Cape Inscription - Places to See

Attractions on the Island

At Cape Inscription there is an old post where the original plate was placed as well as a lighthouse and a lighthouse keeper's cottage. The western coastline of the island is dramatic and dangerous in stormy weather but during mild conditions it is famous for its game fishing with marlin, samson fish and sailfish being caught.

There is no regular access to the island at the moment. The problem is that the journey from Denham to Turtle Bay requires a large boat while access to the shore requires a small boat and, even then, there is a 3 km walk from Turtle Bay to the Dirk Hartog site. It is possible to charter a boat or to fly over the area. For more information contact the Shark Bay Tourist Bureau, Knight Terrace, Denham (08) 9948 1253. More direct contact can be made by ringing the island on (08) 9948 1211 or contacting Shark Bay Charter Services (they organise fishing in the local area) on (08) 9948 1113.

Since writing that last piece of information we have received an email from Wardle family on the island. It reads:

Hi! My name is Kieran Wardle. I am Sir Thomas Wardle's grandson. Just a short note to inform you what is happening on Dirk Hartog Island. (Your "Cape Inscription" article may need to be changed, so all readers are informed with the correct information.)

Dirk Hartog Island Station is now open to tourists. We offer two types of accommodation - 8 Homestead Rooms and Camping facilities. You can also bring your own 4WD to Dirk Hartog Island. The Island Homestead has two Toyota 4WD's for Historic Tours to Cape Inscription & Turtle Bay also stopping off for land based fishing on the way home. (Catch dinner). The Island Homestead also has a 26ft Shark Cat for game fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling & transfers from Denham to the Island.

Rex Hunt has filmed four 15 min TV shows & a one 1hour special on Dirk Hartog Island. He has rated it in his top ten fishing holidays.

Dirk Hartog Island Station is still run as a sheep station, running 6000 sheep. However our family have been dealing with the government for 9 years to try and come to an agreement on what should happen to Dirk Hartog Island. We have offered to run the island as a private national park.

If you would like more info, please contact me on Dirk Hartog Island. (08) 99481211 or email: hartog@space.net.au

Regards,

Kieran Wardle.