Cossack Ghost Town

Cossack Ghost Town is a heritage-listed former port town at the mouth of the Harding River near Karratha in Western Australia's Pilbara region. Established in 1863 as Tien Tsin Harbour, it was the North West's first port serving pearling, pastoral and shipping industries. After cyclones and the shift of port operations to Point Samson, the town was largely abandoned. Restored stone buildings, wharf ruins and a museum now preserve its colonial and maritime history.

Visitors can explore an open-air historic townscape on tidal flats at Butcher Inlet with restored stone buildings including the former courthouse now housing the Cossack Museum, bond store, post office, police quarters and former wharf remains. Interpretive signage, self-guided walking trails and the Nanny Goat Hill lookout explain the town's layout and offer views over the inlet to Jarman Island. The arid coastal setting with mangroves, heritage precinct and museum displays allows sightseeing, photography and learning about early settlement.