Marble Bar Pilbara Region

Article by: Jay
Last updated: Tuesday, 11-Jul-2006 00:00:00 CEST

Marble Bar is a tiny town in the Pilbara region of north-western Western Australia. It is believed by some to be the world's hottest place, having once recorded a period of 160 days from 31 October 1923 to 7 April 1924, where the maximum temperature reached or exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius), on each and every day. During December and January, temperatures in excess of 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) are common, and the average maximum temperature exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit during 6 months each year.

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Unlike other global "hotspots" like Death Valley in the United States, Marble Bar does not have any remarkable topographical features that lead to climate anomalies (such as the extreme de-elevation of the Death Valley region, and other similar regions in the Middle East).

It had a railway connecting with Port Hedland up until the early 1950's, which can be seen as a narrow gauge precursor to the network of standard gauge iron-ore railways that have since existed across the Pilbara.

Situated 218 kilometres southeast of Port Hedland, Marble Bar is best known for being the hottest town in Australia, although perfect weather is enjoyed from April to September.

The town was called Marble Bar after a stunning formation of jasper which settlers mistook for a huge bar of marble.

The natural scenic beauty of the area offers many places for exploration. Chinaman's Pool and Marble Bar Pool are popular picnic and swimming areas. Jasper deposits allow visitors to take a souvenir from this area.

View from the reservoir lookout, in the town of Marble BarThere are many gorges surrounding Marble Bar, including Coppin's Gap, Kitty's Gap and Doolena Gorge. Most are accessible by four wheel drive vehicles only.

Marble Bar had a population of over 5,000 after gold was found nearby in 1891, but today the town has about 410 inhabitants. However, it continues to be a very productive centre, with gold, tin, silver, lead, zinc, copper and jade deposits being mined.

Marble Bar is a very historic town, with many old buildings and remnants of the past. The Government Buildings built in 1896 cost 7949 pounds, 11 shillings and two pence to complete. Comet Gold Mine and the Corunna Downs Airbase were one of the best kept secrets of World War II.

Marble Bar has licensed restaurants and cafes offering a la carte menus and takeaway foods. No visit is complete without a cold beer at the Iron Clad Hotel or a seafood dinner at the Marble Bar Travellers Stop.

Accommodation available includes motel style, budget and backpacker facilities.

Marble Bar Shire of East Pilbara Office is available for tourist information; open weekdays 8.30am to 4.30pm. Weekends and after-hours tourist information and brochures are available at the Marble Bar Travellers Stop (telephone 08 9176 1166) and the Marble Bar Garage.