When I booked our recent trip to Shark Bay, I went into planning overdrive. The spreadsheets and research began for what to see, where to stay, and experiences not to be missed.
That’s when I came across day trips to Drik Hartog Island. I vaguely remembered Mr 15 having done something about Dirk Hartog Island when they learnt about shipwrecks and early explorers to Australia back in primary school but that was about it.
As I researched more about the island, I knew we couldn’t come to Shark Bay without taking a trip over to explore the island, so we booked ourselves in for an absolutely unforgettable day on Dirk Hartog Island, with Island Life Adventures.
If you haven’t been, I’ve put together everything you need to about this bucket list experience in Western Australia you really shouldn’t miss if you are in the Shark Bay region.
Our Unforgettable Day on Dirk Hartog Island
A Brief History of Dirk Hartog Island
Dirk Hartog Island holds a very special place in Australia’s history. Back in 1616, Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog made landfall here, (from the Cape of Good Hope nogal!) becoming the first recorded European to step onto Western Australian soil. He left behind a pewter plate inscribed with the details of his visit, nailed to a wooden post. That plate is now in the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands, and is the oldest known artefact related to European exploration of Australia.
For centuries, the island was visited sporadically by sailors, pearlers, and pastoralists. Sheep farming began in the mid-19th century and continued until 2008, when the last farm closed. Since then, under the watchful eye of the Wardle family, the focus has shifted back to conservation, tourism, and honouring the cultural and natural heritage of the island.
Dirk Hartog Island is part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, recognised for its incredible biodiversity and cultural importance. Its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and rugged coastlines tell stories of explorers, shipwrecks, and pioneers. At the same time, the island is also deeply significant to the Malgana people, the Traditional Custodians of the land and sea.
When you visit, you don’t just see stunning beaches and wildlife—you’re stepping into a living story that connects Australia’s Indigenous history, European exploration, and environmental conservation. This combination makes Dirk Hartog Island an extraordinary place to experience in Western Australia.
Getting to Dirk Hartog Island
Reaching Dirk Hartog Island feels like a true adventure, which only adds to the sense of excitement when you arrive. The island is located just off the coast of Shark Bay, about 850 kilometres north of Perth. If you’re driving up from Perth, it takes around ten hours to reach Denham, the closest town to the island. Many people break up the trip with overnight stops in places like Geraldton or Kalbarri along the way. We decided to head straight through, with a couple of comfort breaks and driver swaps. We set off from home later than planned, just before 7am and arrived just after 4pm in Denham.
From Denham, you’ll need to take a boat or a barge across to the island. The boat transfer is quick and comfortable, whisking you across the turquoise waters of Shark Bay in under an hour.
If you’re bringing your own 4WD, you can arrange a barge transfer from Steep Point, the westernmost point of mainland Australia. The barge crossing takes around 15 minutes, but you’ll need to be well prepared for sand driving and remote touring.
Flights are also available from Perth to Monkey Mia or Denham with Rex Airlines, and from there, it’s just a short drive to the departure point for the island.
Whichever way you choose, the sense of isolation hits you as soon as you leave the mainland behind—the feeling that you’re entering a different world altogether.
When to Visit Dirk Hartog Island
The best time to visit Dirk Hartog Island is between April and October, when the weather is warm but not unbearably hot. During these months, the days are perfect for exploring, swimming, and taking in the views, while the evenings are cool and comfortable for sleeping.
The summer months, from December to February, can be harsh, with high temperatures and limited shade. The winds can also be strong at different times of year, which can affect boat crossings. In fact, our own day trip had to be delayed because the wind made it too dangerous to get across the bay safely. It’s always worth checking weather conditions in advance and having a flexible attitude to your itinerary.
Wildlife spotting is another reason to plan your timing carefully. Between July and October, humpback whales migrate through the area and can often be seen from the cliffs of the island.
Turtle nesting season usually runs from November to March, and if you’re lucky, you might even see hatchlings making their way to the ocean. The guides told us that November is particularly windy, but worth it to see the turtles nesting around the island at this time of year.
No matter when you visit, though, Dirk Hartog Island never fails to impress with its raw beauty.
Staying on Dirk Hartog Island
If you decide to stay overnight, there are a few options to suit different styles and budgets. The jewel in the crown is the Island Lodge Accommodation, with prices starting from around $585 per night for a couple, including meals and daily activities. The lodge offers stunning ocean views, shared dining, and access to exclusive guided tours. It’s a luxury experience in a remote location, perfect for those wanting something extra special. It’s definitely my preferred choice over camping any day of the week!
For those who do love camping, there are designated campsites around the island. These sites are basic, with very limited facilities, so you’ll need to be self-sufficient with food, water, and camping gear. A permit is required, and camping fees are around $20 per person per night. The reward is absolute seclusion—just you, the beach, and the stars.
Another option is to stay in Denham or Monkey Mia on the mainland and take a day trip, which is what we did. Accommodation in Denham ranges from budget holiday parks at around $120 per night to more comfortable motels and holiday homes costing upwards of $200 per night. This way, you get to experience the island without needing to worry about logistics or bringing your own gear.
The Return to 1616 Conservation Project
One of the most inspiring aspects of Dirk Hartog Island is the Return to 1616 Project. This ambitious program, led by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, is restoring the island to how it was when Dirk Hartog first set foot there in 1616.
For over 150 years, sheep farming and the introduction of non-native animals like goats and cats caused major damage to the island’s ecosystems. Native species disappeared, and fragile habitats suffered. The project has worked to remove these introduced species and reintroduce locally extinct animals such as the western barred bandicoot, greater bilby, and rufous hare-wallaby.
It’s one of the largest and most successful ecological restoration projects in the world. Knowing that your visit helps support ongoing conservation gives an extra sense of purpose to your trip. When you stand on the island’s cliffs and look out over the ocean, it’s incredible to think you’ve supported the local efforts bringing back Australia’s natural heritage.
Wildlife on Dirk Hartog Island
One of the most magical parts of visiting Dirk Hartog Island is the chance to spot wildlife both on the water and on land. On the boat ride over from Denham, we kept our eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the wake, turtles surfacing for air, and even dugongs grazing on the seagrass meadows below. WI didn’t manage to spot much as we were going so fast but a few people spotted dolphins jumping. In winter and spring, humpback whales migrate along the coast, and it’s not uncommon to see them breaching or waving a tail as they pass by.
Once you’re on the island, the Return to 1616 Project means more and more native animals are making their comeback. Species like the western barred bandicoot, the greater bilby, and the rufous hare-wallaby (or mala) have been successfully reintroduced after disappearing for decades. Birdwatchers will also be in their element, with everything from wedge-tailed eagles circling above the cliffs to tiny fairy-wrens flitting through the shrubs.
Alongside the native wildlife, you might even come across a couple of more unexpected residents. A horse and a sheep still live on the island, kept as quirky companions and small reminders of its pastoral past. Spotting them feels like a nod to another era, when sheep farming dominated life here. It’s a funny contrast: rare native species hopping about in restored habitats, with a friendly horse and sheep wandering through as if they own the place.
Our Day On Dirk Hartog Island
Our adventure started bright and early with an 8:30am boat transfer from Denham. The water was sparkling, but the ride was pretty bumpy, so I’d definitely recommend packing some travel sickness precautions if you’re prone to motion sickness. We arrived just after 9:30am and were greeted with steaming barista-made coffee and freshly baked cakes—a lovely way to kick things off.
Morning tea felt like such a treat after the boat ride over. While most of the group tucked into steaming coffees, Mr 15 and I opted for hot chocolates, which were just the right balance of creamy and comforting. The cakes were the real stars, though—little square bites of homemade chocolate cake and orange cake, still soft and fresh. I’ll admit I usually avoid anything with orange flavour, but this cake completely won me over. It was light, moist, and perfectly zesty without being overpowering. Sitting there on the island, sipping a warm drink and indulging in homemade treats, set the tone for the relaxed but special day that lay ahead.
The first stop was the Old Shearing Shed, where we learned a bit more about the island’s pastoral history. I found it fascinating to hear how the island transitioned from farming to conservation, and how those changes continue to shape life here today.
By 10:30am, we were bouncing across the island in a 4WD, heading to the blowholes which were just incredible. The noise of the water flying through the holes in the rocks below the cliffs as the waves hit the coastline was deafening, and a truly spectacular natural wonder to behold.
Our next stop was Cape Ransonnet, as Surf Point Marine Sanctuary was inaccessible after the recent rains, even the 4x4s were unable to get through the roads. Cape Ransonnet is the southern most point of the island and directly opposite Steep Point, where the ferry brings cars and guests over from the mainland.
Here we got to see one of the many giant osprey nests up close – there’s reportedly one that’s over 400 years old on the island! We also spotted a variety of fish in the crystal-clear water, as well as dolphins and small nervous whaler sharks.
After a couple of stops looking out at different views over the breath-taking bays, we got back the lodge for lunch around 1:30pm, where we were treated to a gourmet spread featuring fresh local produce. Lunch was an absolute feast and one of the highlights of the day.
We were served a spread that celebrated both the island and the region: smoky barbecued local whiting, tender satay chicken skewers, and juicy homemade meatballs. Alongside the mains was a vibrant selection of fresh salads, each dressed with homemade sauces and condiments that lifted the flavours beautifully. Thick slices of still-warm, freshly baked bread rounded everything off perfectly.
It was the kind of meal that reminded me a little of South African family gatherings, where everyone piles their plates high and goes back for seconds—not because they’re hungry, but because it’s just too delicious to stop. Eating it all with an ocean breeze on my face made it even more memorable.
The afternoon highlight for me was sipping a signature island Gin & Tonic at The Inscription Bar & Café. The gin itself was delicious, and the tasting experience was a real treat. I’d go so far as to say it was the possibly one of the best G&T’s I’ve ever had! Maybe it was the setting that made it extra special though. The gin is made from botanicals found on the island, but actually made by Running With Thieves in Perth. They are going through to motions to build their own distillery on the island but as I’m sure you can all guess, there’s a lot of red tape with that, especially given their conservation status.
With some free time after lunch and the gin tasting, I couldn’t resist collecting some shells on the beach—it took me right back to my childhood holidays on the KZN south coast, walking with my aunty Cindy and filling buckets with treasures from the sand. I even managed to find a small cowrie shell which are my absolute favourites!
One regret? Not packing my bathers. The water at Dirk Hartog Island was the least cold of all the spots we visited in Shark Bay in July, and I would have loved a swim.
We were also the youngest people on the tour, which made me realise how many younger travellers and families are missing out on this unique experience. Perhaps the cost puts people off—it’s not cheap—but in my opinion, it’s worth every cent for the memories alone.
At 4:00pm, we boarded the boat back to Denham, tired but buzzing from such an incredible day. Even though our trip had been delayed because of strong winds earlier in the week, it was absolutely worth the wait.
Dirk Hartog Island is clearly one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. From its fascinating history and inspiring conservation efforts to its rugged landscapes and pristine beaches, it’s an experience that feels truly unique and very Australian. Our day trip gave us just a taste of the island, and I can see why so many people choose to stay longer.
If you’re planning your move to Australia—or if you’re already here and looking for ways to explore—make sure Dirk Hartog Island makes it onto your list. It’s not just a destination, it’s an adventure.
Here are some helpful links to find out more about Dirk Hartog Island:
https://dirkhartogisland.com.au/
https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/dirk-hartog-island-national-park
https://museum.wa.gov.au/explore/dirk-hartog
https://islandlifeadventures.com.au
Want more Australian travel inspiration? Check out the Explore section of my website for more stories, tips, and itineraries to help you make the most of life Down Under.
And don’t forget my range of digital checklists, planners and calculators to help you if you’re still planning your big move Down Under!
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