Things to DO
Soak up some sun at the local beaches...
South Beach This unique open sandy beach stretches for miles, and is popular with locals and tourists. Park in the car park, or drive as far as you like. Keep your eyes peeled for kids and dogs (and the tide!) The Dongara Surf Life Saving Club is based there and patrol regularly in summer. In the right conditions, if you are lucky, you can even get a wave
Grannies Pool is on the north side of the groin, and is a fairly sheltered beach with grassed area and shade - makes it suitable for kids.
Main Beach This beach is protected by the marina and very safe for children. Lots of shade and grassed areas make it an ideal picnic spot.
Surf Beach True to it’s name, this is a surfers beach. With a bit of swell and the right winds you won’t be disappointed.
Sea Spray More suited to fishing .
Wind and Kite Surfing Wind and kite surfing are very popular in the area thanks to the ever-present sea breeze which blows in late most mornings.
Fishing
Try your luck beach fishing at any of the local beaches, or head up the coast to 7 mile. If you fancy some serious fishing, try a charter with Aqua Jack Fishing Charters on 0419 967 615, or launch your own boat from the ramp at the marina.
Skate Park
For the young at heart, there’s a skateboard park at Surf Beach!
Nature Walks
For a truly leisurely walk, the Irwin River Nature Trail is highly recommended. Spot all the interesting river wildlife, including black swans and pelicans, just to name a few. Access is off Church Street, at the Lookout platform with beautiful views of the river-mouth and ocean. There is another access trail from the car park at the river mouth on Ocean Drive (accessible when the river is closed off from the ocean). While you are there, climb the stairs for a spectacular view out to sea.
Easter Racing Carnival
The Dongara race course comes alive for the Easter Saturday carnival. This is a great family day out with plenty of shade and grassed areas for a picnic blanket and a glass of bubbly.
Drive In Cinema
One of the few remaining drive-ins in WA still operates in town over the summer months. The drive in was built in 1966 and is one of only five operating in WA. Check local guides for the viewing programmes. You'll find it next to the Bowling Club on Point Leander Drive, Port Denison. Phone: (08) 9927 1404
Golf Club
The Dongara golf course has 18 holes of grassed greens with some spectacular views of the twin townsite of Dongara and Port Denison, and the Indian Ocean. Visitors are most welcome to play the golf course. The course is open every day. Golf clubs and carts are available to hire.
For more information contact www.dongaragolf.com.au
Denison Bowling Club
Denison Bowling Club are happy to welcome all new members and visitors to the club! Families, Seniors
Open days/Times: Open 7 Days Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Sat & Sun 2pm - 7pm. For more information phone (08) 99271168 or check our their website www.denison.bowls.com.au
Historical Interest
Visit Russ Cottage, built in the late 1860’s. The Cottage was restored by the Irwin District Historical Society and is typical of a yeoman’s cottage of the time. For more information, contact the Irwin Historical Society on (08) 9927 1323.
For more history, follow 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.
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.
Dongara Markets
The Dongara Markets are held on the first Saturday of every month in the Town Park. Plants, honey, fishing gear, art & craft, wood-works, hot food, tools, olive oils, train rides, ladies clothes, hand-made gifts, jumping castle, raffles, pony rides, soaps and much more! Phone: 0400 718 617
Blessing of the Fleet
Held every year is the “Blessing of the Fleet” where the local boats are decorated and blessed in a ceremony at the marina. The weekend is full of a variety of events including a market day, live entertainment and displays, and a fireworks display. Sunday is the traditional blessing and is followed by the infamous rope coiling competition. The Lions Club run refreshment stalls, entertainment for the kids and a fairy floss tent. The next one to be held is 10 January 2021.
For more information contact the Dongara Denison Tourist Centre on (08) 9927 1404
For more current information and details check out the Shire of Irwin website www.irwin.wa.gov.au
BARS AND RESTAURANTS
Dongara Hotel
The hotel has a fully licensed restaurant with an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy alfresco dining under large umbrellas overlooking the main street with its 100 year old heritage listed Moreton Bay Fig Trees. The restaurant is very popular so book a table to avoid disappointment.
The Café Bar is open daily to late with a full range of teas and freshly ground coffees and a delicious fresh range of cookies and cakes.
The hotel also has a drive through Bottle Shop.
Find them at 12 Moreton Terrace, Dongara Phone: (08) 9227 1023 www.dongarahotel.com.au
Southerly’s Tavern
The Sunset Bar is the perfect spot to unwind with the best view across the marina and into the Indian Ocean. They regularly feature live entertainment, large screens to watch your favourite sport and full TAB facilities. They have a large outdoor decking area and extensive restaurant menu (proud winner of W.A.’s Best Steak Sandwich 2013 & voted Coral Coast’s Best Country pub steak sandwich 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 & 2014). Book ahead to avoid disappointment by phoning (08) 9927 2207 or check out www.southerlystav.com for opening times.
60 Point Leander Dr, Port Denison
Dat and Thu’s Kitchen
Vietnamese & Western Restaurant
BYO and takeaway menu
Shop 3/43 Moreton Terrace, Dongara
Phone: (08) 9927 1032
The Little Starfish
Popular beachside fafe offering delicious fresh food, coffee, fresh fruit smoothies, iced teas, milkshakes, juices etc. South beach kiosk, White Tops Road, Port Denison.
Season Tree
Restaurant/cafe
In the historic town of Dongara, the lovely Coffee Tree is known for its traditional homemade English breakfasts, lunches and coffee. Locals and tourists alike can be found relaxing underneath the shade of a Morton Bay fig tree here. Contact information 8 Moreton Tce; (08) 9927 1400; open daily for breakfast and lunch
Sea-Spray Cafe
For an ocean view, kick back in the relaxed BYO 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.
Port Store Take Away & Deli
Located in Port Denison, opposite on the scenic marina, the Port Store Take Away & Deli offers an extensive takeaway menu including fish and chips, wraps, and burgers.
52 Point Leander Drive, Port Denison Phone: (08) 9927 1030
BEAUTY THERAPY AND MASSAGE
Under the Bays Beauty Fusion
This is a beautiful one stop shop for all your beauty and hair needs, facials, waxing, massages, nails, lashes, hair styling, colouring and tints. Spoil your self and indulge.
Phone Jane on (08) 9927 1661 – or mobile 0428 231 272
DISTILLERY TOURS
Just a short drive from the township you can find Illegal Tender Rum Co. Tastings are available throughout the day and do not need to be booked ahead. Bottle purchases as well as merchandise are available in the cellar door along with expert advice and conversation about our rich history and Australian love affair with Rum.
Try Common Place is a unique restaurant and cafe offering local midwest produce in all its glory. The cocktail and restaurant menu changes seasonally with the weather and of course the natural produce that is available. Dine on the beautiful purpose built deck overlooking farming outcrop among the native plants and animals.
Book an online tour via www.illegaltenderrumco.com
Illegal Tender Rum Co
35 Illyarrie Road
Springfield WA 6525
Phone: (08) 9927 2555
WINERY
Travel to Irwin Winery along Midlands Road and enjoy the unique flavours of red and white wine. Visits arranged by appointment by phoning (08) 9927 5076.
OLIVE ORCHARDS
Visit the only Olive Oil Processing Facility in the Midwest – “Silverdale Olive Orchard & Processing Facility” – to sample olives and olive oils.
Located at 130 Melaleuca Road, Dongara. Open Friday,Saturdays & Sunday 10 am – 4pm.
Phone Wendy & Murray Small 9927 2674