Dongara – Port Denison are coastal fishing towns 355kms north of Perth and separated by the Irwin River. They are the perfect place for a holiday or a stopover as part of a road trip from Perth to further north. I was surprised my the number of things to do and see in Dongara-Port Denison. These small picturesque towns have something for everyone. Here are my top 5 things to do and see in Dongara-Port Denison.
How to get to Dongara-Port Denison?
I went via the Indian Ocean Drive, along the beautiful coast, but you can go via the Brand Highway (route 1). There are no trucks on the Indian Ocean Drive, but there have been some horrific car accidents, please follow the road signs and speed limits.
Why the name Dongara?
But first, let’s go back in time to when it all began… it’s 1839 and Lieutenant Grey is out exploring the region and comes across a river, he names the river Irwin after his friend Major Irwin, who just happens to be in charge of the Swan River Colony in Perth ( trying to impress his boss I think). It is not until 1850 the first settlers arrived and 2 years later the town is named Thungarra, which is the name given to the area by the local indigenous people, which means ‘a meeting place of seals’. ‘Thunga’ or ‘Dhunga’ means Australian fur sea lion and ‘Arra’ means a place, in the local indigenous language, which then became Dongara.
Don’t get excited if your expecting to see Australian Sea Lions, I didn’t see any… I think they have moved down the coast… to Jurien Bay.
Here we go…
The top 5 things to do and see in Dongara-Port Denison.
1. Irwin River Nature Trail.
The nature trail is an easy 4.6km loop. I started at the Irwin River Lookout on Church Street (there is a carpark there), then followed the trail along the river to where it meets the sea, along the beach, around the river estuary boardwalk and back to the opposite side of the Irwin River, over the traffic bridge and back to the Lookout.
You may get your feet wet crossing the sandbar at the river mouth, if there has been heavy rainfall. I enjoyed walking this trail and loved seeing the 2 impressive beehives, lots of different birds ( a mother duck with her ducklings…so cute), the wildflowers were just starting to bloom and the heritage listed Denison house backs onto the river.
You can pick up a free Thungarra Trails map at the Tourist Info Centre. The map has 5 different trails, including this one and points of interest.
For more info or to download a map, see http://trailswa.com.au and search Thungara Trail 3- Irwin Heritage River.
2. Illegal Tender Rum Co- Distillery Tour
Yes, that’s right there is a Rum Distillery in this small town. You can hear the inspiring story of how the Distillery began and why here. Plus how to make rum and tastings, of course. I don’t like rum, I think it tastes like cough medicine (yuk!), but the tour was very interesting. I loved hearing how the company began on Mum and Dad’s farm in the shed, out the back.
The Illegal Tender Rum Co is open on Saturdays and Sundays and there are only 3 tours each day. There is a restaurant ‘The Common Place’ and Cellar door. You can book your tour online and restaurant reservations by phone 9927 2555. The restaurant was fully booked, so bookings are essential.
For more info or to book your tour go to http://illegaltenderrumco.com
3. Dongara Heritage Walk.
The Heritage Walk highlights the historical buildings and places of interest around the town centre. You can get a map from the Tourist Info Centre and scan the QR code on the back for more information on each site. There is also a Dongara Heritage Walk book available for $10 with the same info as the QR code scan, if you prefer but the QR code is free.
The map or trail is confusing, as the places were supposed to have a number outside on a plaque with ‘Heritage Walk’, but many didn’t. Plus the main road had lots of roadworks and detours, and I started on Moreton Terrace (there is car parking here) not at number 1, the Post Office.
I tried again, (how hard can this be..lol), back to the Post Office, then Irwin District Museum ( handy hint- it is only open from 10am -12noon Mon-Sat), down Hunt Road, right to Russ Cottage (closed! Only opens Wed and Fri) back past the War Memorial and turned down Moreton Terrace, lined with huge Moreton Bay Fig trees. But first, stopped at Pannarai Cafe, build in 1912 as a shop and storehouse. Time for a cuppa and a chance to read and match the buildings with the info and what to look out for next along Moreton Terrace. Next I walked up Moreton Terrace to Hunt Road and finished the walk here.
After a rocky start, I enjoyed the challenge of finding the buildings and matching the information. It was a great way to explore the town centre.
Interesting fact-
1. Sir David Brand the Premier of WA from 1959 to 1971 had a shop in Moreton Terrace in 1944.
2.Sophia Mitchell, nee Dent, is thought to be the first non-indigenous female born in West Australia, is buried in the Dongara Cemetery.
For more info see http://www.irwinhistory.org.au select Irwin District Museum and then section Dongara Heritage Trail.
4. Obelisk Lookout and Fisherman’s Loop Trail.
The Obelisk was built as a marker for the passing ships after many ship wrecks on the coast. It is also a memorial for the fisherman lost at sea.
The Lookout has stunning views of the beach and Port Denison marina. The Fisherman’s loop trail begins at the Obelisk, then heads down towards the beach cliffs, at the end of Point Leander Drive (the Marina should be behind you). Follow the trail along the cliffs (they are not high cliffs) but the rock formations are impressive. Then climb down to the beach ( there were rocks to step down on) and walk towards the Starfish Café . The beach is great for walking on, with firm sand (dog friendly too!). This is the boring bit… you follow the road, turn left into Whitetops Road and left down George Street, then you come out at the foreshore with the Obelisk on the left.
The trail is 2.7 kms long. If you go in the late afternoon (4pm), you will be back at the Obelisk in time to watch the sunset over the ocean.
This trail is one of the five trails on the Thungara Trails map from the Dongara Tourist Centre.
For more info or to download a map, see http://trailswa.com.au and search Thungara Trail 4- Fishermans, Port Denison.
5. Ellendale Pool.
I left the best top 5 thing to do and see in Dongara-Port Denison until last.
Ellendale Pool is not in Dongara or Port Denison, but it is nearby and shouldn’t be missed (I loved it here… so special). Only 60kms from Dongara (45mins) the trip is just as enjoyable as the location with fields of canola, cows, sheep and make sure you stop at the Wind Farm for a photo.
Ellendale Pool is a beautiful, natural, water hole along the Greenough River. There are picnic tables, BBQs and toilets available. Plus you can camp for $5 per night, using an honour system (you put the money in a box) but there is no power. Real camping!
There are warning signs about catching Amoebic Meningitis from the water. This can happen if the water has active amoebae in it and goes up your nose. This is a serious disease and can be fatal. But if you don’t put your head under the water … you should be fine? So swim at your own risk.
The picnic area has information boards explaining the importance of the area in Aboriginal history and the Dreamtime story of Bimarra, the serpent, who still lives here. If on a day with no wind, you see ripples on the water, it is Bimarra.
There is also information about the Logue family, who originally owned the land the pool is located on. The husband, Major Logue, named the pool after his wife, Ellen. Awww…That’s nice.
You can get a leaflet with info and directions to Ellendale Pool, from the Dongara Visitors centre.
Ellendale Pool is clearly signposted from the Brand Highway, before the Greenough Historical Settlement.
Travel tips for Dongara -Port Denison.
- Check COVID-19 Restrictions.- take a face mask just in case. (I had to wear one for the first 3 days.)
- Take comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, there are lots of walking trails.
- Be aware of the opening times for the museums, shops etc, they are not open daily or for long, eg the bakery closes at 2pm. (No afternoon tea!)
- Visit the Tourist Info Centre, they were very helpful.
- Pre-book tours, restaurant reservations etc., as everywhere is crazy busy, especially with international travel restrictions.
- Wildflower season is from August to October, depending on the winter rain. Dongara is great base for wildflower tours.
If you are travelling down to Busselton or the Margaret River Region , check out these posts-
Awesome day trips from Busselton.
Things to do and see in Busselton.
Thank you for reading the top 5 things to do and see in Dongara-Port Denison. Please leave a comment below.
Safe Travels,
Jo Callaghan.