Shark Bay
World Heritage Sites
Located at the most westerly point of the Australian continent, Shark Bay 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.
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 that 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.
Published: 30 Apr 2002
The details, dates, and prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication.
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