Grey Shack Settlement - WA

Grey is a historic coastal shack settlement located south of Cervantes and the Pinnacles, on the edge of Nambung National Park. Set amongst coastal dunes overlooking the Indian Ocean, it is one of the few surviving examples of the informal fishing and holiday shack communities that once dotted Western Australia's coastline.

Originally known as Green Islets, the settlement developed during the 1930s and 1940s when fishermen established basic coastal shelters. It expanded after World War II with the growth of commercial crayfishing and the popularity of inexpensive seaside holidays. The settlement was officially named Grey in 1968, after Sir George Grey.

The shacks were traditionally constructed from corrugated iron, timber and salvaged materials, with residents relying on their own water collection, electricity generation and other off-grid systems. Today, Grey remains a collection of privately occupied fishing and holiday shacks rather than a conventional town. The settlement has become part of WA's coastal heritage, reflecting generations of fishing and family holiday traditions.

**Access is now straightforward via the sealed Grey Access Road, which turns off Indian Ocean Drive.** This allows conventional vehicles to reach the settlement without travelling along sandy 4WD tracks. However, exploring beyond the settlement, including the beaches and coastal tracks to the south towards Wanagarren Nature Reserve and Wedge Island, requires a suitable 4WD vehicle due to soft sand and dune tracks.

Visitors can explore the settlement along public access areas, view the eclectic collection of shacks and enjoy the surrounding coastline. The area offers sandy beaches, limestone headlands, offshore island views, fishing, beach walking, photography and swimming when conditions are suitable. The unusual collection of weathered and colourful shacks also makes Grey an interesting place to photograph.

The shacks are privately occupied and are not available as public accommodation. Please respect residents' privacy and avoid entering private properties.

There are no public toilets, shops, drinking water or other visitor facilities at Grey, so visitors should be self-sufficient. Pets are prohibited and Nambung National Park entry fees apply.

Public camping is not permitted within the shack settlement. However, designated paid camping is available further south at Wanagarren Campground in Wanagarren Nature Reserve, accessible by high-clearance 4WD along sandy coastal tracks. Bookings must be made online through DBCA. Refer to the separate Wanagarren Campground Place listing for full camping and access details.