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Roebourne

WA 6718 • Western Australia

975
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
161.84 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricRemoteMulticulturalMining Town
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About Roebourne

Roebourne is a historic town in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, located approximately 1,500 kilometres north of Perth and around 38 kilometres south of Karratha, within the City of Karratha local government area. With a population of around 975 residents spread across a 162 square kilometre area, Roebourne is one of Western Australia's oldest surviving inland towns, with heritage buildings dating to the 1860s goldfields era. The community has a significant Aboriginal population, and the town plays an important social and cultural role in the wider Pilbara region.

Roebourne's economy is tied to the resource-rich Pilbara, with proximity to major mining operations and the North West Shelf gas facilities near Karratha. The town has essential services including a primary school, community health centre, and basic retail, with Karratha serving as the regional hub for larger shopping, hospital services, and employment. There is no rail connection — the nearest regional airport is Karratha Airport — and a car is essential for all daily needs. With a notably high proportion of social housing (around 49%), Roebourne serves as an important community hub for Aboriginal families and long-term Pilbara residents.

Roebourne falls under postcode 6718 and is governed by the Karratha Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Durack, while state elections fall under the Pilbara (Mining and Pastoral) electorate.

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📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6718
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Karratha
Federal Electorate
Durack
State Electorate
Pilbara (Mining and Pastoral)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-20.97°, 117.74°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
161.84 km²
Population Density
6 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 6718

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 6718 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$46,952
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$60,634

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 6718; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Transwa / local shuttle — Karratha Approx. 30-40 min to Karratha

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
1500 km
By Train
No rail service; fly from Karratha Airport (approx. 2h flight)
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 14-16 hours drive via North West Coastal Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 13-14 hours drive

🛣️ Most long-distance travel is by air via Karratha Airport; FIFO workers common in the region

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for virtually all daily needs; Karratha provides the nearest full range of retail and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
975
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Roebourne known for? +

Roebourne is one of Western Australia's oldest surviving inland towns, with heritage buildings dating to the 1860s and a rich Aboriginal cultural history. It is also known for its location in the resource-rich Pilbara region, close to Karratha and major mining and gas operations.

How far is Roebourne from Perth? +

Roebourne is approximately 1,500 kilometres north of Perth by road, making it a 13-16 hour drive. Most residents and workers travel to Perth by flying from Karratha Airport, about 38 kilometres away, with flights taking around 2 hours.

Does Roebourne have public transport? +

There is no rail service in Roebourne. Limited bus or shuttle connections exist to Karratha, which is the regional hub. A private vehicle is essential for day-to-day life in and around Roebourne.

What is the population of Roebourne? +

Roebourne has a population of approximately 975 residents according to the 2021 Census, with a notably higher proportion of male residents reflecting the mining and resources workforce in the broader Pilbara region.

Is Roebourne a good place to live? +

Roebourne suits those connected to the Pilbara's mining and resources industries, as well as Aboriginal families with deep cultural ties to the region. It offers a close-knit community, wide-open Pilbara landscapes, and proximity to Karratha's services, but requires acceptance of its remote location and limited local amenities.

What is the postcode for Roebourne? +

The postcode for Roebourne is 6718.