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All Australia Denham The Old Pearler
AO Edited Gastro Obscura

The Old Pearler

This rural Australian restaurant claims to be the only restaurant in the world to be built almost entirely of sea shells.

Denham, Australia

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Obscuravibes
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Coquina is formed from millions of tiny seashells.   Obscuravibes / Atlas Obscura User
The Old Pearler is both a restaurant and an architectural oddity.   Obscuravibes / Atlas Obscura User
Nautical touches are around the interior.   Obscuravibes / Atlas Obscura User
Look closely at each of the bricks.   Obscuravibes / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Old Pearler restaurant is a striking example of architectural innovation. The entire building is constructed from a unique material: coquina. This material is formed from millions of tiny mollusks, specifically Cardiid cockles, also known as Hamelin Cockle Shells (fragum erugatum), which have accumulated over an estimated 4,000 years in the waters at Hamelin Pool and L'Haridon Bight. These shells have naturally cemented together to create coquina, a soft rock used in the construction of various Denham buildings, including The Old Pearler, which was erected in 1974.

Visitors to The Old Pearler are greeted by an interior adorned with these natural shells. The shells not only contribute to the restaurant's aesthetic appeal but also underscore its connection to the region's rich marine environment. 

The Old Pearler offers a dining experience that celebrates the flavors of Shark Bay. The menu prominently features fresh seafood, including specialties sourced from the waters surrounding Denham. Diners can enjoy dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The Old Pearler is a unique and distinctive restaurant along Western Australia's Coral Coast, made special due to the shells which give it architectural and ecological significance.

Related Tags

Restaurants Architecture Architectural Oddities Shells

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Obscuravibes

Published

July 24, 2024

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Sources
  • https://www.bestrestaurants.com.au/wa/coral-coast/denham/restaurant/the-old-pearler-restaurant
  • https://www.sharkbayvisit.com.au/sleep/old-pearler-restaurant
  • https://images.impartmedia.com/sharkbayvisit.com.au/documents/Denham_Discovery_Trail.pdf
The Old Pearler
71 Knight Terrace
Denham, 6537
Australia
-25.928721, 113.53586
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Emu Rising Mosaic

Denham, Australia

miles away

Shell Beach

Francois Peron National Park, Australia

miles away

The Stromatolites of Hamelin Pool

Hamelin Pool, Australia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Denham

Denham

Australia

Places 2

Nearby Places

Emu Rising Mosaic

Denham, Australia

miles away

Shell Beach

Francois Peron National Park, Australia

miles away

The Stromatolites of Hamelin Pool

Hamelin Pool, Australia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Denham

Denham

Australia

Places 2

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