The Dampier Peninsula is a peninsula located north of Broome and Roebuck Bay in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the west and north, and King Sound to the east. It is named after the mariner and explorer William Dampier who visited it. The northernmost part of the peninsula is Cape Leveque. It is sparsely inhabited, mostly by Indigenous Australian peoples, some of whom have been granted native title rights to some of their traditional lands. There are many coastal inlets, bays and other features, including Beagle Bay on its western side.
| Dampier Peninsula Western Australia | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Dampier Peninsula | |
| Coordinates | 17°12′36″S 122°48′36″E / 17.21000°S 122.81000°E |
| Population | 1,051 (SAL 2021)[1] |
Aboriginal heritage
edit
The peninsula is home to a rich heritage of Aboriginal culture, with the communities of Beagle Bay, Bobieding, Djarindjin, Ardyaloon (One Arm Point) and Ngardalargin, along with numerous other smaller communities, pearling camps, tourist resorts and Aboriginal outstations.
The traditional owners of the areas around the peninsula are the Bardi, Nyunyul and Jabirr Jabirr (Djaberadjabera) peoples.[3]
Ecology
editMany small trees, shrubs and animals live on and in the sea surrounding the peninsula, the most characteristic vegetation being pindan woodland within the interior sandplains.
Mangroves are an important part within the peninsula, with 12 of Western Australia's 17 species present. Flying Fox colonies commonly roost in the trees during the day before foraging at dusk.[4]
Transport
editThe peninsula is traversed from south to north by Cape Leveque Road. Between Broome and Beagle Bay this road is generally of poor condition and often closed during the wet season. Four-wheel drive is recommended. Between Beagle Bay and the northern towns the road is bitumened.
Numerous tour operators run bus services on the peninsula.
Air strips are situated at Cape Leveque, Bardi, Djarindjin (Lombadina), Beagle Bay and some of the smaller communities and pearl farms.
Tourism
editThere are several tourist accommodation facilities such as Kooljamon (Cape Leveque) and Middle Lagoon (Middle Lagoon).
References
edit- ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Dampier Peninsula (suburb and locality)". Australian Census 2021 QuickStats. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
- ^ This map is indicative only.
- ^ "Ausanthrop - Australian Aboriginal tribal database". 2012. Archived from the original on 27 September 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
- ^ https://library.dbca.wa.gov.au/static/FullTextFiles/016991.pdf page 31 and 39.
