Dampier

A coastal playground with a modern history

Dampier is the gateway to the 42 Islands of the Dampier Archipelago in the North West of Western Australia (WA). Blessed with beautiful beaches and warm, sunny weather, this outback coastal town is a mecca for outdoor water activities. Swimming, sailing, boating, fishing, diving, snorkelling and wind surfing can be enjoyed all year round.

Just 20 kilometres from Karratha in WA, this pretty port town overlooking Hampton Harbour and the Dampier Archipelago was named after the English buccaneer William Dampier – the first recorded European visitor to the area. It was established as a large tonnage shipping port in the 1960s by the mining company Hamersley Iron as the export location for iron ore mined from Tom Price and Paraburdoo.

Dampier attractions

  • Visit Sam’s Castle on Tidepole Island. Sam built his home by carrying and manoeuvring huge granite rocks over a period of approximately 25 Years. Sam’s Island can be seen from the foreshore and a permit is required to access the island (available from the Karratha Visitor Centre). Sam never finished his castle, he passed away on February 24th 2005 and is buried on the island, his beloved cat, Tiger, is buried at his feet.
  • Enjoy a guided tour through some of WA’s big mining and resource operations. Bookings for the Resources of the Pilbara Tour can be made by contacting the Karratha Visitor Centre. Cape Lambert Robe River bookings can be made by contacting the Roebourne Visitor Centre.
  • Explore the Burrup Peninsula and view approximately 10,000 examples of ancient Aboriginal rock art. A selection of recreation opportunities also exists adding an unusual and exciting dimension to a holiday in this area.
  • Pay a visit to the Dampier Library to view the Japanese doll collection. The dolls were given to Pilbara Iron as gifts from Japan and China. Take a look at the enchanting Red Dog statue (The Pilbara Wanderer), located at the entrance to the town. This famous kelpie was born in Paraburdoo in 1971, but spent most of his years travelling throughout the entire region, from Perth to Broome. He would hitch lifts in trucks or buses, however his exceptional homing instincts always returned him to Dampier or Karratha. Books about his life and wanderings, are available from the Karratha Visitor Centre. Part proceeds from book sales go to the Royal Flying Doctor.
  • Experience the buzz and excitement of the local fishing competition, the Dampier Classic, held on the first weekend in August every year.

Dampier accommodation

Dampier offers accommodation at the Transit Caravan Park.

To find out more about attractions, tours and accommodation in the WA town of Dampier, email Karratha Visitor Centre or call + 61 8 9144 4600.

Some information presented in this website has been sourced, with permission, from the Shire of Roebourne website.