DIRK HARTOG'S ROAD, at the north end of the island, is a commodious roadstead, sheltered from all winds to the southward of east and west; and, since they are the prevailing and almost constant winds of this part, may be considered a very secure anchorage.

There is a reef extending off Cape Inscription for half a mile, which will also afford protection from the sea, even should the wind blow hard from the west.
The beach of the bay is fronted by coral rocks, but affords easy landing in all parts, particularly at high water.

This beach is covered with turtles' nests; and at daylight thirty to fifty might be turned and embarked without any difficulty or delay.

The animals are easily taken, since the rocks prevent their escaping into the sea; and it is only at high water that they can return.

M.De Freycinet says (page 189) that there is a passage between the reef, off the east point of the bay, and the shore with ten fathoms.
The following account of Shark's Bay is taken from M.De Freycinet's account (page 189 et seq.) In the fairway of the entrance to Shark's Bay, between Dorre and Dirk Hartog's Islands, is DAMPIER'S REEF; it is two miles in extent from east to west, and about one mile wide.