THE burrup peninsula
The Burrup Peninsula, located between Dampier and Karratha, is home to both modern industry and ancient wonders. Murujuga, the Aboriginal name for this place, was known as Dampier Island by white settlers until the name change to Burrup Peninsula in 1979. Beautiful beaches such as Withnell Bay and Hearson Cove can be accessed by road. Woodside’s North West Shelf Visitor Centre is located over looking the Karratha Gas Plant; entry is free however opening hours are seasonal, so it is advisable to contact Woodside on (08) 9158 8292 for enquiries.
The Burrup Peninsula is also home to the Murujuga National Park, an area of almost 5000 hectares, which encompasses part of the largest collection of ancient petroglyphs (rock art) in the world. A formal interpretive walking trail is situated at the Deep Gorge site, where visitors of all ages and abilities can access and explore the area. Please be sure to respect the cultural integrity of both the land and the ancient art by sticking to the designated pathways.
Murujuga National Park is vested with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) which is comprised of traditional custodians: the Ngarluma-Yindjibarndi, the Yaburara Mardudhunera and the Woon-goo-tt-oo. The land is leased back to the WA State Government as a National Park, and is jointly managed by the representatives of MAC and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions - Parks and Wildlife Service.
Please ensure your own safety by planning your journey. It is advisable to contact the Karratha Tourism and Visitors Centre on (08) 9186 8055, or the Department of Parks and Wildlife for further information before visiting the Murujuga National Park.
Locally produced books ‘Burrup and Beyond’, ‘Along the Burrup’ and ‘Above and Beyond the Burrup', respectively detailing the history and cultural heritage, the nature and habitats, and the bird life of the Burrup Peninsula, are available to purchase from the DCA Office. For enquiries please use our online enquiry form or contact the DCA.
