Whim Creek Hotel

As perfect for the weary traveller wanting a break and a bite to eat, as it is for Pilbara locals keen for a day out, the Whim Creek Hotel offers a refurbished bar and restaurant with cold drinks and plenty to eat.

Relax in our tree-lined beer garden or come inside and join us for a drink. We have a comprehensive menu with fresh food prepared daily and a fully-stocked bar.

A wide range of accommodation is available, with a pool and barbecue facilities on-site for guests to enjoy.

Our function centre is the perfect place for your next work function, birthday celebration or corporate event.

Located on the second floor of the historic hotel, the function centre can accommodate up to 200 guests.

Plans are underway to re-establish the petrol station at the Whim Creek Hotel and we will keep you up-to-date with progress.

A shopfront showcasing the history and culture of the local Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi Aboriginal people is also on the drawing board.

Background
The Whim Creek Hotel was established in 1886 and is the only remaining building at Whim Creek.

The hotel has operated as a local watering hole for all but three years. It was purchased in 2012 by mining company Venturex Pty Ltd, which closed the premises and used the facility for accommodation for its mine workers.

In July 2014, two local Aboriginal corporations bought the Whim Creek Hotel from Venturex. The Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Limited and the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation, both of Roebourne, purchased the facility in a joint venture. The partners use the hotel to promote education and training opportunities for their members, and to return profits from its operation to the local community to improve health, education and welfare among the Aboriginal population.

The hotel is a popular rest break for travellers. It is the only stop between Roebourne and Hedland.

The pub has a colourful history. It has survived several cyclones and has been home to an alcoholic camel which used to steal patrons’ beer.

Oh, and last but not least, a python once lived in the rafters of the building!

About Whim Creek
Whim Creek was established in 1872 when copper was discovered nearby. Located 1,645km north of Perth, Western Australia, the township once swelled to 400 people, many of whom worked at the copper mine.

At its peak, the town boasted two hotels, a police station, a bakery, a racetrack and a blacksmith.

There is a small cemetery at Whim Creek, as well as a memorial to three brothers from the local Aboriginal community who are commemorated for their war service. They died in 1943 in Papua New Guinea as part of Australia’s World War II campaign.

Across the highway is a track to Balla Balla – a popular camping spot on the coast. Balla Balla was once a town site and was gazetted in 1898. The name is derived from the Aboriginal word ‘parla’ which means mud.

For more information, visit the website.