Dampier

Introducing Dampier

Dampier, some 25km from Karratha, is the region’s main port. Spread around King Bay, it overlooks the 42 pristine islands of the Dampier Archipelago, and supports a wealth of marine life in its coral waters, but travellers generally only head here when they can’t get a room in Karratha. The archipelago is popular with anglers and a number of charter boat operators head there.

Dampier Mermaid (08-9183 1222; www.dampiermermaid.com.au; the Esplanade; d $155; ) has basic but comfortable rooms, with the best having great ocean views. It’s mostly occupied by contract workers, so book ahead. There’s also a bar and bistro but Barnacle Bob’s (08-9183 1053; the Esplanade; mains $10-19), overlooking Dampier Harbour, does good seafood.

Last updated: Sep 23, 2008