Dampier

Dampier brings together waterside walks, experiences at sea and a remarkable cultural setting. The Roaming with Red Dog Trail starts at Dampier Information Bay, with one section running on foot along the foreshore. There’s also Dampier Foreshore, day cruises to the Dampier Archipelago and excursions into the world of Murujuga rock art. When choosing where to stay, you can consider whether walks, time on the water or cultural history should be the focus of your trip.

Foreshore walks and the foreshore

The Roaming with Red Dog Trail is in Dampier and runs partly along the foreshore. Its starting point at Dampier Information Bay provides a clear reference for anyone wanting to explore the area on foot. Dampier Foreshore extends the route with walking paths along a palm-lined esplanade. The foreshore also has shaded picnic areas. You can swim at Shark Cage Beach. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you can choose between a walk, a break in the shade and time by the water, without having to make any one activity the focus of your day.

Islands and experiences on the water

Dampier is a departure point for day cruises to the Dampier Archipelago, and boat charters are also available from Dampier. The town also has a public boat ramp. These options make the water a distinct focus for trip planning: you can consider a day cruise or boat charter, or use the public boat ramp as a reference point for boating activities.

The Dampier Archipelago comprises 42 islands and islets to explore. The islands lie within 45 kilometres of Dampier on the Pilbara coast. The island group includes coral reefs and sponge gardens, as well as more than 650 fish species. Alongside its islands, the archipelago is also home to a rich underwater world. Sam’s Island is just a short distance across the water from Dampier Foreshore. The island is considered a historic and iconic landmark of the Pilbara region.

Murujuga and the history of the region

The Dampier Archipelago was added to the National Heritage List on 3 July 2007. Rock art also shapes the cultural setting: Murujuga National Park and the surrounding islands are home to an estimated one to two million rock art images. Some are up to 50,000 years old. If you want your stay to focus on cultural history as well as the coast, you can combine this with a visit to Nganjarli. Nganjarli was formerly called Deep Gorge; allow about 15 minutes to drive there from Dampier.

At Nganjarli, the MAC Rangers, Murujuga’s traditional custodians, lead a 1.5-hour rock art and cultural experience. The Nganjarli Trail is wheelchair accessible and suitable for prams. This is useful practical information for families and travellers who need to consider trail conditions when planning outings. The combination of the trail and cultural experience makes this visit different from a walk along Dampier Foreshore.

Sam’s Island has another remarkable story: over four decades, Sam transformed the rocky site by hand into an oasis and built his own castle there, which he called home. The island is therefore notable not only for its location near the foreshore, but also for a personal story that clearly differs from the area’s natural and rock art themes.

Choose Dampier as your holiday destination

If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Dampier, you can consider the town as a base for the experiences described here: walks along the foreshore, outings on the water or drives towards Nganjarli. Deciding which of these options you want to shape your trip is a helpful starting point when choosing where to stay. More places to discover: Derby, Bullsbrook, Marybrook, Nornalup, Mandurah, Frankland River, Bickley and Kukerin.

For the broader travel overview: Western Australia.