Shark bay

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

This World Heritage Area is of extraordinary global significance. Spectacular coastal landforms, the many bays and inlets and the remarkable amount of wildlife make this area a must see, from dolphins to dugongs, fishing and wildflowers, the area is a huge National Park.

WA Booking Hotline - 1300 885 775 WA Holiday Guide @waholidayguide

Welcome to Shark Bay

The town of Denham is a base for tourist charters with Monkey Mia the resort home of famous wild dolphins that interact with humans, famously fed by hand from the beach every day.

Shark Bay is situated on the west coast of Australia's Coral Coast tourist region. Shark Bay is a major feature on the Western Australian coastline extending from the mainland into the Indian Ocean as a large peninsula with several large islands and mud flats. In terms of getting to Shark Bay flying to Monkey Mia airport is the easiest as an alternative to self driving. Skippers Aviation fly to Monkey Mia 4 days a week, transfers into Denham and Monkey Mia can be booked through Shark Bay Coaches and Tours.

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THINGS TO SEE IN SHARK BAY

HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

World Heritage Precinct

One of fourteen places in the world which provide outstanding examples of major stages in the Earth's evolution, outstanding examples of ongoing ecological processes, unique natural phenomena and significant natural habitats where endangered species of animals or plants reside. Shark Bay was declared a World Heritage area of importance in 1991. Visitors can follow a World Heritage Drive to view some of the significant attractions that illustrates why Shark Bay was granted World Heritage status.

Image © Tourism WA
Image © Tourism WA
Image © Tourism WA
Image © Tourism WA

Friendly Dolphins

The Bottlenose Dolphins of Monkey Mia are world famous for their ritual of swimming to shore to interact with humans. There are only 4 adult female dolphins that come in to the beach to be fed each day, although the Department of Parks and Wildlife are currently introducing a fifth dolphin. A unique and amazing experience which is found nowhere else in the world.

Image © Tourism WA
Image © Tourism WA
Image © Tourism WA
Image © Tourism WA

Shell Beach

A unique beach of tiny white shells up to 10 metres deep and stretching for over 120 kilometres which will amaze anyone who visits the beach. The shells were once used to build the walls of buildings in the area, including At Andrew’s Church, the Old Pearler Restaurant and several station homesteads.

Image © Tourism WA
Image © Tourism WA
Image © Tourism WA
Image © Tourism WA

Hamelin Pool

An extremely important world heritage is stored in this very pool. The tranquil bay is home to the largest deposits of living fossils on the planet, the Stromatolites. A 200 metre boardwalk leads visitors over the calm waters to view these amazing examples of Earth's evolution.

Image © Tourism WA
Image © Tourism WA
Image © Tourism WA
Image © Tourism WA

Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery Centre

Shark Bay is on display in a dedicated building which is a great way to discover and gain a greater understanding of the area. Showcasing the natural wonders of the diverse and the unique habitats, view historic treasures of the region from the Dutch shipwrecks of the 1600's. Many historical items are on display as well as an audio visual guide to the area's wildlife. A must see.

Image © Tourism WA
Image © Tourism WA
Image © Tourism WA
Image © Tourism WA

What's the weather like?

The area has a moderate-tropical climate, warming further north. Summer temperatures are hot and dry due to low rainfall, though abundant seawater may mask this. In Summer (December to February), the average maximum is 35°C and minimum is 20°C. In Winter (June to August), the average maximum is 25°C and minimum is 10°C.

A bit of Shark Bay's history

Shark Bay was named by William Dampier in 1699, possibly mistaking dolphins for sharks. Settlements like Denham and Monkey Mia grew slowly due to a lack of fresh water. In the 1960s, Mrs. Watts began feeding wild dolphins. The area also holds historical significance, with Dirk Hartog's 1616 landing marking the first European arrival in WA.

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ACCOMMODATION

IN Shark bay & SURROUNDS

Heritage Resort Shark Bay

Come and stay with us! Our friendly Staff and Management will do their very best to make your stay an unforgettable one. See you soon!

Shark Bay Holiday Cottages

With spectacular ocean views, the Shark Bay Holiday Cottages and Caravan Park offer clean, comfortable and affordable accommodation.

Shark Bay Seafront Apartments

Indulge in seafront views and beautiful ocean sunsets. Centrally located and close to cafes, restaurants, shops and the Denham Jetty. Across the road ...

Tasman Holiday Parks - Denham Seaside

The most Westerly Caravan Park in Australia! A relaxed atmosphere where you can mingle with nature. With its wonderful location, Denham Seaside Car...

Bay Lodge

Best beachfront accommodation Denham has to offer. We are located directly on one of Denham's most beautiful beaches with the purest white sand and cr...

Blue Dolphin Caravan Park & Holiday Village

Shark Bays best choice for clean and inexpensive accommodation. Australia.

Shark Bay Caravan Park

We are a clean, quiet and friendly caravan park offering various accommodation from tent sites right through to self contained two bedroom chalets all...

Oceanside Village - Shark Bay

From the stunning coastline 'Panoramas' with views of the Magnificent Shark Bay and Dirk Hartog Island to the picturesque 'Beachfront' villas. Ocean...

RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort in the heart of Western Australia’s Shark Bay is a place where you can experience the mystical world of wild dolphins.

Nanga Bay Resort

Relax in the unique atmosphere overlooking the ocean. Accommodation ranges from backpacker rooms through to cabins,chalets and motel units.Cabins/Vill...

Shark Bay Hotel

Welcome to the Shark Bay Hotel the MOST WESTERLY hotel in Australia! Located on the beautiful foreshore of Denham, Western Australia. No visit to the ...

Shark Bay Views

Shark Bay Views would like to welcome you to Shark Bay and into our home,which is situated in a World Heritage area, on one of the prime sites in town...

Billabong Hotel Motel

Unwind after a long day with a few quiet drinks in our full bar facilities, savour a mouth watering meal in the Red Car Café, or enjoy a longer stay i...

Hamelin Pool Caravan Park and Telegraph Station

Experience the superb Shark Bay area. We offer powered and unpowered van/camping sites and also a range of accommodation including shared backpacker r...

Wildsights Villas

50 metres from the beach in Denham.... are Wildsights Villas, a collection of private, cavity brick and tiled roof villas that are spacious, spotless,...

Hartog Cottages

Neat, clean, well equipped and pet friendly.

On the deck @ Shark Bay

Unique Bed & Breakfast accommodation nestled in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, which caters for a maximum of six guests in self contained luxury. ...

Wildsights Beach Units

These charming newly renovated self contained beachfront accommodation overlooks Shark Bay. The best location to see the glorious sunsets! Only a 20 ...

Dirk Hartog Island

Escape the mainland and discover the islands European history, natural beauty , spectacular landscapes and the Dept of Parks & Wildlife's 'Return to 1...

TOURS & THINGS TO DO

IN Shark bay & SURROUNDS

Leeuwin Ocean Adventure

Get a taste of what it is like to sail on board Australia's largest ocean going tall ship, the STS Leeuwin II, it truly is a unique and memorable expe...

Shark Bay Coastal Tours

Head out with Bec and she'll take you on an unique tour into the sensational World Heritage Area. Enjoy fresh meals with incredible scenery.

Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures

Come and join us for a truly amazing life changing adventure not to be forgotten. See and feel the REAL Shark Bay. A great Family Experience A LOW I...

A Perfect Nature Cruise on Aristocat 2

Perfect Nature Cruises takes you to see and hear some amazing marine life in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. You may see bottlenose dolphins, dugon...

Ocean Park Aquarium

Ocean Park is an award-winning, eco-friendly aquarium located on the pristine shores of the Shark Bay Marine Park in Western Australia. Whether taking...

Wildsights 4WD Tours

See the Francois Peron National Park with Shark Bay's ONLY 4WD World Heritage Tour! To be listed for World Heritage by the UN, an area needs meet on...

Mac Attack Fishing Charters Shark Bay

Experience the best in fishing charters, customised full-day boat charters and marine wildlife tours with Mac Attack Fishing Charters! Providing the b...

Blue Water Adventure Charters

Create your own adventure! We specialise in creating custom charters to the Abrolhos Islands for groups for surfing, scuba diving, freediving, fishing...

Naturetime 4WD Tours

Join us on a true eco adventure into nature's wonderland. We take our time, stop frequently, get out of the car and go for walks for a close up experi...

Shark Bay Boat Hire

The only hire and drive boat hire in Shark Bay. We provide ready to run boats for you to explore Shark Bay's beautiful seascapes.

Shark Bay 4WD Tours

Shark Bay 4WD Tours take you to Francois Peron National Park, the Westernmost point of Australia, Steep Point and to the untouched wilderness of Dirk ...

Island Life Adventures

Escape the mainland and discover the islands European history, natural beauty , spectacular landscapes and the Dept of Parks & Wildlife's 'Return to 1...