3 Day Dongara-Port Denison Getaway

Pack the car, hit the road and make the short 3.5 hour drive north from Perth and arrive in Dongara-Port Denison.

If you have time, we recommend stopping into the Lobster Shack for Lunch which is located in Cervantes, just 2 hours into your road trip it's the perfect base to stop for lunch before continuing your journey north to Dongara Port-Denison.

Make the short 3.5 hour drive north from Perth and arrive in Dongara-Port Denison. Check into your accommodation, options range from holiday parks and cabins to apartments and resorts. If camping is more your style, there are plenty of coastal camping options available at Cliff Head, Freshwater Point & Knobby Head. Grab lunch and a coffee at one of the local cafés.

In the afternoon, head to Port Denison Marina for your first taste of the coastal lifestyle. Wander along the foreshore, watch the fishing boats come and go and let the kids burn off some energy at the playground. Continue to Fishermen's Lookout and Obelisk for sweeping views over the harbour and coastline.

As the sun sets for the day, take a relaxed stroll along the coast or find a spot on the beach for sunset. Keep an eye out for the iconic ANZAC Memorial Soldiers along Ocean Drive. Settle in for dinner overlooking the water at Southerly’s Harbour View Bar & Restaurant.

Start with breakfast before exploring Dongara’s historic heart. Follow the 4.6km Heritage Walk, showcasing 28 heritage buildings, then wander along the Irwin River and stop at the lookout. For more adventure, explore The Thungarra Trails, a network of six scenic walking and cycling trails connecting the coast, river and bushland. Or join local operator New Leaf Connect for a range of tours, with tailored itineraries available for groups.

Grab lunch in town at Pannarai - Cafe & Restaurant, then take your time exploring the local shops. Head to South Beach for an afternoon by the Indian Ocean. It's popular for swimming, fishing, surfing and other water activities, with its white sand making it an easy place to spend a few hours. If you have kids in tow, we recommend Nun’s Pool or Granny’s Beach where the calm waters are perfect for the kids to splash around.

Grab something easy for dinner or cook up a BBQ before finishing the night at the Dongara Denison Drive-In, one of four of the last drive-ins in Western Australia (check season and opening times here). The heritage-listed drive-in has been operating since the 1960s and screens movies seasonally on a Saturday night from around September/October through May.

Get up early and head to the coast for a peaceful morning walk or swim before the day gets underway. Be sure to stop by Sea Folk Co Café for breakfast and coffee, then head out to explore more of the coastline.

Choose your final adventure:

• Beach day: Return to South Beach or explore another stretch of coastline.
• Fishing: Try your luck from the beach or one of the local fishing spots, Dongara-Port Denison is well known for recreational fishing.
• River & nature: Spend some more time around the Irwin River and estuary, ideal for a slower morning of walking and birdwatching.
• Local icons: Snap a photo with the Big Crayfish before leaving town.
• Visit a Museum: Explore the towns history with a visit to the Irwin District Museum and Packout Room Museum
  
  

Before hitting the road, stock up on local produce or treats and take a final walk along the foreshore. Then it's time to head south back to Perth, relaxed, recharged and with plenty of reasons to come back.