South
Hedland
Latitude
: 20 18 S Longitude : 118 35 E
Port Hedland is a port town in the Pilbara region, 1638 km north
of Perth and 202 km east north east of Roebourne. In 1895 the government
commenced survey work for a port to service the pastoral industry
in the region, and there was also demand in the area for a townsite.
Following the survey of lots the townsite of Port Hedland was gazetted
in 1896.
Port Hedland is named after the natural harbour of the same name
on which it is situated. This was named during explorations of the
area in 1863 after Captain Peter Hedland, master of the cutter "Mystery",
who discovered the entrance to the harbour. Hedland was a Dutchman
who sailed the north west coastal region supplying settlers in the
1860's.
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