Australia's Coral Coast - Shark Bay Marine Park : DriveWA

Shark Bay Marine Park

Hamelin Pool Stromatolites, image courtesy fo Len Zell

Shark Bay is a testimony to the wonders of the natural world. World Heritage listed since 1991 it is one of only 16 sites in the world to satisfy all four criteria for the prestigious listing. The four areas are; major stages of the world’s evolutionary history, geological and biological processes, natural beauty and threatened species.

The major stages of the world’s evolutionary history are satisfied by the most diverse and abundant examples of prokaryotic, three dimensional, grazing stromatolites in the world. Hamelin Pool offer the only extensive living collection of these beautiful specimens. Made up of layered rocks, they are the oldest life form on the planet dating back to 3.5 million years ago. Although the structures at Shark Bay are relatively new, only about 3000 years old, they have helped to unravel the history of life on earth.

Stromatolites grow in Hamelin Pool because of the extreme salinity of the seawater, the limited circulation and the occurrence of calcium carbonate. This environment evolved over 10,000 years to become the perfect environment for the microbes to flourish. Stromatolites also grow extremely slowly, less than 1mm per year!

Shark Bay is home to an abundance of threatened species including, 51 plants only found in that region, five endangered mammals, six endemic bird species, eight endemic reptile species and the magnificent loggerhead turtles that use Shark Bay as their main nesting site.

There is also a profusion of more common species such as manta rays, green turtles, humpback whales, and the famous Monkey Mia dolphins that visit the beach each day to interact with tourists. There are also around 10,000 dugongs which forage in the safety of the Shark Bay Marine Park.

Within this area lies the opportunity to see nature at its finest.

Best Western Hospitality Inn Geraldton

The Best Western Hospitality Inn Geraldton offers 52 well appointed and extremely comfortable rooms as well as deluxe self contained apartments. The rooms boast a host of facilities such as air conditioning, internet facilities, free in-house movies and FOXTEL. The Inn also offers spacious grounds and an outdoor pool along with a guest BBQ area. more

Ningaloo Reef Retreat

Ningaloo Reef Retreat is your portal to the award winning eco camp on the reef in Cape Range National Park. So join the expert guides at the Ningaloo Reef Retreat and discover more than you ever imagined. more

The Mackerel Islands, Thevenard Island

The Mackerel Islands - the ideal place to relax and fish on your own special island The pristine coral reefs are home to a myriad of colourful reef fish and stunning coral formations. The islands are a diver’s paradise. Fishermen will also be astonished by the Mackerel’s; offering many five start species off the beach and out to see. more

Greenough River Nature Trail

Coral Bay Charters & Glass Bottom Boats

Get as close to the marine life as you can get without getting wet! more

Blowholes

The Blowholes are located 75 kilometres north of Carnarvon. This natural wonder is a ‘must see’ for all those travelling Australia’s Coral Coast. Amongst the rugged coastline is an amalgamation of rocks with a series of narrow holes. The powerful ocean swells force the surf up and through the narrow holes creating an awe inspiring image. The water pressure is that of a high pressure jet; shooting airborne of up to 20 metres, a spectacular sight. more

Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia is a renowned location for interacting with Mother Nature herself. Apart from its amazing coastal splendour, Monkey Mia is graced daily by an impressive pod of dolphins. more