Compendium – Guest Information
Guest Services
Reception
Monday – Friday 7:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday & Sunday 8:00am – 5:00pm
*Call 9184 6586 for after-hours emergencies
Emergency
If there is a fire alarm, please vacate your room immediately and assemble at the muster point indicated on the back of your front door.
In the event of a cyclone you will be kept informed and updated by our emergency response team.
For Emergencies dial 000
Or the General Manager can be contacted on 0448 066 865
Environmental Policy
The Onslow Beach Resort is committed to helping to protect and sustain the environment for future generations. As such we ask that any towels you wish to be replaced are left on the floor.
Restaurant
The Beach Club Restaurant and Bar is open from 6:30am seven days a week.
Breakfast Food Service; 6:30am – 10:00am
Lunch & Dinner Food Service; 11:00am –14:00pm & 17:00-20:00pm.
*Closed Public Holidays *Times may differ during the low season Dec-April
We do not offer room service, feel free to order take away through our online system Hungry Hungry via our website or Facebook page.
You can also scan the QR code to place your order.
Dress Code
We ask that no hi-visibility wear be worn in the Beach Club after 6:00pm
Credit Cards
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club cards. Credit Cards attract a 1.3% surcharge and 2.5% surcharge on American Express and Diners Club cards.
Housekeeping
Rooms are serviced daily and linen changed on a weekly basis. If you require any extra amenities, please contact reception
Laundry
A washer and dryer are supplied in every room. When using the washer and dryer please be aware that the machines need to cool down before opening the door as they self-lock. Please do not attempt to open the door when locked. Washing powder is provided in the bathroom cupboard.
Kitchen Facilities
When cooking please use your extractor fan. To operate please pull the unit out from the wall and activate by turning the light and fan on (switches on the underside of the unit)
Ironing
You can find your fold out iron board in the top draw in your bathroom. Irons are provided in the bathroom cupboard. If you don’t have a fold out ironing board you will find yours in the bedroom wardrobe.
Air Conditioning
Split air conditioning units are in every room, there is one remote for both units. We recommend that you do not lower the temperature further than 24 degrees.
Car Parking
Free car parking is provided in the resort. Please do not leave your valuables in your car. Onslow Beach Resort is not accountable for any lost or stolen personal items.
Check Out
Check out is 10:00am. Please return your room key to reception on departure. For early check outs please leave your key in the letterbox located outside the reception office. Late checkout fees apply, please call reception to confirm availability and cost.
BBQ Facilities
These are provided for your convenience and are located by the pool area. Please leave the BBQ facilities clean and tidy after use. This is not a licensed area.
Conferences
Our conference room (Sunrise Conference Room) is ideally located overlooking Beadon Bay. It is available for small/medium meetings and functions. Please contact reception for more details.
Smoking
All rooms are non-smoking. Smoking is permitted on balconies or courtyard areas. Please use ashtrays provided and ensure the fly screen door is closed. Penalties apply for smoking in rooms.
Swimming Pool
Pool opening hours: 6am – 9pm
This is NOT a licensed area – Penalties Apply
No glass to be taken in the pool area – Penalties Apply
No smoking in the pool area – Penalties Apply
No diving or bombing allowed
Pool towels can be collected from Reception
Lost Property
If items are left in the rooms upon check out, we will contact you to arrange postage (at your expense). Items will be stored at the property for one month before being donated to charity.
WIFI
Free WIFI is available in all rooms. To activate please go into your device settings and choose Onslow Beach Resort Guest. The password can be found on your key wallet presented to you on check in.
Local Businesses
Onslow Pharmacy – 9184 6482
Open Hours
Monday-Saturday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday – Closed
Supermarket – 9184 6003
Open Hours
Monday 6:30am – 7:00pm
Tuesday 6:30am – 7:00pm
Wednesday 6:30am – 7:00pm
Thursday 6:30am – 7:00pm
Friday 6:30am – 7:00pm
Saturday 8:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am – 6:00pm
Onslow Town Garage – 9184 6113
Open Hours
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday- Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm
Beadon Bay Hotel – 9184 6002
Open Hours
Monday – Sunday 6:00am – Until Late
Onslow Fuel and Fishing – 9184 6040
Open Hours
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday- Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm
The Hardware Shed – 9184 6237
Open Hours
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday- Closed
McMahon Burnett Transport and Towing – 0427 714 227
Thalanyji Towing – 1800 667 569
Onslow Post Office – 13 13 18
Open Hours
Monday – Friday 9:00am-5:30pm
Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm
Sunday Closed
Local Numbers
AMBULANCE
Phone: 000
Non Emergency Phone: 13 12 33
FIRE
Phone: 000
HOSPITAL
Phone: 9184 3200
POLICE
Phone: 9159 9100
TAXI – Onslow Taxi
Mobile: 0429 957 767
ONSLOW VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY SERVICES
Phone: 9184 6555
VOLUNTEER MARINE RESCUE
Phone: 9159 9100
Mobile: 0429 688 714
HORIZON POWER – FAULTS
Phone: 13 23 51
CYCLONE WARNING ALERT
Phone: 1300 659 210
RANGER
Phone: 9184 6001
Mobile: 0417 949 661
ROAD CONDITIONS
Phone: 1800 013 314
Onslow History
The original town of Onslow was gazetted as a townsite on 26 October 1885 and named after Sir Alexander Onslow, the Chief Justice of Western Australia at the time. It supported the nearby stations that had been established along the Ashburton River and the gold mines that had developed in the hinterland.
One of the first recorded stations was Minderoo which was established in 1882. By 1890 all land along the Ashburton River had been taken up, running mainly sheep, but also a few cattle. Today it is predominantly cattle with a few sheep.
In the early settlement days, good pearls were found in Exmouth Gulf and the town became home port to a fleet of pearling luggers. These luggers stayed in local water up until World War II when most were commandeered by the armed forces or destroyed.
The post-war period saw pearling start again, but in a small way. The last lugger was sold in 1965. Today pearling is a small industry with the shells farmed for blister and culture pearls.
By 1925, the port facilities at the mouth of the Ashburton were affected by the silting up of the river causing more and more problems in the loading and unloading of visiting ships.
Surveys proved that there was deep water at Beadon Point and so the town was moved some eighteen kilometres to the east to where it is today.
A jetty of some three-quarters of a kilometre in length was constructed to cater for the State Ship and Blue Funnel Line that plied to Singapore. These ships brought in nearly all provisions, building equipment, timber and general merchandise. Exports included wool, pearl shell and minerals. The jetty had to be rebuilt when it was badly damaged by a cyclone in 1934. The jetty continued to serve Onslow until March 1961 when another cyclone demolished more than 300 metres. State Ships were thus prevented from calling at the jetty and were forced to anchor offshore where they loaded and unloaded via a lighter.
In 1972, a landing was established in Beadon Creek and the jetty fell into disrepair to be destroyed in an Army explosives exercise in 1982.
Onslow was actively involved in World War II with the Navy refuelling at the jetty and the town becoming the furthest town south to be bombed by the Japanese. On the night of May 15 1943 a solo plane dropped three bombs on the airstrip with no casualties or damage to aircraft.
The Royal Navy used Onslow as its base between 1952 and 1956 to conduct tests on the nearby Monte Bello Islands culminating in an atomic bomb explosion.
Tourist Sights
Ashburton River and Old Onslow Ruins
A great day out is to pack a picnic and head back out of town until you reach the Twitchin Road turnoff; the sign is marked Old Onslow. Take this road and follow direction to the Ashburton River; a great place for a cool refreshing dip. From here head to the ruins of Old Onslow. This old town was established in 1883 but, due to constant flooding caused by cyclones and the silting of the river, the town was moved to its present site in 1925. The Heritage Guide Trail map will help you when looking around the ruins. Don’t forget to check out the old cemetery for a glimpse into the past. After leaving the ruins, head back to 5 mile pool for a relaxing swim and a picnic. A picturesque spot, sure to provide an idyllic afternoon of fun and relaxation.
Don’t forget…
No drinking water is available, so take a sufficient supply. BBQ’s are not provided so you must take your own. There are no open fires allowed and please dispose of your rubbish responsibly.
4 Mile Creek
4 Mile River is 8km from the centre of town and a nice spot to cast out a bait, whilst enjoying the facilities of a shaded BBQ area and picnic tables. Expect to catch small Mangrove Jack, Bream, Flathead and whiting.
Don’t forget…
No drinking water is available, so take a sufficient supply. There is a composting toilet available and gas BBQ’s.
Onslow Salt
The Onslow salt field occupies 90 sq km of salt flats, with seawater pumped by three pumps at a maximum rate of 4,000L/s each for approximately 18 hours per day depending on tides. Onslow Salt Pty Ltd is capable of producing nominally 2.5 million tons of sodium chloride per annum. The project has handling facilities to transport, process, store and load salt into ships for export. The jetty is approximately a 1.3 kilometre steel trestleway and is situated off Sunset Beach.
The project, which dispatched its first shipload of 45,000t of salt in July 2002, services the rapidly growing chlor-alkali and other salt consuming industries across the Asia-Pacific region, and represents a further step in the development of Australia’s $300m a year solar salt export industry. Since the establishment of Onslow’s salt ponds, many species of birds and wildlife have been attracted to the area. You may see pelicans, cormorants, wading birds, sea eagles as well as kangaroos, emus and wild turkeys during your visit. For the best views stop at the look out on 4 mile creek road.
Goods Shed Museum
The Goods Shed Museum is a historical building, listed by National Heritage. The building was moved from Old Onslow in 1925. The museum contains historic artefacts from the Onslow region. Onslow has a long and extensive history and the museum is a great place to get some background on the town. Entry is by gold coin donation and is located next to the visitors centre 150m from the Onslow Beach Resort.
Beadon Point Lookout
At the end of Second Street, Beadon Point looks out over the Indian Ocean and features a unique War Memorial depicting the sun. It was designed and positioned specifically so the sun will rise through the centre on Anzac Day each year. An additional memorial stands at the lookout dedicated to the crew members of fishing vessels Lady Pamela and Harmony which were lost at sea during Cyclone Bobby in 1995.
From here take the Ian Blair Memorial Walkway, it winds through the natural vegetation to its destination at Sunset Beach. Along the walkway there are lookout points and information boards featuring local facts and history.
Sunset Beach
Sunset beach or back beach offers visitors a shaded picnic area, fish cleaning facilities and the best place in the north to watch the sun go down. Take time to go on the beach at sunset (take your camera!). Also a great beach for fishing, swimming and shell collecting.
Don’t forget…
There is no drinking water is available, so take a sufficient supply. There is a toilet avaible and gas BBQ’s.
Onslow Water Splash Park
Take the kids down to the splash park to cool off located on Third Street a 400m walk from the resort. Onslow’s water splash park is designed on local flora, fauna and industry with custom-designed features including the iconic Ashburton Pea along with a windmill and 3m long Spanish mackerel. The design also included water cannons, ground spouts and a tipping loader bucket.
Onslow Play Park
Located next to the Onslow Sports club the undercover play park is a perfect place for the kids to run free.
The playground is divided in two zones “the ocean and the land” marked by a choice of play elements, colour codes and surfacing consistent with their own world.
In the “ocean zone”, Proludic’s Tug Boat, Frankie the Fish, Seahorse and Boat Springers encourage imaginative play and story-telling around the theme of water for children from 2 years old. More equipment includes the Inclusive Accessible Carousel, Double-Bay Swings, a Balancing and Climbing unit, Talk Tubes…
The “land zone”, adjacent to the ocean zone, consists of a sand play area with the inclusive Proludic Sand Factory that replicates the experience of playing on the beach. Play equipment along the pathway includes the Rainbow Harp, Four in Row Play Panel and the other end of the Talk Tubes allowing children to communicate between the land and the ocean worlds.
Onslow Skate Park
Traveling with bikes and scooters? Located on Cameron Ave The Onslow Skate Space is designed to cater to all ages and skill levels with beginner to intermediate level features located to allow for flow and progression through the space.
The skate features include an organic shaped bowl, hubbas, a pump track, cantilever banks, vert walls and ledges. In addition to the skate elements there is also an outdoor ping pong table, art features, hopscotch and foursquare.
The Mackerel Islands – Thevenard Island
A 45 minute boat trip off the coast of Onslow lie the Mackerel Islands, surrounded by coral reefs and secluded beaches. Stay in a choice of beachfront cabins, and enjoy opportunities to see turtles, ospreys nesting, plus the chance of amazing snorkelling and fishing.
Transfers
On Tuesdays and Fridays, there is a ferry transfer from Onslow to Thevenard Island. The journey is around 45 minutes. If you have your own boat, moorings are available at the island for a small fee.
Beachfront Cabins
Spaced along the beach overlooking the boat moorings and swimming bay, the cabins are comfortable and spacious. They include fully equipped kitchens, air conditioning, TV, king or twin beds and private bathrooms, plus offer direct beach access from the shaded front patios, featuring Weber BBQ’s, outdoor settings and hammocks. All cabins are powered by solar and have hot freshwater, with linen and bath towels supplied.
Snorkelling & Activity Hire
A variety of reef locations surround the Mackerel Islands, including our ‘house’ reefs, which are easily accessible from shore. These sites offer some great snorkelling for those wishing to explore close to the beachfront and are especially fun for kids.
Low tides are common and make for a tranquil, enjoyable snorkel adventure to admire all the beauty and action under the sea, while friends and family can watch from their cabin’s outdoor entertaining area. You can hire masks, snorkels and flippers from our activity centre.
Also available for hire are kayaks, stand up paddle boards, bodyboards, fishing rods, beach sport equipment, and island explorer hire boats.
Fishing Charters
Operating all year round enjoy a specialised skipper and guide for the experience of a lifetime – we’ll get you to the best fishing grounds in the Pilbara fast, in comfort and style. Our new, custom built 11m twin hull LeisureCat, powered by 300hp Yamaha outboards, is fitted out with marlin poles, toilet/shower and the latest electronics. Our charters include up to 8 hours on the water, morning tea, lunch, water, soft drinks and ice, top quality Shimano gear, bait and tackle, overhead reels, spinning combos and game rods, plus fish cleaned, filleted and bagged. Mackerel Islands Fishing Charters are renowned for Red Emperor, Rankin Cod, Gold Band, Coral Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Amberjack, Jobfish, Pearl Perch, Giant Trevally, Queenfish, Ruby Snapper, Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Squid and Tropical Crayfish.
Direction Island
Located a 20 minute boat trip away from the mainland of Onslow in Western Australia, Direction Island is easily accessible for guests travelling with your own boat.
The ultimate wilderness experience, you’ll have the whole island to yourself, allowing you to play castaway with up to 8 of your family and friends on this rustic little island gem. The accommodation is a sole, self-contained A-frame beach shack with simple home comforts that enhance the opportunity to soak up the beauty of untouched nature, reconnect with the most important people in your life, and truly unravel from any pressures.
Direction Island Beach Shack
A sole beach shack perched on the beach sand, surrounded by seashells and brush, is the only structure on the island. Rustic and simple, it is self-contained, equipped with a kitchen, dining area, two bedrooms, outdoor bathroom, 180° degree views over the island and Indian Ocean from the upstairs balcony, and all the home comforts you need to experience having an island all to yourself.
The charm of Direction Island is to stay on a remote, deserted island with just you and your close family or friends. The remote location also means we rely on guests to be self-sufficient and leave the cabin in a welcoming state for others.
For more information and bookings please contact the reservations team (08) 9184 6444 or [email protected]
