Australia’s CORAL COAST Holiday Planner 2018 the SHARK BAY region With its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, rust-red sand dunes and abundant wildlife, Shark Bay became Western Australia’s first World Heritage listed area in 1991 due to its outstanding natural heritage values. The 12 species of seagrass found in Shark Bay cover over 4000 square kilometres of the bay (approximately the size of the Perth metropolitan area). Seagrass is critical to the bay as it supports a high diversity of fauna such as dolphins, fish, turtles and prawns. It is also a vital food source for the 10000 dugong which inhabit Shark Bay, one of the most stable populations in the world. Take the World Heritage Drive to see the natural wonders of the area and discover for yourself why the region is so significant. It contains 15 rare or threatened plant species, 12 threatened reptile species, five of Australia’s 26 species of endangered Australian mammals, as well as 35 migratory Australian bird species plus an abundance of marine flora and fauna. Dogs and other pets are not allowed into the National Park areas.
BEST TIME TO VISIT DENHAM & MONKEY MIA: March – November BEST TIME TO VISIT DIRK HARTOG ISLAND: March – October (weather) and August and September (wildlife)
60 australiascoralcoast.com SHARK BAY WORL D HE RI TAGE AR EA Distance from Perth: 735km The Shark Bay World Heritage area meets four of the ten required natural criteria Head to Monkey Mia to get up and was Western Australia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Listing. The Shark Bay 1 close to the world’s smartest World Heritage Area covers 22000sq km and is 66% marine based. The colourful wild dolphins. and diverse landscapes, rare flora and fauna and world class examples of Earth’s ecological processes all contribute to the region being World Heritage listed. See the world’s oldest living Follow the interpretative signage along the World Heritage Drive to learn about 2 fossils (3.5 billion years), the this amazing area, starting at the Overlander Roadhouse on the North West Hamelin Pool Stromatolites or take a Heli-Snorkel tour. Coastal Highway passing various significant locations on the way to Denham.
Visit historic Dirk Hartog Island for The World’s oldest lifeforms Snow-white Shell Beach 3 the day or stay overnight to enjoy - the Stromatolites Named a top beach by National Geographic, the eco-accommodation. Hamelin Pool is one of only four locations this pristine white beach is made up entirely on Earth where living marine stromatolites of billions of tiny cockle shells. The shells 4WD the red dirt, picnic or exist. Located in 1956, these rock-like living were once quarried and used for building 4 camp and swim the white sandy fossils are the oldest and simplest forms of walls in the area, some of which can still beaches of François Peron life on earth dating back 3.5 billion years. be seen today in Denham. On a still day, National Park. The water at Hamelin Pool is twice as saline the ocean at Shell Beach transforms into a as usual sea water (hyper-saline). Few palette of the most intense greens and blues Learn about the Aboriginal culture predators and competitors can survive - and the water is very salty, making it easy to 5 and history by joining a tour. these conditions, allowing the microbes float for those who aren’t strong swimmers. to form stromatolites. Use the viewing Take to the boardwalk at Eagle platform over the water or snorkel with the Australia’s most western point 6 Bluff and spot rays, fish, sharks Steep Point is well known by West Stromatolites as part of a Helicopter tour and other marine creatures from Australians as a top land-based game accessible from Carnarvon. above the water. fishing location. This means the area is The Dugong also a great diving location full of rays, Visit Australia’s western-most Due to the vast sea grass meadow feeding fish, colourful corals and more. The area 7 point, Steep Point, on a 4WD, grounds in the Marine Park, dugongs (a features the magnificent Zuytdorp Cliffs scuba or a scenic flight tour. close relation to the manatee), can be towering up to 200 metres above sea found year round in Shark Bay. It's 10% of level running from Kalbarri to Shark Bay. Visit world-famous Shell Beach, the world’s dugong population and the Offering some amazing scenery, including 8 one of the few beaches made up world's 2nd largest residential population. the False Bay Blowholes and Shelter Bay entirely of white cockle shells, You can’t help but be enchanted by these camping, visit for the day on tour by boat, spanning 70km. graceful creatures which can grow up to 4WD or scenic flight. Walk Denham’s Discovery Trail three metres and weigh as much as 400 Rare endangered Wildlife 9 taking in the street’s stories kilograms. Being mammals, they cannot If you love wildlife, Shark Bay is for you; with including the Union Sculpture, hold their breath under water for very long 17 species of mammals, 98 species of reptiles Discovery Centre and more! and can be spotted coming to the surface and amphibians and more than 230 species for air. Encounter dugongs on a wildlife of birds recorded in the area. Join a tour or Sail the gulf on a sunset or wildlife cruise or spot them on a scenic flight. go self guided. Shark Bay’s mammals are 10 cruise to spot dugongs, dolphins among the world’s rarest with five threatened and humpback whales. FUN FACT: Shell Beach stretches species found in Shark Bay and four that for over 70 kilometres and is up to are found nowhere else on Earth. Visit the ten metres deep! Discovery Centre for more information.
#australiascoralcoast 61 FRANCOIS PERON NATIONAL PARK François Peron National Park is known for its contrasting red dirt, white beaches and blue waters, and free roaming wildlife such as bungarra lizards, emus and thorny devils. The park, which covers 52500 hectares of arid shrublands and coastal scenery, offers a wilderness experience and a four-wheel-drive is required. The Park has no running water so please bring it with you or join a day tour to experience the raw beauty. Where the Desert meets Salt lagoons or ‘Birridas’ the Ocean An unusual feature of Shark Bay is its Have you ever seen rust-red desert sand gypsum clay pans, known as birridas. meeting brilliant white beach sand and Land-locked saline lakes, these shallow azure blue water? The ocean shouldn’t be depressions support specially-adapted touching a desert but at François Peron plant and animal species. The sea has also National Park, exactly that happens. The flooded some coastal birridas, creating road to the Peron Homestead is accessible inland bays of Big Lagoon and Little for two wheel drive vehicles but high Lagoon, which are known for their beauty DRIVING TIP: The National Park should clearance four-wheel drives are essential and thriving ecological significance. Big be accessed only by experienced for travel further north into the park. When Lagoon features seagrass for dugongs, four-wheel drivers due to soft sand entering the Park, make sure to deflate car dolphins and green turtles. Little Lagoon and rugged terrain - bring your own tyres by the Homestead. Park and camping is a natural nursery for crabs, whiting and drinking water and supplies. fees applicable. other fish. Little Lagoon has camping and barbecue facilities - enjoy a day of Iconic Bottle Bay Camp on red dirt by swimming or the evening sunset. Kayak the Bottle Bay at Cape Peron – with its plunging blue waters lagoons or see them from a scenic flight. sea cliffs framing a coastal landscape with Designated basic campsites are located at striking colour contrasts of red, white and Herald Bight in the east and Big Lagoon, hot tub and historical blue. Bush camping, four-wheel driving and Bottle Bay and Gregories to the west. Many conservation beach fishing are popular here in addition sites have fishing spots along the coastline Situated in the François Peron National to swimming and boating. and are great places to spot marine life or Park, the Peron Homestead is accessible bird colonies such as cormorants. You’ll find by two-wheel drive vehicles and offers Cape Peron and Skipjack prints left by emus, reptiles and mammals a glimpse of life from the 1950s when Points’ Wanamalu Trail such as endangered bilbies. Please be the park was a working sheep station. Along the cliff edge between Cape careful when driving around the park. Join a guided tour from Denham or take Peron and Skipjack Point, take to the 1.5 Gas barbecues are supplied. a self-guided walk using the station’s kilometres trail that provides excellent interpretative signage. The centre depicts views of the coastline. Interpretive signs TRAVEL TIP: Fires and pets are NOT stories of Indigenous inhabitants, European along the trail give an introduction to the permitted in the Park. Visitors need colonisation and current day conservation features of the area Two viewing platforms to bring all water supplies and take all programs such as Project Eden and Return at Skipjack Point provide striking coastal waste away. to 1616. The natural hot tub is a popular spot views and the opportunity to see Shark to relax and soak in the hot artesian waters. Bay’s abundant marine life. Swimming is The nearby barbecue and lawn area is a not advised at Cape Peron due to strong great spot for picnics. currents.
62 australiascoralcoast.com DENHAM Distance from Perth: 809km Denham is the gateway for exploring the beautiful and fascinating Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Denham is the departure point for cruises and tours to Dirk Hartog Island, Steep Point, Shell Beach, Skipjack Point, François Peron National Park and the Stromatolites. Shark Bay World Heritage Eco-tours and sunset sailing Dive the Bay Discovery and Visitor Centre Explore the Shark Bay Marine Park on There are many different dive experiences The Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery board an eco-tour. There’s always lots to be had in Shark Bay. The jewel in the and Visitor Centre celebrates Shark to see during the day and into the late crown has to be a day at Steep Point Bay’s biodiversity, World Heritage listing, afternoon. Home to more than 320 species exploring Monkey Rock. If you are seeking history, marine landscape, terrestrial of fish, the Marine Park cruises find turtles, historic dives, try the crystal waters of Dirk landforms and animals. dolphins, manta rays, whales (in season), Hartog Island. For thrill seekers it has to The centre is open daily except Christmas and dugongs which are spotted on board be an up-close, no cage dive in the Ocean Day and Good Friday, entry fees apply. the boat. Shark Bay is an important Park Aquarium’s tank full of lemon and turtle nesting location with up to 6000 sandbar sharks. Fun on the Foreshore marine turtles living in the water, including Kids will love the shipwreck themed endangered loggerhead turtles. Wild West wildflowers playground at Denham’s foreshore, with Shark Bay has the longest wildflower the nearby pontoon to jump off and swim Meet sealife without season (June to November) in Western around the bay. getting wet! Australia and more than 700 species of Shark Bay’s aquarium not only protects flowering plants. Of these, more than 150 TOP TIP: Add a flip-flop, jandal rescued turtles, sharks and fish but species are of special scientific interest or holiday footwear to the tourists can meet them up close. Guided and several are exclusive to the Shark Bay “Thong Shack” – ask a local tours with marine scientists are offered World Heritage Area. The aromatic tamala where it’s located on Denham beach! continuously throughout the day or rose is one of the region’s most well-known simply have a coffee at Oceans restaurant, and showy species. Year-round Fishing overlooking Tinkerbell Flats. The lure of catching the coveted pink snapper and many other species of fish Sunset at Eagle Bluff attracts many recreational fishermen Just 20 kilometres south of Denham is each year. The protected waters of Shark Eagle Bluff, a scenic viewpoint featuring a Bay also sustain extensive seagrass beds, 100 metre walkway along the ridge of a cliff which are key nursery areas for finfish, face. The ocean views from this vantage prawns and scallops. Join a fishing tour point are breathtaking with turtles, rays and from Denham to access the best local large fish to be seen in the shallow waters spots. Stop by the Visitor Centre for size below. Visit at sunset for an extraordinary restrictions, bag limits and information on experience. the best local spots.
#australiascoralcoast 63 MUST DO: Air or boat transfers and accommodation must be arranged in advance to visit Dirk Hartog Island.
DIRK HARTOG ISL AND For those who like a little seclusion, the Island offers a peaceful retreat of beautiful scenery and private white sandy beaches. Dirk Hartog Island was the site of the first recorded landing on Australian soil by Europeans (the Dutch) and celebrated its 400 year anniversary in October 2016. Replicas of the pewter plates left behind by Captain Dirk Hartog are displayed at the Island’s Cape Inscription Lighthouse. Australia’s last sunset Wildlife, Walks and Wheeling Located within the original limestone shearers’ quarters built over a The island is home to 81 bird species, various reptiles and frogs, century ago, guests can stay at the rustic lodge or ocean-side villas. ghost crabs and is a turtle nesting zone. The island’s nature and Experience the last sunset in Australia from on top Herald Height’s wildlife calendar always has something on display. The best way to 600ft high cliffs. There is a number of designated campsites also see wildlife is by 4WD - bring your own car or join a day tour. Guided available to book through the Island’s website. walking tours are also available from the Homestead, going past the Rose de Freycinet lake, aptly named due to its pink rose colour. Day trip Join a guided tour to visit the impressive blowholes and the historical north end of the island. Fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling and stand up paddle boarding are all available as part of tours departing from Denham or Monkey Mia airport.
FUN FACT: The Herald Height Cliffs were filmed as part of the 2017 movie Thor: Ragnarok.
64 australiascoralcoast.com MONK E Y MIA Distance from Perth: 835km Monkey Mia Reserve is 28 kilometres from the town of Denham. Home to the world famous Monkey Mia dolphins, it’s a must-visit destination for families and nature lovers alike. Visitor fees apply to all people visiting Monkey Mia, including resort guests. National park passes do not apply to Monkey Mia Conservation Park. The Bottlenose Dolphins Aboriginal Cultural tours The dolphins of Monkey Mia are famous Gutharraguda is the Aboriginal name for Shark Bay Region for their daily ritual of swimming to shore Shark Bay, meaning two waters and is Visitor Information to interact with humans which started home to the local Nhanda and Malgana Shark Bay World Heritage over 45 years ago. The dolphins are wild, people. Gain an Indigenous perspective Discovery and Visitor Centre so their numbers and time of visit does of Shark Bay by taking a day tour walking 53 Knight Tce, Denham WA 6537 vary, however they often visit the shore and kayaking, or a night tour with a local Tel: +61 8 9948 1590 or 1300 367 072 between 7.45am to 12pm. Being wild, Malgana guide. Learn about the Indigenous E: [email protected] there are no set times for the feeds, it’s history of Shark Bay and its many plants Website: www.sharkbayvisit.com.au recommended arriving by 7.30am to avoid and animals. Become an animal tracker disappointment. Monkey Mia dolphins and discover which plants make good “Mia” is an Aboriginal word are protected by Parks and Wildlife’s bush tucker and medicine. On the tour, FUN FACT: for ‘home’ and it is thought that management program. To ensure their you will visit significant cultural sites where “Monkey” was a ship searching for the hunting and survival skills are maintained, archaeological evidence has dated the Zuytdorp, which wrecked in Shark Bay. dolphins are only fed three fish per day. Aboriginal people back thousands of years.
visit the rehabilitation AQUARIUM
#australiascoralcoast 65 SHARK BAY ACCOMMODATION | TOURS & CHARTERS | VISITOR CENTRE
Photo: Julie Burgher Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitor Centre Oceanside Village Discover the pristine wilderness of this World Heritage listed area Absolute Beachfront holiday accommodation Visit the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitor Centre for friendly local advice Oceanside Village offers modern 3½ self contained villas in Denham, right in the heart and take advantage of our free booking service for all your tour and accommodation of Shark Bay World Heritage Region. needs. Discover the significance of our World Heritage listing and the rich Indigenous • 22 (1 & 2 bedroom) • Air-conditioned • Extremely quite location • Free WIFI & Foxtel and European history of the area. • Pool, BBQ & games area • Laundry • Ample parking for boats & trailers Open 7 days a week (closed Christmas & Good Friday) • A 2 minute walk to the supermarket, restaurants and shops • Wheelchair accessible our Accredited Visitor Centre can assist you in planning • Gateway to Francois Peron National Park your ultimate Shark Bay experience. • 20 minute drive to the famous Monkey Mia Dolphins 53 Knight Terrace, Denham • Ph: 1300 367 072 117 Knight Terrace Denham WA 6537 • Ph: +61 8 9948 3003 [email protected] • www.sharkbayvisit.com.au Find us on Facebook • E: [email protected] • www.oceanside.com.au
meet a thorny DEVIL LIZARD
RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Home to one of the world’s best-known dolphin encounters We offer holidaymakers a truly unique experience in unspoiled surrounds. With beachfront accommodation situated on the pristine shores of Shark Bay. The airy rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. The resort has a relaxed restaurant, a bar and a beer garden, as well as barbecue areas. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a hot tub, tennis courts and a beach volleyball court. Monkey Mia Road, Denham Ph: +61 8 9948 1320 Freecall: 1800 871570 Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort [email protected]
Escape the mainland in your own 4WD and discover Dirk Hartog Island’s unique wildlife, natural beauty WALKING WITH WHALES NEW and spectacular landscapes. Camp out under the stars, stay in a self-contained villa or spoil your self at the Eco Lodge. 1 night / 2 day, Self Guided Walk | $395 per person Visit the landing site of the first European in Australia, watch baby turtles hatch, view the endangered Includes: Return Transfers ex Denham, black & white wren, watch whales from 600ft high cliffs, discover the amazing wildflowers, catch a fish, snorkel in a marine sanctuary, spot a dugong or just relax on a secluded beach. Eco Lodge accomodation; dinner & breakfast
BOOK NOW P 08 9948 1211 E [email protected] Dirk Hartog Island dirkhartogisland www.dirkhartogisland.com
66 australiascoralcoast.com SHARK FEEDING AND AQUARIUM TOURS See some of Australia’s most BuYTS TIckene onLI amazing marine life on a guided noW! tour with a marine biologist
DIVING AND MARINE SAFARIS Join us for a day of excitement exploring Steep Point and Dirk Hartog Island. PADI Courses available .com.au Book online at sharkbaydive
4WD TOURS SHARK BAY Exciting 4WD adventures to some of Australia’s most Book Tour Your ne onLI impressive and significant noW! natural treasures
/oceanparkwa oceanpark.com.au /oceanparkwa 1 Ocean Park Rd, Shark Bay, Western Australia, 6537 • Tel. 08 9948 1765 /oceanpark_wa
Aquarium Open 7 days 9AM - 5PM • Oceans Restaurant 9AM - 3PM • Overlooking the ocean • Air conditioned • Casual dining • See sharks, rays and dolphins from the balcony • Light meals Kids menu • Vegetarian options • WI-FI • Licensed bar • Functions • Parties • Weddings • Gift shop • Dive gear & tank refills • Interactive guided tours • Natural history tours