The Old Pearler - Gastro Obscura
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The Old Pearler

Denham, Australia

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

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Coquina is formed from millions of tiny seashells. Obscuravibes (Atlas Obscura User)
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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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.

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Nearby
Emu Rising Mosaic
0.41 miles
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23.29 miles
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50.56 miles
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