|
from Away.com
Related Guides
Popular Cities in Australia
|
DESTINATIONS
World Heritage Sites
Shark Bay
Located at the most westerly point of the Australian continent, Shark Bay listing is half marine and half terrestrial. It is the meeting point for three major climatic regions and two botanical provinces and is of interest for significant ongoing geological and biological processes.
 |
| QuickFacts
Location: Western Australia, 700km (420 mi) north of Perth,
World Heritage Criteria: Natural
Best Time to Go: May to October
Area: 22,000 sq. kilometres (8500 square miles)
|
|
|
But Shark Bay is perhaps best known for its friendly bottlenose dolphins. Thousands of people come to Monkey Mia every year to touch and feed these wild creatures which come voluntarily into the shallow waters of the beach. Park rangers keep an eye out to ensure that the dolphins are properly treated.
Shark Bay is home to 10,000 dugongs, the world's only herbivorous marine mammal, green and loggerhead turtles, manta rays, whales, and several shark species. About 323 different fish species have been recorded in the region. Vast beds of seagrass and abundant examples of stromatolites, representing the oldest form of life on earth, add to Shark Bay's charms.
Shark Bay is peace and solitude - sea cliffs, calm bays and inlets with wide, sweeping beaches of sand or shell, and safe shallow waters for swimming. Visitors can reach the area by air or by coach, and motel/resort accommodation is available at Monkey Mia.
Return to  Top
RELATED GORP LINKS
 GORPtravel - Australia
Australia Resources
|
|
Related Australia-Pacific Trips
Road Trip Guides
National Park Guides
Hiking Guides
Today's Gear Guy
Gear Guides
[from Outside magazine]
|
advertisement
Sign up for our Travel Deals Newsletter
|
