Guide to TV Hill Lookout, Karratha

Why do people go to TV Hill Lookout, Karratha?

TV Hill Lookout offers sweeping 360-degree views over the Pilbara landscape, offering some of the best views in Karratha. You can drive right to the top of TV Hill Lookout, which makes it a handy stop if you're travelling by campervan. Most people come here for the views, to snap a few photos or just take a break with a bit of fresh air. It’s a regular stop on local scenic drives and gives you a good feel for the landscape around Karratha and the north-west coast of Western Australia.

The lookout is also one of the go-to sunset spots in Karratha. It’s just as popular at sunrise, when softer light highlights the red tones of the Pilbara hills.

How long should I spend at TV Hill Lookout, Karratha?

A visit to TV Hill Lookout typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes. The drive to the summit is short and sealed, and once at the top, the views are immediately accessible. Most visitors spend time walking around the lookout to take in views in every direction, capturing photos, or simply enjoying a short break.

Because it’s such a quick visit, TV Hill is an ideal add-on to a day exploring local attractions or travelling between stops. If you arrive around sunrise or sunset, you might like to stay slightly longer to watch the lighting change across the landscape.

Things to do in Karratha and Dampier

Karratha and nearby Dampier offer a mix of natural and cultural attractions suited to short visits or stopovers.

Murujuga National Park – Home to one of the largest collections of Aboriginal rock engravings in the world, the park is a significant cultural site and offers walking trails and interpretive signage. It is located on the Burrup Peninsula, around 20 minutes from Karratha.

Red Earth Arts Precinct – Located in central Karratha, this modern venue features galleries, exhibitions and occasional performances. It is a good place to learn more about the region’s creative community.

Dampier Foreshore – A relaxed beachside area with picnic spots, coastal views and access to fishing or boating. It is a popular spot for locals and travellers to unwind.

Scenic drives near Karratha – The wider region is known for its geological formations, historic trails and wide open roads, making it suitable for low-key exploration.

TV Hill Lookout pairs well with any of these stops, especially for those driving between inland and coastal areas.

How to get to TV Hill Lookout, Karratha

TV Hill Lookout is located just a few minutes’ drive from central Karratha. To reach it by campervan:

Head south or southeast along Millstream Road.

Look for the sealed access road marked for TV Hill.

Follow the road uphill for a short distance to reach the summit.

The route is paved and suitable for standard vehicles and campervans. No hiking is required, and the location is well signposted.

Best time to visit TV Hill Lookout, Karratha

The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September), when temperatures are milder and skies are typically clear. This coincides with the peak tourist season in the Pilbara and is the most comfortable time for sightseeing.

Daytime highs during this period usually range between 24 to 30°C, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall.

TV Hill Lookout is best visited during sunrise or sunset, when the landscape is bathed in warm light. Early mornings (around 6.30 to 8 am) and late afternoons (around 5 to 6.30 pm) offer the best conditions for photos and scenic views.

At sunset, the views across Nickol Bay, the Burrup Peninsula and inland ranges are especially striking, with deep red tones and long shadows adding depth to the scenery.

Weather at TV Hill Lookout, Karratha

Karratha has a semi-arid climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and comfortable. General conditions at TV Hill Lookout include:

Summer (Dec – Mar): Daytime temperatures often exceed 35°C. Rainfall is infrequent but can occur in short bursts due to tropical systems.

Autumn and spring: Warm and dry, with daytime temperatures around 28 to 33°C.

Winter (Jun – Aug): Pleasant and mild, averaging 24 to 27°C during the day and cooler nights.

Visitors should bring water and sun protection regardless of the season, as there is limited shade at the summit.

Best place to park your campervan at TV Hill Lookout, Karratha

Campervans can be driven directly to the summit of TV Hill Lookout via the sealed access road. At the top, there is a small gravel car park with several spaces suitable for campervans. The area is level and provides easy access to the lookout area.