mallina

Mallina is a locality in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It comprises rural land and includes the historic Mallina Station, a pastoral lease that has been part of the area since the early 20th century. The locality is situated inland from the coast within the Shire of Port Hedland and is part of the broader Pilbara landscape, known for red soils, rocky outcrops, and a hot, semi-arid climate.

Geography and landscape: The area is sparsely populated and largely used for grazing cattle and sheep. The environment features low-lying scrub, spinifex grasses, and access to watercourses in the region’s drainage systems. The landscape is typical of remote Pilbara inland country, with harsh conditions and seasonal variations in rainfall.

Economy and land use: While pastoral activities remain a core part of Mallina’s land use, the Pilbara’s mining boom has shaped development in surrounding areas. Infrastructure such as roads and services in the broader region influence Mallina despite its small population, with mining operations and associated employment opportunities occurring nearby.

History and name: The name Mallina is thought to derive from an Indigenous language of the region. European exploration and pastoral settlement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries contributed to the locality’s development, with Mallina Station acting as a center for ranching activity and serving as a landmark within the rural landscape.

See also: Localities in Western Australia; Pilbara; Port Hedland.