A Close Encounter – Hickman Crater

Hidden for tens of thousands of years deep within the Ophthalmia Range in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia, Hickman Crater is the site of a cosmic collision. Thought to have occurred around 50,000 years ago, a meteorite approximately 10-15m in diameter struck the landscape with such devastating force that it left a 260m wide and almost 80m deep crater. Today, despite the effects of erosion, the crater is much shallower and is now filled with vegetation and is still an impressive sight. Due to its remote location and the rugged landscape surrounding it, the site was first identified in 2007 by government geologist Arthur Hickman, who discovered it using Google Earth. A gold-coin donation at the Newmn Visitor Centre will secure a 30 day BHP rail access pass so that you can visit Hickman. The site is remote and only accessible by 4WD. High lift vehicles are recommended due to the various dry creek crossings and associated wash-aways. Ensure you have plenty of water and equipped for remote area travel. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.