Port Gregory Western Australia
A small fishing village with beautiful beaches and an incredibly beautiful and unique pink lake.
At a Glance
Port Gregory is located between Geraldton and Kalbarri, it serves as a perfect pitstop while heading between these two places. Despite being a minor location, Port Gregory is fairly popular with tourists. As a result, there are more dwellings in the town than the actual population to act as accommodation for visiting tourists.
The best way to book Port Gregory
Where is Port Gregory?
Port Gregory is approximately 520 kilometres north of Perth.
Port Gregory was originally planned to serve as a supply and export port for the mines near the Murchison River. Situated near the mouth of the Hutt River, this small fishing village is quite picturesque with coral reefs on one side and a pink lake on the other. One of the best ways to get to Port Gregory is to hire a car from Perth Airport.
Things to see in Port Gregory
The Pink Lake
The Pink Lake, also known as the Hutt Lagoon, is one of the gems of Port Gregory. It’s water is best known for its light pink hue due to the presence of the algae Dunaliella. The colour of the water can vary between seasons and weather conditions, the best time to visit is about mid-morning or during sundown. The Lake is also a popular place for fashion shoots, so grab your camera and shoot away!
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Port Gregory Beach
While you are visiting the Pink Lake, you should also head to the nearby beach with white smooth sand and clear blue water. The beach itself is protected with, making it great for swimming and fishing alike. You can also put on your snorkelling gear and explore the beautiful coral reefs off the coast.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Historic Buildings
Port Gregory is brimming with fascinating history, with many historical events playing a role to form what the town is today. Events from the convicts that was brought here, to the transition between industries leave marks to the town. Looking at these buildings allow us to have a glimpse into the life of the past. The Lynton Convict Depot is a remnant of an attempt to hire convicts to farmers, which ended in failure. Sanford’s House was the residence of the Superintendent of Convicts, built entirely by convicts out of limestone.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Hutt River
With the town itself located near the mouth of the Hutt River, it is imperative for those who visit the town to visit the river also. Launch a kayak and travel up the river and you will be surprised at how serene and beautiful the area is. There is a striking contrast between the two banks of the river, with smooth white dune on one side and steep red banks on the other. The river also makes a perfect spot to have a picnic while watching the pelicans that lives there.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
What's the weather like?
Port Gregory experiences a Mediterranean climate with dry summer and wet winter. In Summer (December to February), the average maximum temperature is 33°C with an average minimum temperature of 20°C. In Winter (June to August), the average maximum temperature is 221°C with an average minimum temperature of 8°C.
Get to know Port Gregory's history
Port Gregory began as a supply and export point for the mines in the area. Located on the Murchison River, planned to be the main port for the north. The town itself was named after two of Western Australia’s most active explorers, Augusta and Frank Gregory. A townsite was opened in the area named Packington.
The history of Port Gregory is closely tied with the local industries, the town ceased to grow when mining in the region declined. Despite the decline in mining, the town was able to move onto other industries such as whaling, salt mining and fishing. During World War II, the town was the site of a Japanese submarine attack. Today, a small fishing community dwells there permanently with a fluctuating seasonal population due to tourist traffics.