Cape Preston is a rocky headland located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, situated 67 km (42 mi) West South West of Karratha. It lies on the tribal land of the indigenous Nhuwala.
Cape Preston is a standard Bureau of Meteorology reference point for coastal weather reports, it is located between Wallal and North West Cape.
The area is noted for its rich marine biodiversity and contains a large number of species of crustaceans, corals, molluscs, fish and echinoderms. A number of habitats suitable for sustaining exist around the cape including mangroves, sandy beaches, algal meadows, coral reefs, rocky reefs and soft sediment communities.[1]
In 1889, a pearl lugger was seen sinking off Cape Preston. Its name was variously reported as the Waratah or Paratch from Fremantle, belonging to James Clarke.[2] It was witnessed by the crew of the lugger Mikado[3][4] and it was later confirmed that all hands were lost.[5]
On 23 April 1989, the category four Tropical Cyclone Orson hit the cape, killing four Indonesian fisherman.[6]
During the mid-late 1960s, Cape Preston was considered as a possible location for an iron ore outport.[7][8][9] A similar plan was ultimately realised in 2012, and iron ore exports commenced in 2013.