Dampier County is one of New South Wales’ 141 cadastral divisions, used today only for land titles. It covers the far south coast around Bermagui, Narooma, and Bodalla, and includes most of Deua and Wadbilliga national parks.
Key Facts
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| State | New South Wales |
| Region | South coast, Eurobodalla |
| Named after | William Dampier (1651–1715), sailor and explorer |
| Principal towns | Bermagui, Narooma, Bodalla |
| Local government areas today | Eurobodalla Shire, Bega Valley Shire, Snowy Monaro Regional Council, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council |
Parishes in Dampier County
- Badja
- Belowra
- Bergalia
- Bermagui
- Bodalla
- Bumbo
- Bumbo West
- Burra
- Cadgee
- Cadjangarry
- Congo
- Coondella
- Countegany
- Curmulee
- Currambene
- Deua
- Dolondundale
- Donovan
- Eurobodalla
- Guinea
- Gulph
- Jillaga
- Jinden
- Merricumbene
- Moruya
- Murrabrine
- Murrah
- Narira
- Narooma
- Nerrigundah
- Shoalhaven
- Tanja
- Uranbene
- Wadbilliga
- Wadbilliga West
- Wagonga
- Wamban
- Wandella
- Wapengo
- Wyanbene
- Yowrie
Towns and Localities Today
Narooma is the largest of Dampier County’s coastal towns, with Bermagui and Bodalla to its south. Moruya, on the Moruya River near the county’s northern edge, is another significant town.
| Town | LGA | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Narooma | Eurobodalla Shire | 3,342 (2016 census) |
| Bermagui | Bega Valley Shire | 1,536 (2016 census) |
| Bodalla | Eurobodalla Shire | 808 (2021 census) |
Geography
The Deua River forms Dampier County’s northern boundary, with land just north of the Brogo River as its southern boundary. It takes in most of Deua and Wadbilliga national parks on the south coast escarpment.
History
Dampier County was named after the sailor and explorer William Dampier (1651–1715), the first Englishman to explore parts of the Australian coast.
FAQ
Is Dampier County still used?
Cadastral divisions like Dampier remain in land titles and property descriptions but have no government function.
What towns are in Dampier County?
Narooma, Bermagui, and Bodalla are its principal coastal towns on the NSW far south coast.
Who was Dampier County named after?
William Dampier (1651–1715), an English sailor and one of the earliest explorers of the Australian coast.