Located at the far-flung Western coast of the Kimberly Region, Australia’s Dampier Peninsula might as well be called a hidden gem because of its shiny teal-colored lagoons and fiery-hued cliff-ends, as well as ancient steps and underwater shell middens. It is the home to a significant number of indigenous communities who greet travelers with a warm smile and open embrace to their traditional culture.

From Bird’s Eye View

The usual road to the faraway paradise of Dampier, which travels 200km north of Broome, called Cape Leveque Road. But this long stretch has been closed off until 2021, the alternative freeway which overlooks the Aboriginal tourist destinations like hunting grounds and beach homes, are more reachable for everyone. 

The new road is projected to boost profit from tourists by around 40%, and the government imposed a toll to use for the rehabilitation and preservation of the east coast’s fragile ecosystem. When you visit the area, be sure to help minimize your carbon footprint and adverse impact on the environment and local communities. You should phone the local place ahead of your visit, and read about how to be a responsible visitor on the Aboriginal communities.

Communities to Check Out

Here are a list of the communities and places you should visit in that area.

The Tiny Beagle Bay

It is a small settlement area where one can find a church erected by two Pallotine priests from Germany between 1915 to 1918. These German priests were confined in the Kimberly region during the era of World War I, and that’s when they have decided to construct the establishment, they used local shells as twinkle decorations for the different parts of the place.

Solemn Middle Lagoon

If you’re looking for a spot to whisk away and enjoy the quietness of nature’s wonders, you would love the empty beaches of Middle Lagoon. Your family would enjoy a lot of water activities such as snorkeling and fishing, among others. If swimming is not your thing, you can sit by the beach, under an umbrella and read a book by the seashore. Or bring binoculars to overlook the ocean’s creatures such as turtles and whales. 

The Lombadina

The community of Lombadina is a pasture of green oasis of lawns and palm trees. It also houses a noteworthy church built in 1932. You can witness an interior and woollybutt tree barks and visit the local jewelry store. Another unique tour around the place is the one led by the Aboriginal communities themselves. They take you through their basic everyday living and cultural traditions. All of these can be found on the Lombadina website.

People enjoy the kayaking, mud crab hunting, and swimming with whales. The tour is almost breathtaking for its beauty and rawness, one that is not replaceable by anything in this world.

The Kooljaman

Also known as Cape Leveque, Kooljaman is situated at the northern end of the Broome. The fiery-red cliff ends are found in this area. This is why almost all campers and travelers write this one at the top of their must-visit spots. Underneath the cliff is the sandy terrain of the Eastern Beach, which is the historical fishing grounds of the Aboriginal communities. You would enjoy the view of the sunset atop the cliff, which looks fantastic on your Instagram feed. Also, learning about the colonial history of the place is ideal for those looking to learn while sight-seeing.

The cape was named after the explorer Pierre Leveque who first discovered the beautiful destination back in 1803. However, the communities know is at Kooljaman. Across the region, the wilderness camps, beaches, campsites, and tents that are running on high-quality solar power energy. Also, there are restaurants around the area that serve local gourmet food like barramundi dishes. One can also check for tours in the Kooljaman website with the Bardi Jawi individuals. Other tours circle around medicine identification and local weather indications. 

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

Found at the top of the Buccaneer Archipelago’s King Sound region is this amazing pearl farm. It is known to be the oldest ones in the archipelago. You would best begin the visit to this place by having a dive with the dolphins and turtles. While the sad truth and human pollution has plagued the area and have collapsed the large pearl-forming shells into deadwood. Only a little number of shells can be found, but the caretakers of the farm continue to nurture it the best way they can. Others might enjoy the safari nights and tropical forest tents around the area.

While at this region, try to control your rubbish disposal and pick up trash along the way. This is to help preserve the vibrant ecosystem of the Pearl farm. 

Traveling to the Hidden Gem

With all the beauty and glory of the Dampier Peninsula, you might genuinely ask how to get to this faraway oasis. You can travel here by air, on tour, or by yourself. Whichever option you pick should be the one suited to your tastes. If you can do self-driving by 2021, you need a 4WD. Permits are not necessary to access the new road, but some access fees do apply to the Beagle Bay community. However, the most important thing is always to check road conditions online or through a phone call with the freeway and road managers.

Other options include readily available tours that can be viewed and booked online. These are conducted over multiple days and often covers everything from lodging, refreshments, food, and travel. Note, however, that this is the more expensive option compared to other traveling choices. 

Lastly, others can consider a seaplane flight that can also be booked online. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that is available in Australia. This is yet another expensive option, but the feeling of breeze and wind across your face would be an experience like no other. Besides, some of these seaplane bookings involve tours, lodging, and refreshment, like the full package that it is.

Whatever option may be suitable for you, make sure it’s one that necessarily fits your budget. There’s nothing more important than making sure you experience Dampier Peninsula without hurting your pockets.