Cape Preston

Cape Preston is a rocky headland located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia and is situated 67 kilometres (42 mi) West South West from Karratha. It lies on the tribal land of the indigenous Nhuwala.

Cape Preston is a standard Bureau of Meteorology reference point for coastal weather reports, it is located between Wallal and North West Cape.

The area is noted for its rich marine biodiversity and contains a large number of species of crustaceans, corals, molluscs, fish and echinoderms. A number of habitats suitable for sustaining exist around the cape including mangroves, sandy beaches, algal meadows, coral reefs, rocky reefs and soft sediment communities.

In 1889, a pearl lugger was seen sinking off Cape Preston. Its name was variously reported as the Waratah or Paratch from Fremantle, belonging to James Clarke. It was witnessed by the crew of the lugger Mikado and it was later confirmed that all hands were lost.

On 23 April 1989, the category four Tropical Cyclone Orson hit the cape, killing four Indonesian fisherman.

During the mid-late 1960s, Cape Preston was considered as a possible location for an iron ore outport. A similar plan was ultimately realised in 2012, and iron ore exports commenced in 2013.

Resources company Austeel was granted permission to build an iron ore operation in the area in 2003 following environmental approval being given by then minister Judy Edwards. Construction of the operation was to commence in late 2004.

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