A visit to the remarkable Hamelin Pool stromatolites in the Coral Coast is a must when holidaying in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. The Hamelin Pool stromatolites are the oldest and largest living fossils on earth. Stromatolites are considered 'living fossils', part of the Earth's evolutionary history.
Please note: the stromatolites can currently be seen from the Hamelin Pool quarry however, the view is limited. The boardwalk is closed due to damage caused by Cyclone Seroja and the rebuild is proposed to commence in 2023. For further information on the impact of Cyclone Seroja and potential disruptions to travel plans, please refer to this page.
Hamelin Pool in Western Australia is a place of great scientific interest to botanists and geologists as it gives an indication of what the earth may have looked like about 3.5 billion years ago when stromatolites grew widespread across the water. Visitors can view these amazing life forms, without causing damage by walking on a purpose-built jetty and looking down at the Hamelin Pool stromatolites below.
How the Hamelin Pool Stromatolites Formed
The oldest Stromatolites in the world are found in Western Australia, and date back 3.5 billion years old. As such, the stromatolites provide a record of local environmental changes. Hamelin Pool in Western Australia is one of only two places on earth where living marine stromatolites exist, and the location contains by far the biggest colony on earth.
Stromatolites which are found up to a metre high are believed to grow at a maximum of 0.3mm per year - they are truly "living fossils". 80% of the history of all life was stromatolites – for that time, stromatolites were king.
See the Stromatolites on Tour
You can Swim with the Stromatolites on board a Heli-Snorkel tour or with Shark Bay 4WD Tours! Alternatively, you can visit the site on tour or Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures.
Protected by Bush Heritage Australia
Found by accident in 1956 by an oil company, the 202,000-hectare private reserve created by Bush Heritage Australia, will continue to protect Hamelin Pool and the stromatolites it is home to.
The marine stromatolites found in Hamelin Pool of Shark Bay are considered to be the best example of their kind found in the world. Stromatolites grow successfully and undisturbed at Hamelin Pool because the sea water is twice as saline as usual sea water due to a bar across the entrance of the bay and also due to rapid evaporation of shallow water.
How to Visit
The Hamelin Pool stromatolites are approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes' drive from Denham and 1 hour, 45 minutes drive from Monkey Mia. Perth to Denham is approximately 9 hours' drive subject to rest breaks or overnight stops, or a two-hour flight with Regional Express Airlines from Perth.
Don't Forget!
Whilst in the area, don't forget to visit nearby Shell Beach. Both locations are open every day of the year.
