Theme: Mining History & Industrial Tourism
Best Time to Visit: Winter (Dry Season), to avoid the extreme Pilbara heat.
Highlights:
- Mount Tom Price Mine Tour
- Rio Tinto Mining Operations
- Massive Haul Trucks
- Gateway to Karijini National Park
Cost: $47
Overview – Why This Matters
We review the Mount Tom Price Mine Tour and discover the fascinating history behind why a whole town was sold for just one dollar.
You will learn about the massive scale of Australian iron ore mining, the logistics of touring a working mine site and the unique history of Tom Price.
Best For:
- Travellers interested in Australia’s industrial history.
- Caravanners exploring the Pilbara and Karijini.
- Engineering and machinery enthusiasts.
The History of the $1 Town
Who would buy a whole town for $1? Well, if the Town in question was Tom Price, a purpose built town for the Mount Tom Price mine, then the Shire of Ashburton would.
The town was built by Rio Tinto to service the Mount Tom Price Mine which is in the Hamersley Range WA. The Range is said to contain 80 percent on the iron ore reserves (currently identified) in Australia. It is also one on the major iron ore areas in the world.
When Tom Price was built, it was a closed town and you had to work for the mine to enter the town. At that time the life of the mine was far shorter than it is now. With the advance of technology and more iron ore being extracted, the mine added another 50 years to its life, so Rio Tinto sold the town.
Tom Price Today: A Gateway to the Pilbara
Today Tom Price is a modern town, with all the facilities you expect in any town. The Visitors Information Centre is the place to book a tour of the mine and catch the bus.
We booked an early morning tour which meant packing up our vans and heading from the Tom Price Tourist Park, owner by a family group. We could park two of the vans there, but the third one had to find somewhere else to leave his van while we took our tour with our excellent tour guide Baz.
Joining the Rio Tinto Mine Site Tour
He started giving us information and laid down the rules as soon as we were all on board. We were made to realise that we would be on a working mine site, and all sorts of OH&S rules applied to us as visitors. When we got off the bus we had to wear our helmets and our glasses, which luckily for someone like me who wears glasses, would go over my glasses. Baz made his point and we all complied.
Touring the Mine Site was exceptional. Baz could tell us how this worked with that, and what this was meant to do. He did have the advantage of having worked on the mine as a train driver before he retired and took on his tour guides job. Through the tour he was contacting people to get permission to go to another section. What was interesting is that some of the people he spoke to were in Perth, where they run some sections of the mine.
Inside the Operations: the Trains, Trucks and Technology
We saw a lot of mine trains while we were in the area. Peter and I were caught at a level crossing once and it took about 3 minutes for the train to go by. No point in counting the trucks they were absolutely identical, even to the shape of the iron ore in each truck, which made it hard to get a good count.
I am just in awe of someone who can see how to construct something as complicated as a mine, to make this bit connect with that, and ensure that everything flows smoothly. Add in the people who can see the plans and make them work. They are truly exceptional people in my mind.
Views from the Pit, 70 Metres “Underground”
We did get out of the bus once, at a viewing point which was very flat and fenced to keep us in the right area. At one point before mining began this flat area was 70m higher, so we were, in effect, 70m underground!
We also saw the huge trucks going by on the local road, a constant progression of them. Each one carried 250 tonne of Iron Ore, which sold for US$200 per tonne at the time. A good percentage of the trucks are driven by women.
The tour was an eye opener and real value for money. Mount Tom Price may be no more, but the $1 town is gateway to the Mine Tour and gives access to Karijini National Park.
End of Article Visual Block
| Highlights: Top Experiences | Practical Info for Caravanners |
| Watching 250-tonne haul trucks in action. | Location: Inland Pilbara, Western Australia |
| Standing on the viewing platform 70m “underground”. | Accommodation: Tom Price Tourist Park. |
| Learning about remote operations from Perth. | Tours: Book at the Visitor Information Centre. |
Related Reads
Q: Why is Tom Price called the $1 town?
A: The town was originally owned by Rio Tinto but was sold to the Shire of Ashburton for $1 when the mine’s life was extended, transitioning it from a closed mining town to an open public town.
Q: Can you tour the Mount Tom Price mine?
A: Yes, tours are available and can be booked at the Tom Price Visitor Information Centre. Visitors travel by bus and must wear safety gear.
Q: Is Tom Price caravan friendly?
A: Yes, caravanners can stay at the Tom Price Tourist Park, though parking for vans during tours may sometimes require planning if the park is full.
