What is Shark Bay?
Shark Bay is a World Heritage Area on the coast of Western Australia, known for ancient stromatolites, huge seagrass meadows, dugongs and the dolphins of Monkey Mia.
Shark Bay was listed as World Heritage in 1991. It covers about 2.2 million hectares, mostly marine. Its seagrass meadows are among the largest and richest in the world.
At Hamelin Pool, living stromatolites grow in very salty water. These rock-like structures are built by microbes, and similar forms are among the oldest signs of life on Earth.
Wildlife and beaches
Shark Bay is home to around 10,000 dugongs, one of the largest populations in the world. Turtles, rays and sharks are also common.
Shell Beach is made of billions of tiny cockle shells stretching for kilometres. Francois Peron National Park has red cliffs meeting white sand.
The Malgana people call Shark Bay Gathaagudu, meaning two waters.
Towns such as Denham, the westernmost town in Australia, provide accommodation and tours. Project Eden has worked to remove foxes and cats and bring back rare mammals.
Did You Know?
Dirk Hartog landed in Shark Bay in 1616, the first recorded European landing on Western Australia.