ROEBOURNE Roebourne, so close to Melbourne in name but many thousands of k’s apart. But both towns share history as something in common. The Karratha area is fully mining, but Roebourne without obvious explanation is not a part of this development Roebourne's name honours John Septimus Roe, the first Surveyor General of Western Australia. The Pilbara region was first explored by Francis Thomas Gregory in 1861. He and his exploration party arrived at the head of Nickol Bay, landing near what was to become Roebourne, and traveling about 60 km inland to present day Millstream Station. By 1865, the population of the area had grown to about 200, Currently Roebourne serves the passing highway traffic and tourism, especially as the gateway to many national parks in the interior, but is also the gateway, when traveling from the north to Wickham, Point Sampson and the whole Karratha district. Be sure to stop in at Whim Creek Hotel before or just after you visit the area. Try the ‘ring test’ yourself and reflect on the amount that has changed hands in the last eighty years. The Roebourne hotel and church are no longer active institutions. The aboriginal church is active. The Museum, housed in the old gaol is a recommended visit. The museum is open most days. The new Gaol is just 5k down the road. The Roebourne War Memorial is WW1 classic in design. The Sampson Point Tavern is the local area watering hole. The mining village of Wickham has the giant mining truck on display. Roebourne is truly an old district, and the mining boom will ensure its survival. Take the turn-off and be sure to visit.