Marble Bar: Venture into the Hottest Town in Australia
Marble Bar is the town that practically invented scorching heat. I’ve been here twice, once in April when the weather was more sedate, and I stayed one night while passing through.
This time, I was driving headfirst into the scorching embrace of a Marble Bar summer – and let me tell you, it was a whopping 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) when I pulled up. Yep, you read that right!
But why willingly subject myself to this inferno, you ask?
In the summer, Marble Bar isn’t just a town; it’s an experience. It’s about pushing the limits, feeling the burn (literally), and saying, “Yeah, I survived the hottest place in Australia in the peak of summer.”
I mean, why not? If you spend the summer in the Pilbara, you might as well go all in.
I hit the mighty Pilbara region while traveling through my last leg of Western Australia. This region is vast and harsh. In summer, the temperatures can exceed 50 degrees Celius (122 F), and in the winter, parts of the region can reach under 5 degrees C (41 F).
Traveling up this way in summer is generally not recommended due to the wet season and the extreme heat. I have passed through twice, once in April (heading into the dry season) and once in December (right in the build-up to the wet). I recommend April.
The Hottest Town in Australia
Marble Bar has earned its reputation as the hottest town in Australia, and it’s not an exaggeration. Marble Bar is where the heat becomes a defining feature of daily life. The relentless sun and arid conditions have sculpted the unique landscape, creating an environment that is both harsh and mesmerizing. It’s a dry heat so that is a positive.
What does Marble Bar have to offer?
Despite its challenging climate, Marble Bar offers much to those willing to brave the heat. Visitors can explore Jasper Drive, a scenic route that winds through the stunning Jasper landscapes, providing panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The town is also home to historic buildings, showcasing its mining heritage and pioneering past.
Go to the visitor’s center in the museum’s beautiful stone building. The people are very friendly, and the buildings give you an insight into how the town once was. Besides the museum, the police station is also a historic site.
For those interested in the natural world, the nearby Carawine Gorge offers a refreshing contrast to the town’s arid surroundings. Here, visitors can discover hidden waterholes, native wildlife, and the tranquility of an oasis amid the Pilbara’s harsh environment.
Marble Bar
Despite its misleading name, Marble Bar does not contain marble. This amusing misnomer dates back to 1890, when prospector Francis Jenkins mistook the area’s unique jasper formation for marble. Today, this striking red-and-green banded jasper bar is an iconic landmark that snakes across the Coongan River.
The Marble Bar Pool, nestled along the Coongan River, is just a 7-minute drive from the camping ground. Surrounded by the iconic jasper landscape, this pool isn’t just an escape from the heat; it’s a visual treat, capturing the rugged allure of the Pilbara.
Swimming in here was a treat. It’s funny how the seemingly insignificant moment of floating in a pool by yourself is just perfection. These moments reaffirm why I do what I do.
Hot Tip: The dry Jasper looks stunning against the landscape but take a wee bit of water and wet the rock and its a visual symphony.
China Pool
Adjacent to the Marble Bar Pool lies the lesser-known China Pool. Tucked away in a secluded spot, China Pool is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Like many things in Marble Bar, its name carries a touch of mystery, hinting at the unexpected beauty found in this seemingly inhospitable environment. Even if you are passing through, stop for a refreshing swim. Be kind to yourself and take a dip.
These pools are write next door to each other. To get to Marble Bar pool you pass the turnoff to Chinaman Pool.
Distance to Anywhere?
From here, it’s approximately 2 hours to Port Hedland or 4 hours to Newman. The Newman road is a dirt road in places, and I would be more comfortable in a vehicle with a little height and good suspension. There are some corrugations. I went in a 4×4.
Accommodation
If freedom camping is your vibe, then Wikicamps is where you need to check out. There are plenty of spots for the self-contained traveler, including Doolena Gorge and Coogan Long Pool for freedom sites, which are OK for vans and smaller caravans. Comet Rest Stop is no longer accessible.
There is also a caravan park in the township. The amenities are clean, and the people running the site were lovely and helpful in getting me to the must-see spots.
accomodations options
I booked a place at the caravan park while at Auski Roadhouse on my way north from Karijini. I just wanted a shower, as that luxury had eluded me for the past week. (I had a daily dip in Fortesque Gorge if your’re wondering!). Planning ahead is always a good idea, especially when booking at the caravan park. The park is close to the pub, where I celebrated my birthday with a classic Aussie fish and chips dinner. It was a rare treat for me, as I usually prefer to cook my own meals while traveling.
Another birthday on the road, on my own…I can hear the violins, too.
Road Trippers Hot Tip
I don’t want to nag, but you must be prepared before you find yourself out here. You have had your car serviced, your tyre pressures are bang on, you have told someone where you are, your GPS and Satellite Phone are charged, you have provisions for a few days + heaps of water and electrolyte replacements if things go pear-shaped en route. Read my previous post to polish up your skills 10 Roadtrip Basics for Outback Australia
Verdict
Marble Bar may be the hottest town in Australia, but it’s not just the heat that defines this outback oasis. From the vibrant jasper landscapes to the historical remnants of a bygone era, Marble Bar invites intrepid travelers to explore a unique corner of Western Australia. As you wander through the red-hued hills and feel the sun’s intensity, you’ll come to appreciate the resilience of both the town and its inhabitants in the face of the Pilbara’s extreme conditions.
So, if you’re ready to experience the heat, the history, and the undeniable allure of Marble Bar, pack your hat, sunglasses, and a sense of adventure for a journey into the heart of Australia’s hottest town.