North West Shelf Project Visitors Centre
The main attraction for visitors is the North West Shelf Project Visitors Centre on Burrup Road which features viewing areas of the plant complete with models and a theatrette where a film of the project is regularly screened. This replaces the bus tours of the works. It is an excellent overview of the scheme which,while hardly being a'hands on'experience,offers the visitor an opportunity to understand the complexity of the project. The centre looks across at huge green domes which hold vast quantities of liquefied natural gas which is shipped to Japan in LNG carriers. The centre is open from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.,Monday to Friday,from April to October,closing at 1.00 p.m. the rest of the year. There is no need to book but if you need further details contact (08) 9158 8292.
Tours are available of all the local industries. To undertake a two-hour tour of the Hamersley Iron Port Facility (with audio-visual presentation) ring (08) 9144 4600. The tour includes outstanding views of the harbour and the ship-loading facility. Covered shoes and bookings are essential.
The Port
Dampier is the largest tonnage port in Australia. It is possible to visit and inspect the port facilities and view Audio Visual Science in Mining. The tours operate twice daily and times are 9.00 a.m. and 12.00 and bookings can be confirmed by contacting Hamersley Iron on (08) 9143 5364.
The Beach
Dampier isn't all industry. It has beach frontage with an ocean pool,boat ramps,a boating and sailing club and barbecue and picnic facilities by the beaches.
Dampier Archipelago
Dampier promotes itself as the'Gateway to the Dampier Archipelago'. This collection of 42 uninhabited islands,rocks and keys feature unspoiled sandy beaches,excellent diving,fishing and snorkelling opportunities and offshore coral reefs. Ranging in size from one hectare to 3290 ha (Enderby). All lie within a 45-km radius of Dampier. 25 belong to conservation reserves. Loggerhead,Green,Hawksbill and Flatback turtles nest there are they are also home to 26 bird species,including a couple of tern species which use them for nesting purposes.Bottlenosed dolphins and dugongs live in the offshore waters and humpback whales can be sen from July to September.
Walking on the islands can be revealing and cCmping is permitted under strict conditions on some of the islands for up to five nights. Swimming,fishing and diving off the islands is excellent and local tour operators cater to those interested in reef and deep-water fishing and reef diving. More general tours of the islands are also available.
Reef Action
The Reef Action II is a 12-metre catamaran which offers tours around Dampier Harbour and the Archipelago. They offer tours ranging from a 3 1/2 hour twilight cruise through the islands to more lengthy adventures. From a couple of hours to up to five days is their aim. There information includes the following:"
The Dampier Archipelago
There are 42 islands and rocks lying within a 45 Kilometre radius,and to name but a few,the Angel,Dolphin,Enderby,Rosemary,East and West Intercourse and the wild and beautiful Mallus,all offer some of the most beautiful beaches in the Pilbarra
Camping
This is allowed on most Islands,and we can arrange for you and your family to be dropped off with our camping gear and collected a day,2 days or for the maximum of a week if your would prefer. For as little as $250.00 for one night;a family of four,can enjoy swimming,fishing,surfing,snorkelling,and kayaking on your own private island.