Shark Bay (Gathaagudu)

About

[Shark Bay](/au/places/wa/shark-bay) is Australia's westernmost point and a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing one of the world's most complete and significant marine ecosystems. Its exceptional natural values include the world's largest seagrass meadow (covering 4,800 km²), stromatolites representing the earliest life on Earth, an extraordinary diversity of marine megafauna, and a globally significant dugong population of over 10,000. The bay and peninsula contain extraordinary habitats and meet all four natural UNESCO criteria.

History & Significance

Shark Bay is Australia's westernmost point and was named by William Dampier in 1688. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, it meets all four natural criteria due to its exceptional marine ecosystems, including the world's largest seagrass meadow (4,800 km²) and stromatolites representing Earth's earliest life forms from 3.5 billion years ago. The bay supports over 10,000 dugongs and extraordinary biodiversity.

Getting There

Visitor Tips

• •Monkey Mia dolphin feeding occurs naturally around 7:45–8:30 am daily — arrive early
• •Shell Beach is 45 km north of Denham on a sealed road
• •Eagle Bluff provides stunning aerial views of marine life — visit at low tide
• •Pick up a national park pass in Denham

Cultural Significance

Shark Bay is Australia's westernmost point and was named by William Dampier in 1688. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, it meets all four natural criteria due to its exceptional marine ecosystems, including the world's largest seagrass meadow (4,800 km²) and stromatolites representing Earth's earliest life forms from 3.5 billion years ago. The bay supports over 10,000 dugongs and extraordinary biodiversity.