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.