Dampier

Dampier is a coastal town and port in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, located on the north‑west coast near the Dampier Archipelago on the Burrup Peninsula. The town is named after the English navigator William Dampier, whose late 17th‑century voyages helped chart parts of the northwest coast.

The settlement developed in the mid‑20th century to support mining and energy operations in the Pilbara. It hosts a commercial port that handles bulk cargo and services for maritime traffic, including ore shipments from inland mines and related industries. Nearby Dampier Salt operates large evaporative ponds that produce rock salt, a significant local industry.

The Dampier area is characterized by its coastal environment and proximity to a group of islands, offering access to marine ecosystems and recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. In governance terms, Dampier is part of the City of Karratha, with local facilities that serve residents and workers in the resource sector, including schools, healthcare, and municipal services.

Notable features associated with Dampier include its port facilities and the adjacent industrial activities that shape the local economy, as well as its position within the broader Pilbara region, known for mineral production and energy projects.