A wonderland of world-class natural attractions, the Shark Bay World Heritage Area was the first location in Western Australia to receive UNESCO status in 1991.
Please note: The Hamelin Pool Stromatolites boardwalk is currently closed, however the stromatolites can still be seen from the Hamelin Pool quarry.
The area meets four of UNESCO's ten required natural criteria, and remains one of only a handful of places in the world to achieve this high criteria status level. The colourful and diverse landscapes, rare flora and fauna and world-class examples of Earth’s ecological processes all contribute to the region's World Heritage listing. The area contains plant species that are unique and considered new to science, five of Australia's 26 species of endangered Australian mammals, as well as 35% of all of Australia's bird species.
The 12 species of seagrass found in Shark Bay cover over 4,000 square kilometres (approximately the size of the Perth metropolitan area), and support a high diversity of fauna such as dolphins, fish, turtles and crustaceans. This seagrass is a vital food source for one of the most stable dugong populations in the world, with over 10,000 dugongs inhabiting the Shark Bay region.
Did you know: Shark Bay is Australia’s largest bay! It boasts over 1,000 kilometres of pristine beaches and calm, inviting waters.
Shark Bay is approximately 8 hours, 30 minutes' drive north of Perth (to Denham), or a two-hour flight with Regional Express Airlines.
Shark bay provides an ideal location for stargazing, where the red earth meets the Milky Way, check out Gazing the Gascoyne for more information and guided tours to experience the beauty of the clear night skies.
The friendly coastal town of Denham was once a pearling port, and is today a popular tourist destination and base from which to explore the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
Monkey Mia is famous for its friendly dolphins and a must-visit destination for families and nature lovers. Cruise through Monkey Mia Reserve in search of marine life, and set off to discover the wonders of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
Discover a place where red desert earth meets white sand beaches and turquoise waters, rich with Indigenous culture and pastoral history, and home to incredible flora and fauna.
Dirk Hartog Island was the site of the first recorded European landing on Australian soil. Today, it's renowned as a nature-based destination brimming with adventure from 4WDing, off-the-grid camping and walking, to fishing, diving and history.
Stretching over 70km long and up to 10 metres deep in places, Shell Beach is exactly what is sounds like - a beach made entirely of shells. Billions of tiny Shark Bay cockle shells form this unique show-white beach.
Take a walk back in time - 3.5 billion years, in fact - at the Hamelin Pool Stromatolites. Stromatolites are the oldest and largest living fossils on earth, and Hamelin Pool is one of just two locations in the world where living marine stromatolites exist.
The westernpoint of mainland Australia is home to towering cliffs, and is known as one of the world's most successful land-based fishing locations.
Ocean2Outback Western Australia offers premium, detail driven, small group tours designed to immerse visitors in the diverse beauty of Western Austra…
Designed to showcase the significance and history of the Shark Bay region, the Discovery Centre is a multi-day ticket. Explore the history of the are…
Dare to discover Dirk Hartog Island, an oasis of natural beauty in the vast expanse of Western Australia. Experience a thrilling marine transfer from…
Shark Bay Eco Tours runs the only dive charter in Shark Bay, Western Australia. They operate three vessels that can run scuba diving tours, snorkel t…
Proudback specialises in taking you where others simply can’t. Through extensive exploration of Western Australia (WA), Proudback has curated the ult…
Ocean Park Aquarium is an award-winning, eco-friendly aquarium located on the pristine shores of the Shark Bay Marine Park in Western Australia. Whet…
Join Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures for a unique life changing experience never to be forgotten. Where the red sand from the desert meets t…
Less than 30 kilometres from the Monkey Mia dolphins, this pitch-perfect holiday park offers beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning oce…
The White House Denham is a short-stay accommodation offering luxury apartments and accommodations in the heart of Denham. They specialize in boutiqu…
Located in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Nanga Shark Bay Caravan Park offers beachfront accommodation in Shark Bay, Western Australia. The coast…
Dirk Hartog Island National Park is wild and beautiful.Fishing is among the world's best at Dirk Hartog Island in the Shark Bay Marine Park. Fish fro…
Boasting crystal clear waters, marine life aplenty, dramatically rugged coastlines and native wildlife transporting you back to 1616, it’s easy to as…
Soak up the summery beach vibes all year round here while you sip on a cold beer and enjoy the fresh fish and chips. More commonly (and lovingly) kno…
The recently-redeveloped RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort is situated midway up the West Australian coastline within the Shark Bay World-Heritage Area, …