Shark Bay is a gorgeous and remote holiday spot in Western Australia. Actually, it is home to the westernmost point on the Australian mainland. Shark Bay area refers to the different peninsulas, islands, inlets, and the bay just off the coast in Western Australia and located on the Indian Ocean. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; one of only 4 UNESCO locations in the world that meet all 4 natural criteria to be named a World Heritage Site and is a very important, protected wilderness region:. The 4 criteria are: natural beauty, Earth’s history, ecological processes, and biological diversity. Despite its name, sharks do not pose any more of a threat that anywhere else on the Australian coastline. The closed off waters of the bay provide a refuge for many oceanic creatures from larger predators. The beautiful turquoise calm waters of the bay make an excellent location for exploring via snorkelling, SCUBA diving, or boating. Five species of endangered mammals are located in the area both on land and in the waters. Shark Bay has three features deemed “exceptional” by the World Heritage Listing:
- Vast sea-grass beds that are the largest and richest in the world at 4800 square km.
- Currently 10,000 to 11,000 dugongs are estimated to live in Shark Bay, which is about 10% of the dugongs left in the world. They are a protected species listed as vulnerable, and the naturally protected waters of Shark Bay are helping them gain in numbers.
- The stromatolites are colonies of algae that form hard, dome-shaped deposits. They are significant because they are one of the oldest forms of life on the planet.

10 Things to Do in Shark Bay
- Swimming, Boating, and Water Sports:
Of course, the main attraction is the beautiful turquoise waters of Shark Bay are the main attraction of the area. Swimming and water sports can be enjoyed right on the beaches. Boat charters are available for everything including: snorkelling, SCUBA diving, fishing, glass bottom boat rides, and cruises. The Little Lagoon (pictured above) is a land locked bay perfect for families and children to experience the ocean water of Shark Bay.
- Hiking and Bushwalking:
Bushwalking is a popular holiday activity in Shark Bay just as much as it is all over Australia. The scenery on bushwalks varies from coastal cliffs to boardwalks. The salty sea air and ocean breezes make for some excellent walks.
- Feed the Dolphins at Monkey Mia Resort:
At the Monkey Mia Resort, they have daily dolphin feedings. On most days, the dolphins come right up to the shallows of the beach. This is a once in a lifetime experience that you can join in on whether you are a guest at the resort or not.
- Scenic Flights:
Some of the scenery of Shark Bay can only be appreciated from the air. You can book scenic tours to give you an idea of all the things to see before you go visit each one in person.
- Shark Bay Visitor Centre:
If you want to learn all about the unique geological and historical phenomenon happening in Shark Bay, the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery and Visitor Centre is the place to go. In addition, you can get to know the marine life up close and personal without getting wet. The visitor centre is a museum and state of the art gallery that hosts local and travelling exhibitions. The museum is arranged in three galleries: Living Place, Mapping Place and Experiencing Place. The displays take you on a most amazing journey around Shark Bay and across time.
- Ocean Park Oceanarium:
The Oceanarium is another way to learn about the marine life of Shark Bay without having to get into the waters of the bay to meet them. The Oceanarium hosts shark feedings and also teaches guests about the bio-diversity of Shark Bay.
- Francois Peron National Park:
The Peron Peninsula is located within the Shark Bay World Heritage Site. The tip of the Peron Peninsula is the protected lands of Francois Peron National Park. Many of the endangered animals of the area are concentrated within the national park. The red sand dunes of the peninsula make for quite a different scene than some of the other areas of Shark Bay.
- Steep Point and Zuytdorp Cliffs
Steep Point is located just off the Zutydorp Cliffs off the coast of Shark Bay near the city of Denham. Steep Point is the actual spot of the westernmost point of mainland Australia. The waters in this area are home to quite a few shipwrecks including the Zutydorp, for which the cliffs are named. Touring this area is quite unique because of the different views you have whether you see it from land, air, or sea, each view is magnificent and very different.
- Hamelin Pool and Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station:
Hamelin Pool is in the eastern section of Shark Bay separated from the western section by the Peron Peninsula. The rock –like looking structures pictured above are the stromatolites. These are colonies of algae that form hard, dome-shaped deposits. They have a great deal of geological significance because they are one of the oldest forms of life on the planet.
- Aboriginal Culture Tours
As with most tourist locations in Australia, you can learn a great deal and gain a huge perspective on the cultural history of Shark Bay by taking one of the guided Aboriginal cultural tours. During these guided tours, you will learn first-hand about the secrets and the deep spiritual connection that the Nhanda and Malgana people have with “Gutharraguda”. That is the aboriginal name of Shark Bay which means “Land of Two Waters”. You can choose from different types of cultural tours including overnight camping, kayaking, and bush walking.