🔍

Dampier

WA 6713 • Rest of WA

1,282
Population (2021)
$88,296
Median Income
9.82 km²
Area
$480/wk
Median Rent
RemoteCoastalMining TownQuietBeachside

About Dampier

Dampier is a remote coastal port town in Western Australia's Pilbara region, situated approximately 1,535 kilometres north of Perth within the City of Karratha. With a population of 1,282, the suburb serves as a key industrial hub centred on the nearby port — one of Australia's busiest bulk export terminals for iron ore and salt. The median age is 35, reflecting a workforce-age community with above-average household incomes driven by the resources sector.

Residents enjoy direct access to the Dampier Archipelago, a stunning network of islands offering fishing, boating, and snorkelling opportunities in turquoise Pilbara waters. The nearby Murujuga National Park (Burrup Peninsula) is home to one of the world's largest collections of ancient rock art. While amenities are modest — local shops, a primary school, and community sporting facilities — the region's natural landscape and strong community spirit make it a unique place to live for those drawn to remote WA life.

Dampier falls under postcode 6713 and is governed by Karratha Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Pilbara electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6713
Urban Area
Dampier
LGA / Council
Karratha
Federal Electorate
Durack
State Electorate
Pilbara
Type
Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-20.67°, 116.71°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
9.82 km²
Elevation
40m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Karratha Transit — Karratha City Centre 20-25 min

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
1535 km
By Train
No train service; nearest commercial airport is Karratha Airport (~18 km)
By Car (Peak)
18-25 min to Karratha
By Car (Off-Peak)
15-20 min to Karratha

🛣️ Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) is common for Perth-based workers; North West Coastal Highway connects to the south

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for daily life in Dampier; the town centre has basic amenities but distances between facilities and the remote location make walking impractical for most errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$480
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,383
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
35 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.3%

5 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,104
Census 2021
1,282
▲ 16.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$79,300
Income 2021
$88,296
▲ 11.3% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 969
Born Overseas 174

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 44
  • 2. New Zealand 43
  • 3. South Africa 13
  • 4. Philippines 9
  • 5. Ireland 7
  • 6. Italy 7
  • 7. Netherlands 7
  • 8. Canada 6
  • 9. United States 4
  • 10. Scotland 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 581
English 480
Irish 128
Scottish 101
German 47
Australian Aboriginal 42
Italian 35
New Zealander 21
Dutch 19
Filipino 16

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

723
Both parents born in Australia
223
Both parents born overseas
189
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
57.1%
Christianity
29.3%
Buddhism
0.9%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
101 (7.9%)
5-14 years
250 (19.5%)
15-19 years
64 (5.0%)
20-24 years
41 (3.2%)
25-34 years
163 (12.7%)
35-44 years
235 (18.3%)
45-54 years
223 (17.4%)
55-64 years
156 (12.2%)
65-74 years
35 (2.7%)
75-84 years
13 (1.0%)
85+ years
0 (0.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dampier known for? +

Dampier is known as a key industrial port town in Western Australia's Pilbara, home to one of Australia's largest bulk export terminals for iron ore and salt. It is also the gateway to the Dampier Archipelago and the World Heritage-listed Murujuga (Burrup Peninsula) rock art collection.

How far is Dampier from Perth? +

Dampier is approximately 1,535 kilometres north of Perth by road — around a 14–16 hour drive via the North West Coastal Highway. Most residents fly via Karratha Airport, which is about 18 kilometres away.

Does Dampier have public transport? +

Dampier has limited local bus services connecting it to Karratha city centre approximately 18 kilometres away. There is no rail service in the Pilbara; a car is essential for most residents, and fly-in fly-out (FIFO) arrangements are common for Perth-based workers.

What is the population of Dampier? +

According to the 2021 Census, Dampier has a population of 1,282 residents. The community is predominantly workforce-aged, with a median age of 35, reflecting its character as a resources industry town.

Is Dampier a good place to live? +

Dampier suits those working in the resources sector or seeking a remote coastal lifestyle, offering exceptional fishing, boating, and access to ancient Indigenous rock art at Murujuga National Park. Amenities are basic compared to city life, but the stunning Pilbara landscape and strong community spirit compensate for the isolation.

What is the postcode for Dampier? +

The postcode for Dampier, Western Australia is 6713.