Historic Point Samson is located on the eastern tip of Western Australia’s (WA) Dampier Archipelago – an ideal spot to relax and soak up the quiet beauty of this part of the West Pilbara Coast. It boasts excellent accommodation options, all strategically located close to protected sandy beaches and great fishing and snorkeling spots, such as Point Samson Beach, John’s Creek and Honeymoon Cove.
Point Samson Peninsula history
The town and the peninsula was named Point Samson in honor of Michael Samson, a member of a prominent WA family, who accompanied the district’s first settler, Mr Walter Padbury, on his journey in 1863. Mr Samson was the second officer of their ship, the ‘Tien Tsin’, and it was during Walter Padbury's expedition to Nichol Bay, that the town was named. For years the point was misspelled as Sampson, and the error was not brought to the government’s attention until 1918, after which both the point and the townsite were corrected.
In contrast to the peaceful seaside town of today, it had a very active history as a deep water port, handling the third largest annual tonnage in WA. The port of Point Samson and its deep water jetty were built in 1902/03 to service Roebourne, the then boom town of Wittenoom and the developing community of Wickham.
The original “T” head jetty, nearly 1,900 feet long, was destroyed by a cyclone in 1925. The remaining part of the jetty was badly damaged by cyclone Orson in 1989 and was completely removed in 1991. A small section was rebuilt on land as a reminder of the jetty’s significant role in the town’s past. The jarrah wood customer service counter at Karratha Visitor Centre was also made from remnants of the old jetty.
Attractions on Point Samson Peninsula
• Relax at Honeymoon Cove - a beautiful sandy beach protected by fringing coral reefs.
• Sample some fresh local produce at one of the many restaurants on the peninsula. Point Samson has a reputation for having some of the finest seafood restaurants in WA. Have a drink at the tavern, enjoy fresh fish from Moby’s or a delicious meal at Ta Ta’s restaurant.
• Cast a line from the recently constructed rock groins and boat launching ramp which offer easy access to deep water fishing for shore based anglers. The tidal rivers of WA’s Point Samson Peninsula also contain a variety of fish, prawns and mud crabs. There are numerous fishing spots around the township.
• Check out the newly built marina. Initially developed as a shipping port, with facilities to handle larger vessels than nearby Cossack, Point Samson Peninsula is now home to a large fishing fleet which enjoys the security and convenience of a new marina.
Westmore Seafoods
The Pilbara fishing industry makes a vital contribution to the local economy and is a major supplier of fresh seafood to the whole of Australia. As many as 20 vessels operate out of Johns Creek at different times of the year, including 14 licensed vessels trawl for prawns from March to October, one commercial operator fishing for blue swimmer crabs between March and November and five fish trawlers operating all year round. The total annual production is between 2,500 and 3,000 tonnes per annum, more than 50% of the State’s catch, making Johns Creek on Point Samson Peninsula Western Australia’s (WA) premier fish producing port. Fresh and frozen seafood can be purchased all year round from Westmore Seafood’s factory on Bill Miller Drive, off Honeymoon Road.
Point Samson accommodation
Point Samson offers a great range of accommodation options, to suit all budgets and needs. They include, caravan parks, boutique style bed and breakfasts, holiday homes and a quality four star resort.
To find out more about attractions and accommodation options on WA’s Point Samson Peninsula, email Karratha Visitor Centre, or call +61 8 91444 600. Alternatively, email Roebourne Visitor Centre or call +61 8 9182 1060.
Some information presented in this website has been sourced, with permission, from the Shire of Roebourne website.
