Onslow Western Australia
Onslow in Western Australia is a sleepy little town where people go to fish and to have quiet holidays by the sea.
It is a beautiful coastal town with a sunny climate and is the gateway to the Mackerel Islands. The best time to visit the area is from April to September. The peak season to stay at the Mackerel Islands is from March to October.
Many visitors to the Ningaloo region like to extend their holiday to explore Onslow and the Mackerel Islands.
The quieter months provide some amazing nature experiences, especially turtle hatchings. It is warmer during this time and there is a risk of cyclone activity between November – April; however Onslow and the Mackerel Islands have tight procedures and policies in place should this occur during your stay.
Historically it was created as a mixture of pearling, farming and gold mining. Because it lies on the coast 82 km from the main North West Coastal Road, it is a true Cinderella. Only those who know of its charms tend to divert from the long journey from Perth to Broome.
Onslow is Cyclone City
Onslow has become known as ‘Cyclone City’ as, since its establishment in 1883, it has experienced major cyclones. The town was hit in 1909, 1918, 1926, 1934, 1953, 1958, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1975, 1995 and 1999. The 1963 cyclone had winds which were measured at 232 km/h. The cyclones have occurred with such regularity that they have had profound effects on the town. It was forced to relocate after the 1926 cyclone and the frequency of cyclones in the 1960s forced the reconstruction of the local jetty to be abandoned.
The town was founded and named after Sir Alexander Onslow (1842-1908), the chief justice of Western Australia in November, 1885. When it was moved a new town, called Beadon was gazetted and locals wanted the name to become Ashburton. However Onslow eventually won out.
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