Dampier: Foreshore, Islands and Murujuga

Dampier combines experiences in town with places to visit nearby. At the Foreshore, you’ll find picnic areas and walking paths; the Roaming with Red Dog Trail starts at the Dampier Information Bay. Boat trips head out to the Dampier Archipelago. For rock art and culture, Nganjarli is close to Dampier. When planning your stay, this distinction can help you organise routes and activities around your interests.

Walks and Swimming in Dampier

The Roaming with Red Dog Trail is in Dampier and starts at the Dampier Information Bay. One section follows the foreshore on foot and leads to the locations The Palms and The Dunes. The trail therefore offers named landmarks for a walk by the water.

The Dampier Foreshore has its own appeal: shaded picnic areas and walking paths along the palm-lined esplanade invite you to spend time by the water. There are swimming opportunities at Shark Cage Beach; conditions can vary. The trail and the Foreshore give you different options for planning your time in Dampier: a route with named locations, or walking paths and picnic areas by the water.

By Boat to the Dampier Archipelago

Dampier is a departure point for day cruises to the Dampier Archipelago, and boat charters are also available from here. Operators and schedules may change, so check current departure times and offerings before making plans. Dampier also has a public boat ramp. Check the facilities on site before setting off.

The islands of the Dampier Archipelago are within 45 kilometres of Dampier on the Pilbara coast. The island group comprises 42 islands and islets to explore. Its natural features include coral reefs and sponge gardens, as well as more than 650 fish species. This gives the archipelago a different character from the walking paths and picnic spots at the Foreshore: here, the focus is on islands and marine nature. The Dampier Archipelago was added to the National Heritage List on 3 July 2007.

Rock Art and History Nearby

Murujuga’s rock art also shapes the area around Dampier. An estimated one to two million rock art images can be found in Murujuga National Park and on the surrounding islands; some are up to 50,000 years old. MAC Rangers, the traditional custodians of Murujuga, offer a 1.5-hour rock art and cultural experience at Nganjarli, formerly known as Deep Gorge. Booking details may change; check the information when planning your visit.

Allow about 15 minutes to drive from Dampier to Nganjarli. Actual travel time depends on road and traffic conditions. The Nganjarli Trail is wheelchair accessible and suitable for strollers. As accessibility infrastructure may be subject to maintenance, confirm its condition before your visit.

Another historic site nearby is Sam’s Island, an iconic landmark of the Pilbara region. It lies a short distance across the water from the Dampier Foreshore. Over four decades, Sam transformed the rocky site by hand into an oasis and built a castle there that he called home.

Dampier as a Base for Your Stay

If you’re looking for a hotel in Dampier, first decide which experiences you want to shape your stay. If you’re focusing on foreshore walks and day cruises, the offerings in Dampier itself are useful reference points. If you’d also like to visit Nganjarli, allow time for the drive to the nearby area. If you’re taking a cruise, check the schedules; for the activities mentioned, check the latest details before planning your days.

Discover more destinations: Thornlie, Scotsdale, Halls Creek, Prevelly, North Boyanup, Mindarie, Bullsbrook, Bramley

For the broader travel overview: Western Australia.