it has to offer. Renting a car at Karratha Airport means that you'll be free to explore the town at your own pace. Should you be visiting when the temperatures are high, and want to cool off, then you might want to pay a visit to the Mairee Pool - a natural swimming hole complete with camping, located just off the highway
If you land at Karratha Airport and want to head somewhere just for a day trip, then the nearby port of Dampier is a great place to go. The local statue of Red Dog is a great monument, definitely worth checking out. If you fancy a drive further out then you might want to visit Murujuga. Murujuga is often referred to as the ‘hip bone' of the area, because of its position on the map, and contains some of the oldest Aboriginal rock-carvings in the country.