Dongara-Denison
Town
Dongara and its nearby twin town of Port Denison lie on the coast 359 kilometres north of Perth. Dongara–Denison is the self-proclaimed 'Lobster Capital' of the state, with its offshore reefs supporting a profitable industry. Dongara's main street is lined with magnificent Moreton Bay fig trees while Port Denison provides local anglers with a large marina and harbour.
Visitor Information
9 Waldeck St; (08) 9927 1404
Nearby national parks
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Nambung National Park
The unique attraction of Nambung National Park is the strange, mysterious landscape created by thousands of huge limestone pillars rising up...more -
Kalbarri National Park
Kalbarri National Park is famous for its spectacular scenery, which features rugged coastal cliffs and towering river gorges, and its...more
Nearby towns
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Greenough
Lying 24 kilometres south of Geraldton, the Greenough Flats form a flood plain close to the mouth of the Greenough River. At its peak in...more -
Geraldton
Situated on the spectacular Batavia Coast, Geraldton is the largest town in the mid-west region. As a port city, it is the major centre for...more -
Mullewa
Mullewa, 100 kilometres north-east of Geraldton, is in the heart of wildflower country. In spring, the countryside surrounding the town...more
In Town
Irwin District Museum Housed in Dongara's Old Police Station, Courthouse and Gaol (1870), the museum features exhibits on the history of the buildings, the invasion of rabbits into WA and the Irwin Coast shipwrecks. Open 10am–4pm Mon–Fri; Waldeck St; (08) 9927 1323.Russ Cottage: a beautifully restored farm-worker's cottage (1870). The hard-packed material of the kitchen floor was made from scores of anthills, and the flood-level marker near the front door indicates how high the nearby Irwin River rose during the record flood of 1971; open 10am–12pm Sun or by appt; St Dominics Rd, Dongara. The Priory Hotel: this 1881 building has been an inn, a priory and a boarding college for girls and is now once again a hotel; St Dominics Rd, Dongara. Church of St John the Baptist: (1884) its pews were made from the driftwood of shipwrecks and its church bell is said to have come from Fremantle Gaol; cnr Waldeck and Church sts, Dongara. The Royal Steam Flour Mill: (1894) it served the local wheat-growing community until its closure in 1935; northern end of Waldeck St, Dongara. Cemetery: headstones dating from 1874 and a wall of remembrance to Dominican sisters; brochure from visitor centre; Dodd St, Dongara. Town heritage trail: 1.6 km walk that features 28 historic Dongara sites; contact visitor centre for map. Fisherman's Lookout: 1 remaining of 2 obelisks built in 1869, with panoramic views of Port Denison; Point Leander Dr, Port Denison.
Nearby
Silverdale Olive Orchards: olive oil products and tastings; open Sat Apr–Nov or by appt; 10 km N. Mingenew: small town in agricultural surrounds. Nearby is Fossil Cliff, filled with marine fossils over 250 million years old; 47 km E.
Fishing spots near town
Kalbarri 189 km
The Murchison River at Kalbarri, about six hours’ drive north of Perth, produces a variety of fish including bream to 52 cm. ‘We also catch small mulloway in the river, yellowfin whiting, blue manna and green... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Geraldton Meteorological Office 61 km
For something different, you can learn how modern weather-forecasting works and the measuring instruments involved, in a 40-minute midday tour of the Geraldton Meteorological Office that culminates in the release of one... Find out moreSnorkelling and diving around Jurien Bay and Geraldton 117 km
You can snorkel face-to-face with sea-lions in Jurien Bay Marine Park, or join a boat tour to see them up close. Jurien Charters in Jurien Bay also offers diving on rock walls with lionfish, butterflyfish and wrasse.... Find out moreSnorkelling in Kalbarri National Park 185 km
Near Kalbarri there are several top snorkelling spots, including the protected Blue Holes, Red Bluff and Chinamans Beach.... Find out moreCanoeing the Murchison River 187 km
A couple of companies offer canoe safaris down the Murchison River, with transport by 4WD. Try Kalbarri Adventure Tours or Kalbarri Boat Hire and Canoe Safaris, which also hires out canoes and paddleboats.... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
Campsites around town
Ellendale Pool camping area 45 km
Ellendale Pool camping area is a delightful spot 47 km east of Geraldton via Ellendale Rd. Bring a gas/fuel stove and drinking water. Visitors will find a lovely freshwater pool that laps at a sheer cliff face surrounded... Find out moreBreakaway camping area 68 km
Located just off Coalseam Rd from the Mingenew–Mullewa Rd, 34 km north of Mingenew, Breakaway camping area is set in a bush environment in an area noted for its wildflowers and mining heritage. Bring along a... Find out moreMiners Camp camping area 69 km
Basic facilities are provided in a natural bush setting that’s perfect for bushwalking and exploring the heritage associated with WA’s first coalmine. Come equipped with a gas/fuel stove and drinking water.... Find out moreLake Indoon camping area 72 km
This large, freshwater lake covers 130 ha, with a depth varying from 1.5 m to 5 m, depending on the seasons and rainfall. The lake is on the Brand Hwy, 12 km west of Eneabba. The camping area offers visitors a range of... Find out moreCoronation Beach camping area 86 km
Visitors will find sites dispersed among the coastal vegetation on the beach here, a great spot to swim, fish, snorkel or just relax to the sound of the waves lapping the shore. You need to bring your own drinking... Find out moreCarnamah Caravan Park 104 km
This small caravan park is on King St, off McPherson Street in Carnamah, a historic little country town with many of its old buildings intact. If you’re into fossicking, you’ll love visiting this area rich in... Find out moreJurien Bay Caravan Park 117 km
A haven for anglers, divers, snorkellers, surfers and boaters, Jurien Bay is around 266 km north of Perth. The beaches here are sheltered and pristine, thanks to loads of reefs and offshore islands that protect this part... Find out morePioneer Park 173 km
Basic caravan park facilities are offered here in Dandaragan, a district that boasts lush pastures and golden crops produced by the excellent farming lands, 180 km north of Perth. The characteristic red and white gums... Find out moreShire of Moora Caravan Park 185 km
On the Moore River in the Midlands district, about 180 km north of Perth, the town of Moora is at the centre of a mixed farming area of primarily wheat, wool and cattle. The main attractions here are the wildflowers... Find out moreDalwallinu Caravan Park 202 km
Dalwallinu caravan park is on Dowie St, providing travellers with a good range of facilities and large shady sites. The town is the first stop on the Wildflower Way, a world-famous tourist route. It’s also renowned... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Seaspray Beach Holiday Park 1 km
Located on the edge of the water, this park is a good base for a holiday in the town. The owners also operate the adjoining resort, restaurant and fishing charter. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreDongara Denison Beach Holiday Park 2 km
This smaller park is ideally located on an estuary and you can enjoy a stroll to the busy boat harbour. It has very good amenities and big motorhomes can fit here, although not on the ensuite sites. The park is busy in... Find out moreWestern Flora Caravan Park 50 km
Located 22 km north of Eneabba, time a visit to this park during the wildflower season when more than 300 varieties of stunning flowering plants can be viewed on the property and more than 2000 varieties within 40 km of... Find out moreDouble Beach Holiday Village 52 km
Set at the mouth of the Greenough River just 10 km south of Geraldton, this large, wellshaded park is protected from the onshore winds. Cook in the camp kitchen or buy takeaway food from the park’s well-stocked... Find out moreSunset Beach Holiday Park 67 km
Located on the beach 6 km north of the city and in a quiet location, this is a popular park with tourists and is easily accessible from Highway One. The park is well appointed and a good base from which to explore the... Find out moreBatavia Coast Caravan Park 68 km
On the outskirts of Geraldton, this spacious dog-friendly park is easily accessible from the North West Coastal Highway. The semi-rural quiet setting will appeal to many. The park is owner operated. Bookings are required... Find out moreMullewa Caravan Park 97 km
On the highest hill in town this council-operated park is as neat as a pin with kerbed roadways, green grass and most amenities. Mullewa is a great base for exploring this spectacular, wildflower region in springtime.... Find out moreJurien Bay Tourist Park 116 km
This beachside park is in the centre of town, adjoining the jetty. There are good facilities and the park shop has an extensive range of takeaway food. This is a popular fishing area. Bookings are required in peak... Find out morePort Gregory Caravan Park 136 km
Located in the centre of this small historic town, the park is neatly maintained and will appeal to those looking for a quieter location close to the seaside. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out morePinnacles Caravan Park 138 km
This is a popular beachside holiday park near the Pinnacles. The Lancelin–Cervantes road has still not been constructed and the latest estimate is 2013. Fishing and windsurfing are the most popular pastimes along... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
The Port Denison Holiday Units offer clean and functional self-contained accommodation within close vicinity of the township. The one- and two-bedroom units are spacious and cater well to families or backpackers. Time... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Riverside Sanctuary, Ajana 159 km
More than ten years ago, the owners of this sheep and wheat farm, inland from Kalbarri, noticed the environmental degradation on their property from many years of soil tillage compounded by erosion and compaction from... Find out moreRest areas around town
Seven Mile Beach Rest Area 11 km
T/O 55 km S of Geraldton (R) or 10 km N of Dongara (L) Large open area located on the foreshore, 2 kilometres west of the highway. GPS: S29 10.181 E114 53.336... Find out moreFlat Rocks Rest Area 31 km
T/O 33 km S of Geraldton (R) or 32 km N of Dongara (L) Small area located on the foreshore, 2 kilometres west of the highway. GPS: S29 00.766 E114 46.731 ... Find out moreThe S Bend Rest Area 35 km
29 km S of Geraldton (L) or 36 km N of Dongara (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S28 58.533 E114 47.034... Find out moreAlinta Park Area 40 km
T/O 28 km SW of Geraldton (L) or 37 km N of Dongara (R) Small area located 15 kilometres east of the highway at the Wind Farm Lookout on the road to Ellendale. GPS: S28 54.235 E114 53.308... Find out moreTwin Hills Rest Area 41 km
49 km S of Dongara (R) or 31 km N of Eneabba (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 34.700 E115 08.151... Find out moreEllendale Pool Camp Area 44 km
T/O 28 km S of Geraldton (L) or 37 km N of Dongara (R) Large campground located 27 kilometres east of the highway via Walkaway in a natural bush setting on the banks of Greenough River. Good facilities and shade. ... Find out moreCoronation Beach Camp Area 86 km
T/O 24 km S of Northampton (R) or 27 km N of Geraldton (L) Secluded foreshore camp area surrounded by low scrub 8 kilometres west of the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S28 33.135 E114 33.881... Find out moreOakabella Rest Area 92 km
17 km S of Northampton (R) or 34 km N of Geraldton (L) Small area just off the highway among a few trees. Limited shade. GPS: S28 28.525 E114 38.074... Find out moreNorthampton Park Area 105 km
Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S28 20.911 E114 37.842... Find out moreWandoo Reserve Rest Area 111 km
T/O 51 km S of Eneabba (R) or 23 km N of Badgingarra (L) Large area located 16 kilometres west of the highway on Jurien Road. Good shade. GPS: S30 13.454 E115 14.268... Find out moreSmoke Bush Reserve Rest Area 113 km
T/O 51 km S of Eneabba (R) or 23 km N of Badgingarra (L) Large area located 10 kilometres west of the highway on Jurien Road. GPS: S30 13.486 E115 17.833 ... Find out moreCoomaloo Creek Park Area 116 km
51 km S of Eneabba (R) or 23 km N of Badgingarra (L) Large area well off the highway in a pleasant bush setting at the turn-off to Jurien Bay. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S30 13.466 E115 24.020... Find out moreBanksia Reserve Park Area 128 km
T/O 51 km S of Eneabba (R) or 23 km N of Badgingarra (L) Small secluded area located 46 kilometres off the highway in the scrub via Jurien Road, Munbinea Road and Cervantes Road. Limited shade. GPS: S30 23.552 E115... Find out moreTuart Reserve Park Area 130 km
T/O 51 km S of Eneabba (R) or 23 km N of Badgingarra (L) Small secluded area surrounded by scrub 51 kilometres off the highway via Jurien Road, Munbinea Road and Cervantes Road. Good shade. GPS: S30 25.069 E115... Find out moreHakea Reserve Rest Area 139 km
T/O 13 km S of Badgingarra (R) or 62 km N of Regans Ford (L) Small area located just off Bibby Road in the scrub, 14 kilometres west of the highway near the wind farm. GPS: S30 27.613 E115 19.918... Find out moreDrummonds Reserve Rest Area 145 km
T/O 13 km S of Badgingarra (R) or 62 km N of Regans Ford (L) Secluded area located just off Bibby Road in the scrub, 5 kilometres west of the highway. Good shade. GPS: S30 29.297 E115 26.090... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Monthly Market: Priory Gardens; 1st Sat each month.
Craft Market: old police station, Dongara; Easter and Christmas.
Dongara Races: Easter.
Larry Lobster Community Festival and Blessing of the Fleet: at the start of each rock lobster season; Nov.
