Dirk Hartog Island

The island was named after Dirk Hartog, a Dutch sea captain, who was the first recorded European to encounter the Western Australian coastline. Captain Hartog arrived at the northern tip of the island on 25 October 1616 leaving a pewter plate nailed to a wooden post at the site now known as Cape Inscription.

At 80km long and 15km wide, the island is an ‘ark’ for endangered animal species and is an important nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles. It is also home to the endemic subspecies of the white winged fairy wren and a pied cormorant nesting colony, which has been identified as an important bird area by Birdlife International.

CAPE INSCRIPTION

The site of one of the first recorded landing of Europeans in Australia.

Enjoy stunning views of the beach and the rocky headland at the most northerly point of Dirk Hartog Island National Park, a historically significant site in Australia. This remote World Heritage listed site has interpretive signage and replica plates on display from Hartog and de Vlamingh.

The Cape Inscription lighthouse, built between 1908 and 1910, is still functional and was automated in 1917. The restored lighthouse keepers’ quarters are located nearby and include interpretive panels detailing the history of the site.

TURTLE BAY

Located at the island’s northern tip, Turtle Bay is a significant Australian nesting rookery for loggerhead turtles. Both low coastal and cliff walking tracks give visitors the opportunity to view some of the plentiful marine life around the island, such as manta rays, sting rays, turtles, sharks, dolphins, whales, dugongs, fish and sea snakes.

SURF POINT

Surf Point on the southern end of the Island is a sanctuary zone, home to an amazing array of corals in clear shallow water. This site has stunning coastal scenery and offers great snorkelling and diving. Or you can go for an adventure walk on the pristine beach and spot hundreds of small sharks in the shallow waters.

BLOWHOLES

The western coast of the island is a fantastic place to feel the power of the massive waves as they hit the cliffs.

Where the sea has eroded the cliffs you can now visit Shark Bay’s largest blow hole. During 5m swells this blow hole can be seen 20km away and it sounds like a jet plane taking off.  Join a World Heritage walk that will take your breath away!

HOW TO GET TO THE ISLAND

Access via Steep Point by 4WD

A landing barge is available to transfer 4WD vehicles from Steep Point to Dirk Hartog Island. The barge carries one vehicle and a trailer at a time and takes

approximately 15 minutes to cross the waters of South Passage.

Bookings are essential.

Access via Denham

By Boat: Charter boats and day tours are available from Denham. Please note, tours do not depart daily so you may need to be flexible with your dates.

By Air: A light aircraft can be arranged to transfer passengers direct from Shark Bay Airport to Dirk Hartog Island airstrip. Scenic flights are another great way to see the Island.

VISITOR FEES

If visiting or camping at Dirk Hartog Island National Park, please note that fees will apply.

WHERE TO STAY

Camping

Bring your own 4WD and camp on some of the most remote and exclusive island beaches you will find in the world. There are nine national park campsites on Dirk Hartog Island. The east coast offers seclusion, shelter from

the wind, shallow entry beaches, great beach fishing, awesome snorkelling, and historical sites.

Eco Lodge

Escape the mainland and explore the island while enjoying the comforts of the Dirk Hartog Island Eco Lodge. This rustic luxury retreat with a castaway

atmosphere is located right on the beach with stunning panoramic views of Shark Bay.

CONTACT

Please contact Dirk Hartog Island Homestead for your transfer, camping and accommodation bookings: dirkhartogisland.com or 08 9948 1211.