Onslow
WA 6710 • Western Australia
About Onslow
Onslow is a remote coastal town in Western Australia's Pilbara region, located approximately 1,386 kilometres north of Perth and 259 kilometres south-west of Karratha, within the Shire of Ashburton local government area. With a population of 829 spread across an expansive 189 square kilometres of coastal terrain, the town was originally established in 1885 as a port to export wool from the pastoral hinterland before being relocated to its current site in 1925. Today, Onslow functions as a key service and accommodation hub for the offshore oil and gas industry operating in the Carnarvon Basin.
Onslow is served by Onslow Airport, which handles regular FIFO (fly-in fly-out) traffic to Perth and connects the isolated community to essential services. The town features a boat harbour, a salt works operation, a supermarket, medical facilities, and a caravan park catering to travellers exploring the remote north-west. The surrounding Exmouth Gulf coastline and the Mackerel Islands — accessible by boat — are renowned for exceptional game fishing and snorkelling, making Onslow a quiet but rewarding destination for adventurous visitors and outdoor enthusiasts.
Onslow falls under postcode 6710 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the North West Central (Mining and Pastoral) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- No scheduled bus service — N/A N/A
Commute to Perth CBD
🛣️ Onslow Airport operates regular flights to Perth (~2.5 hr). Located 76 km off the North West Coastal Highway via a sealed access road. Karratha is the nearest major regional centre (~259 km north).
Almost all errands require a car; the town centre has basic services but walking between destinations is limited
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Simpson Street