Newman is situated in the East Pilbara region of Western Australia, approximately 1,186 km north of Perth. The town is located roughly 15 km north of the Tropic of Capricorn, in the heart of the Pilbara region. It sits on the traditional lands of the Nyiyaparli and Martu Aboriginal peoples.

Newman was established during the 1960s by the Mount Newman Mining Company, which discovered rich iron ore deposits on the nearby Mount Whaleback. The town was named after A.W. Newman, an early explorer who died of typhoid just before reaching the area in 1896. Although initially a small mining town, Newman has experienced significant growth and development since the 2000s, driven by the mining boom in the Pilbara region.

As of 2021, Newman has a population of approximately 6,500* people, making it the largest town in the East Pilbara region. The town's economy relies heavily on the mining industry, particularly iron ore extraction and processing. Other industries in Newman include pastoral activities, fishing, and tourism, especially related to the nearby Karijini National Park.

Newman boasts various amenities and infrastructure, making it a well-resourced town. These include a shopping mall, hotels, bars, restaurants, an airport, and a town swimming pool. The town also has childcare services, a recreation centre, sports facilities, medical facilities, and a hospital. Newman is a gateway to some of Western Australia's best outback 4WD tracks and national parks.

Currently, Newman is undergoing a revitalisation of its town center, intending to enhance it as a key regional center.