Shark Bay
A World Heritage coast of shallow seagrass bays, living stromatolites, a beach of shells and dolphins that visit the shore, reached by a long side road from the highway.
- State
- Western Australia
- UNESCO
- 1991
- Nearest town
- Denham
- Best season
- Apr–Oct
Before you go
- Denham is about 130 km along the Shark Bay Road from the highway; fill your tank before you turn off.
- Do not walk on the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool, and do not feed or touch wildlife anywhere.
- Beyond the Peron homestead, tracks are soft sand and 4WD only; take recovery gear or join a tour from Denham.
What makes it special
Shark Bay was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1991. Hamelin Pool holds some of the world's best-known living stromatolites, microbial structures that resemble early life on Earth. Nearby, Shell Beach is made of tiny cockle shells, and the bays hold large seagrass meadows that support dugongs, turtles and sharks.
Planning the visit
Allow at least two nights in Denham to see Monkey Mia, Hamelin Pool, Shell Beach and Francois Peron National Park without rushing. Winter and spring are the most comfortable seasons; summer is hot and windy. Park fees apply at some sites, and the area has limited accommodation, so book ahead in the school holidays.
FAQs
Will I see the dolphins at Monkey Mia?
Dolphins visit the shallows most mornings, but visits are not guaranteed. Arrive early, follow the rangers' instructions and keep a respectful distance.
Do I need a 4WD in Shark Bay?
No for the main sights: Hamelin Pool, Shell Beach, Denham and Monkey Mia are on sealed or well-formed roads. A 4WD is needed beyond the Peron homestead and for many tracks in Francois Peron National Park.
Places to see
Monkey Mia
A beach in Shark Bay where wild bottlenose dolphins come into the shallows most mornings for a ranger-led…
Hamelin Pool Stromatolites
Living stromatolites, rock-like microbial mounds that resemble some of Earth's earliest life, grow along…
Shell Beach, Shark Bay
A long white beach made entirely of tiny cockle shells, piled metres deep. The water is saltier than the…
Peron Homestead, Francois Peron National Park
A historic sheep station on the red-sand peninsula of Francois Peron National Park; beyond the homestead,…
One Mile Jetty, Carnarvon
A historic timber jetty from the late 1890s, stretching about 1.5 km across the tidal flats at Carnarvon.…
Quobba Blowholes
Waves forced through cracks in the limestone cliff shoot spray high into the air, about 75 km north of…
Red Bluff, Kalbarri
Red sandstone cliffs and a small beach just south of Kalbarri, known for a surf break and wide coastal…
Natural Bridge, Kalbarri coast
A wave-carved sea arch on Kalbarri's cliff-lined coast, reached by a short walk from the car park.…
