Pannawonica turn off

 

 

PANNAWONICA

 

GPS 21 38 39 S 116 19 23 E

 

 

 

 

FIND ACCOMMODATION

 

Fortescue River

Onslow

Nearby Towns

Nanutarra

 

 

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STATISTICS

Distance from Perth

1429 Km

Population

651

Average Rainfall

404mm

Mean Max Temp

34.7C

Mean Min Temp

19.6C

 

SERVICES

Police

08 9184 2444

Fire and Rescue

1800 628 141

Medical

08 9184 1586

Visitor Centre

08 9188 4444

 

CARAVAN PARKS

Pannawonica

08 9184 1038

 

HOTEL / MOTEL / B and B

Hotel / Motel

08 9184 1073

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

 

 

DESCRIPTION

 

Pannawonica is a mining town developed by Robe River Iron. Its sister town of Wickham lies on the coast near Karratha. Iron ore is mined near Pannawonica and transported to the Cape Lambert loading facility via a private railway. There are two mines in operation near the town, Mesa Jopened and Mesa A mine with a third mine (Warramboo) in development.

Built to house the workforce and families of the nearby Robe River Iron mines, all company homes are air-conditioned and residents enjoy a relaxed casual lifestyle. The town has a well equipped Primary School as well as a Day Care Centre and Playgroup. The Silver Chain Medical Centre has a visiting doctor and supports a holistic approach to the health of the community.

The town's facilities include a post office, supermarket, milk bar, tavern and hotel, bistro, police station, petrol station, sportsmen's club, bank agencies and a gym. The public swimming pool is a popular spot during summer, as is the open air cinema that is free of charge.

Pannawonica is still considered a 'closed town' and facilities for visitors are limited and they cannot stay long term. Even so there is accommodation available with well appointed motel style units available at the Tavern. For the budget conscious there is a powered, four bay Caravan Park with grassy, camping sites also available.

The sporting scene consists mainly of soccer, cricket, squash, touch rugby, speedway and pistol shooting.

Social highlight of the year includes the Gala Day and Ball, held every July and the Robe River Rodeo which was established in 1995 and is held in September.

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 for this spectacular event. The Rodeo normally held in early September is a must see. Don't miss out. For information on this event contact the Pannawonica Police Station.

It has become a bit of a tradition for workers who are leaving jobs in the mines to throw their work boots up into a tree. These 'boot trees' with their 'fruit' can be seen around town.

For the adventurous, 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.

Note : The Millstream - Yarraloola road is unsuitable for busses, 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.

(Some of the above information was provided to us by the Shire and is quoted verbatim).

 

HISTORY

 

Development of the town started in 1970 on land formerly part of Yalleen Station. The town was gazetted in 1972.

The name originates with nearby Pannawonica Hill. The name is of Aboriginal origin and is said to mean "the hill that came from the sea". See TALL TALES AND TRUE for more on this.

 

TALL TALES AND TRUE

 

The Aboriginal Legend of Pannawonica Hill

 

Thousands of years ago Pannawonica was part of an island called Collanbogan located offshore near Mardie Station. Two tribes, the Anailya "mob" and the Boogada "mob", fought over this beautiful island and the mainlanders, the Boogada, conspired to steal it for themselves. It was during a time when there were many ghosts around that the Boogada tribe made their crossing to ask the Anailya if they may have Pannawonica. The islanders were, however, unwilling to part with their pride and joy. So the other tribe waited until their enemy went fishing and crept out to Collanbogan and stole the hill away. No one is sure how they carried the mountain from the island to its present resting place, but according to legend its track left a scar across the landscape known today as the Pannawonica track. Somewhere along its length a gap was made when the tribe forced it through the hillside.

Once the hill had been stolen it was finally delivered to its resting place high above the Robe River and was used over the years to shelter and protect the tribe who had made it their own. The Boogada found themselves occasionally defending the hill and when the enemy was sighted they made their way to the top. And that, according to Aboriginal legend, is how Pannawonica got its local landmark, Pannawonica Hill.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION

 

ATTRACTIONS

 

Robe River, Aboriginal Rock Art.

 

BUILDINGS OF NOTE

 

Unknown.

 

ELECTORAL ZONES

 

State : North West Central

Federal : Durack

 

OTHER INFO.

 

Postcode : 6716

Local Government : Shire of Ashburton

 

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