About Old Onslow
Old Onslow is the abandoned original townsite of Onslow located at the mouth of the Ashburton River in the Shire of Ashburton, Pilbara region of Western Australia, about 16 kilometres northeast of present-day Onslow. Established in 1883 as a port for the pastoral industry, it was relocated in 1925 after harbour siltation and cyclone damage. Today the heritage-listed site preserves ruins of the police station, gaol, courthouse and cemetery amid mangroves and tidal flats.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore an open, remote heritage townsite on tidal flats at the Ashburton River mouth. The site consists of scattered stone ruins including the former police station, gaol, courthouse and post office foundations, interpretive signage, and the nearby Old Onslow Cemetery. The landscape is flat, arid and coastal with mangroves, salt flats and river estuary views. There are no staffed buildings; visitors walk among ruins and signage at their own pace.
Key highlights
- 01
Heritage-listed ruins of 1880s police station, gaol and courthouse
- 02
Old Onslow Cemetery with historic graves
- 03
Interpretive signage explaining town history and relocation
- 04
Scenic estuarine setting at the mouth of the Ashburton River with mangroves and tidal flats
- 05
Remnants of the original jetty and port infrastructure