Things To Do Around
Dongara-Denison
DONGARA DENISON VISITORS
INFORMATION CENTRE
PH 9927 1404 FAX 9927 2785 EMAIL: ddtic@wn.com.au WEBSITE: www.irwin.wa.gov.au
1.
Explore South Beach. This wide, white sand beach stretches to the horizon or, if you don’t fancy walking,
cruise along beautiful South Beach in your car. South Beach is also home to our
local Surf Club with regular patrols conducted on weekends.
2.
For a truly leisurely walk, the Irwin River Nature Trail is just perfect. Spot all the
interesting river wildlife, including black swans and pelicans, just to name a few.
Access off Church Street, where the Lookout affords beautiful views of the
rivermouth and ocean.
3.
BBQs are available at the Port Denison Foreshore where there is plenty of parking and a playground area
to amuse the children.
4.
The Denison Bowling Club is located next to the Recreation Centre and features top class greens, a pool
table, a licensed clubhouse - and Friday night tea. The Bowling Club is contactable on PH 9927 1168.
Visiting bowlers are welcome.
5.
Wildflower Season is from July to October each year. Self-drive trips are available throughout the Midwest,
as are guided tours daily commencing 4pm at the Western Flora Caravan Park 9955 2030, 60kms south of
Dongara.
6.
Purchase the “Dongara Denison Local Rag” weekly for all the latest happenings around town. The “Rag” is
available at the newsagency and supermarkets from late Wednesday afternoons.
7.
Visitors are welcome at the Autumn Centre located behind the Shire Administration Centre on the corner of
Armstrong & Church Sts. Check the “Rag” for activities and timetables, e.g. for Bingo and Carpet Bowls.
Regular outings are available if you are here for an extended stay.
8.
Russ Cottage, built in the late 1860’s located just south of the Irwin Bridge. The Cottage was restored by the
Irwin District Historical Society and is typical of a yeoman’s cottage of the time. For information, contact
the Irwin Historical Society on PH 9927 1323.
9.
For more history, do the Heritage Trail. This 1.6km walk features 28 heritage-listed buildings. Booklets,
which give the history of each of the buildings, are available at the Tourist Centre for $2.00. See the Royal
Steam Flour Mill, built in about 1894 from the plans of Mr Henry Simon of Manchester, England.
10. For even more culture, a visit to the Old Police Station, which is now the Irwin District Museum, is a must!
Here you can learn all about the original pioneers, their unbelievable hardships and triumphs. The building
itself is also steeped in history. Built in 1870, it served as a police station, courthouse and jail. $2.50 entry.
If the sign is out, we are open!
11. The Priory Hotel is another magnificent building. Built in 1881 and then converted into the St Dominic’s
Priory by the Dominican Sisters, it has now been lovingly restored into a Colonial Bar, Restaurant and
Accommodation, all with period furniture. Listen to music and have a cold drink, Devonshire Teas, Counter
lunches & Evening Meals. Check the chalk board on the corner for the latest entertainment updates.
12. Dongara Cemetery contains some interesting headstones dating back to 1874. It also contains a Wall of
Remembrance dedicated to the Dominican Nuns of the region. The Cemetery Walk brochure is available at
the Tourist Centre for $1.50.
13.
Visit “Silverdale Olive Orchard & Processing Facility” - to sample olives, olive oils and local produce.
Open most Saturdays. Other times by appointment. Melaleuca Road, Dongara. PH 9927 2674.
14. The Fisherman’s Lookout-Obelisk at Port Denison offers panoramic views of the harbour and surrounds. A
plaque depicting local shipwrecks is on display at the Obelisk. A boardwalk now surrounds the Obelisk to
allow easy viewing.
15. A disabled fishing/viewing platform is installed off the northern groyne in front of Grannies Beach. The
new structure provides substantially more room for fishermen as well as improved opportunity for the
disabled and senior members of the community to access the platform, enjoy the views of the area and
partake of the great fishing opportunities.
16. Dongara Sport & Tackle at 25 Moreton Tce can help you out with your dive, fishing and tackle needs. They
also hire out golf clubs (right and left-hand clubs and buggy available), tennis racquets and push bikes. Drop
in and see the friendly staff for all your sporting and fishing needs. PH 9927 1196. A/H MOB 0448 806 790.
17. For a more leisurely pursuit, how about a civilised game of golf at our 18 hole grassed course. See you at
the 19th for a cold beer! Dongara Golf Club PH/FAX 9927 2727.
18. For the young at heart, there’s a skateboarding park at Surf Beach! Hard-to-beat skateboarding with the
Indian Ocean as your backdrop.
19. Kick back at our Drive-In Cinema! During the summer months, the Drive-In shows up-to-date movies
fortnightly on Saturday evenings. Enjoy watching your favourite stars under the stars! Treats to satisfy at the
kiosk. The Drive-In is run by the Local Surf Club so please support them.
20. Stroll down the pages of history, and the path commemorating some of the shipwrecks and mishaps of the
Irwin Coast in the past. Port Irwin Shipwreck Walk commences at the first path down to the playground
after coming through the roundabout on the marina.
21. For an ocean view, kick back in the relaxed atmosphere of the Sea Spray Café located right on the
oceanfront at the Sea Spray Caravan Park. Enjoy great coffee and tasty gourmet food and sweets to tempt
all and sundry. Open Wed to Sun 8.00am to 2.00pm. Contact Martine on PH: 99272007 or 0439927663 for
group bookings
22. Travel to Irwin River Winery along Midlands Road approx 12 ks and enjoy the unique flavours of red and
white wine to tempt the palate. Visits arranged by appointment. PH 9927 5076.
23. Walk Dongara-Denison! Eleven walks are on offer varying in distance from 1.6kms to 9kms, depending on
how fit you feel. Look out for the maps located around town.
24. Hungry? Take in the many culinary delights that Dongara-Denison has to offer from the finest bakeries in the
Midwest to exquisite cuisine offered at a variety of restaurants.
25. Take in the atmosphere of Dongara-Denison and all that the local history and culture has to offer with a stay
when the Annual Festival takes place in the second weekend in November. See the Blessing of the Fleet
and enjoy local food, drinks, crafts and entertainment for a weekend of fun and frivolity.
26. Take advantage of the many wonderful photographic opportunities during your stay in Dongara/Port Denison.
The sunsets, beaches, birdlife and historic buildings provide beautiful, colourful memories.
27. Internet facilities are available at both the Dongara Telecentre on Moreton Tce (near the Op Shop and
Centrelink) and at Arrowsmith Midwest on Moreton Tce near the Dongara Post Office.
28. DVD/machine hire may be obtained by contacting Leander Video Centre on 9927 1084 at 242 Point
Leander Drive next to the Laundromat.
29. Spoil yourself at “The Manse Retreat” Beauty Therapy & Massage at 6 Moreton Tce. Contact numbers
are PH 9927 1661 or MOB 0428 2321 272. They offer facial treatments, waxing, spa body wraps, massage
therapy, spray tanning, eye lash extensions, acrylic & gel nails and various other pampering treatments. Just
because you are on holidays, there’s no need to miss out!
30. For all your hair care needs, contact the lovely staff at Seashell Curls Hairdressing, located at 3/21
Moreton Tce. Their number is PH 9927 1151.
31. Irwin produce is available in season from the roadside stores 10kms east on the Midlands Road.
32. Visit the Dingos of Dongara You can interact with our Australian Native Wolves Boss, Streak, Kal & Billy.
There will be an informative talk during your visit between 9.30am and 4.30 pm 7 days. (If the temperature is
above 38c the dingoes will not be shown) Ring Phil or Di 08 9927 1585 or 0412543297 30240 if you want a
special viewing or for more information. The Dingoes can be found east of town on the Brand Hwy.
33. ICON Fishing Charter call Terry 08 99271256 or 0427271841
Day Fishing $185 per person (Min 10) Fishing gear, bait, ice, tea & coffee supplied. BYO snacks, beers
& soft drinks. Welcome to BYO fishing gear if you prefer * No beach rods!
Abrolhos Islands $220 per person per day (Min 10 Max 12) Provides all meals, tea, coffee, fishing gear,
bait & ice. BYO sleeping bags, swags, pillows, towels, toiletries. You may wish to bring your own fishing or
snorkeling gear. Joggers a must
Beagle Island $150 per person (Max 12) Experience sea lions, dolphins, bird life and nature up close.
Includes BBQ lunch & light snacks. Tea, coffee served on board, BYO beer/wine, soft drinks on sale $2/can.
Experience Rock Lobster Fishing (5 hour) BYO Drinks/snacks $50 per person Max 2
We strive to make your ICON CHARTER the most memorable and enjoyable experience possible. Feel free
to talk to us, just ask and we will do our best to accommodate your specific needs.
10% Deposit required, due 2 weeks prior to booking date. Should cancellation occur due to weather
conditions we offer to re-book or refund.