Dampier Archipelago Marine Park

The Dampier Archipelago Marine Park, located off the coast of Dampier in Western Australia's Pilbara region, encompasses 25 reserve islands and 41 islands in total. This area is renowned for its rich Aboriginal culture and history, with rock engravings of turtles, fish, kangaroos, and wallabies still visible on the islands. The archipelago boasts a diverse marine ecosystem, offering excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, snorkeling, and diving. Visitors can explore coral reefs, sponge gardens, and seagrass beds, home to over 650 fish species. The islands also provide habitats for various wildlife, including turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and humpback whales. Camping is permitted on some islands for stays of up to five days, but visitors must be self-sufficient and take all rubbish with them. There are no facilities on the islands, and pets are not permitted. Public boat ramps are available at Dampier, Karratha Back Beach, Johns Creek, Point Samson, and Cossack. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips carefully, considering the remote nature of the area and potential hazards such as strong tidal currents and the presence of estuarine crocodiles. For more information, contact the Karratha Parks and Wildlife Office at (08) 9182 2000.