Dirk Hartog Island

Dirk Hartog Island is the largest island in Western Australia, located in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area off the Gascoyne coast. The 80-kilometre-long island is mostly protected as Dirk Hartog Island National Park. It is notable as the site of the first recorded European landing on the Western Australian coast by Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog in 1616 at Cape Inscription, and for its restored native wildlife, dramatic cliffs, white sandy beaches and remote wilderness character.

Visitors can expect a remote, largely undeveloped island with dramatic western cliffs facing the Indian Ocean and sheltered sandy bays on the eastern Shark Bay side. The landscape includes dunes, scrub, white beaches and rocky coastline. Access is by barge, private boat or charter flight, with 4WD tracks linking campgrounds, the eco lodge, fishing spots and historic Cape Inscription. Activities centre on fishing, snorkelling, diving, wildlife watching, 4WD touring and visiting the historic inscription site. Facilities are limited and visitors need to be self-sufficient.