Travel Planner

IT TAKES quite a bit of commitment to get to DHI, and the people who do often make return trips. While you can enjoy just a few days here, if you take a week or more you’ll be able to explore the north and south of the island. I found it easy to travel simply with a rooftop tent, and as it’s one of the best fishing locations in Australia, you can always catch a fish or two to stretch your supplies.

WHERE: On the western edge of Shark Bay, 700km north of Perth. Access is from Steep Point, a threeto four-hour drive from the highway. From here take the 15-minute barge across South Passage to DHI.

DRIVING CONDITIONS: Many of the tracks on DHI are well-formed but there are soft sections, particularly on the entry and exit points near the barge, and on the beaches. Access to Steep Point and DHI is all sand so it’s only suitable for 4x4s. Tyre pressures need to be dropped, and there are some very soft sections out to Steep Point and on DHI, so recovery gear such as tracks and shovels should be carried. You need to be fully self-sufficient.

CAMPING: Camping on the island is all basic – there are no facilities – and you need to bury your waste. There is no water, so you must bring all supplies if camping in the national park. Some sites are exposed so you need plenty of water and shade. Be prepared for strong winds. There is camping available at Homestead Beach, with some facilities.

PERMITS: Camping must be pre-booked through the website. Accommodation at the homestead also needs pre-booking. The barge transfers also need to be prebooked.

CONTACTS:

See www.dirkhartogisland.com for camping permits and barge transfer bookings.

Department of Parks and Wildlife – Shark Bay District

Address: 61–63 Knight Terrace, Denham, WA, 6537

Phone: (08) 9948 2226

Email: sharkbayenquiries@dpaw. wa.gov.au

Website: www.sharkbay.org; www.dpaw.wa.gov.au

Steep Point Ranger Station Phone: (08) 9948 3993 Email: ranger@steeppoint.com.au