Dutch explorers arrived at Australia’s far western, lonely, and uninhabited Shark Bay long before Captain Cook made landfall there at Botany Bay on the country’s east coast. These are nine good excuses to go to Shark Bay!
1. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites
The entire peninsula is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site rich in wildlife and barely inhabited. It’s a fantastic location to visit and get ideas for your journey to Australia’s west coast. This mysteriously named and little-known peninsula off Australia’s west coast is still largely as untamed as it was when the first Europeans discovered it 400 years ago.
2. One of the most historic locations in Australia
The region has been inhabited by indigenous people for thousands of years, and the Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog made several trips to the peninsula in 1616. Following the Dutch was the English explorer William Dampier, who gave the region the name Shark Bay in 1696—likely due to the abundance of sharks he discovered in the ocean.
But, Europeans wouldn’t start making this place their permanent home until a few hundred years later, and the peninsula now only has the one small town of Denham.
3. The main attraction at Shark Bay is a place called Monkey Mia
Despite the ominous reputation of the peninsula, shark sightings are extremely infrequent. But if you go to Monkey Mia, you can be sure to see dolphins. Along with appearing amazing, the beach also contains a resident dolphin population and is home to a research center, campground, and resort.
They enter the shallow water at the beach each morning to graze while being observed by the marine researchers stationed here. Tourists are permitted to enter the water, and under carefully monitored circumstances, a small number of volunteers are permitted to give live fish to the friendly dolphins.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and one of the top reasons to go to Shark Bay!
4. You can find a unique sight: a beach built entirely of shells
An uncommon sight can be found on the approach to the Shark Bay peninsula: a whole beach built entirely of shells. There aren’t many beaches in Australia like the imaginatively called Shell Beach, which is another reason to go far to Shark Bay. A truly unusual sight, the beach is made up of millions of cockle shells.
5. Amazing is the Francois Peron National Park
One of the wildest and most isolated areas of the peninsula is Francois Peron National Park, which is located at the very northernmost point of Shark Bay. Go here if you’re seeking unspoiled beaches, a sense of loneliness, and harsh isolation. The only way to get about is with a four-wheel drive since there are no roads in this area, so be ready for an adventure.
6. Stromatolites can be found in Shark Bay
Stromatolites, which are among the rarest and most peculiar living things in the world, can be found near Shark Bay in a location called Hamelin Pool.
These bizarre living organisms are old, rock-like structures that hardly appear to be alive but are fact, made of living bacteria. They are considered to be among the world’s most ancient forms of life. Although the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool are thousands of years old, comparable, petrified stromatolites that are millions of years old, have been found in other locations.
7. Visit Dirk Hartog Island, the largest island in WA
A trip to Dirk Hartog Island is essential if you want to venture far from Shark Bay’s tourist trail. The largest island in Western Australia, it bears the name Dirk Hartog in honor of the Dutch explorer who first set foot on it in 1616.
There are campgrounds and an eco-friendly resort on the island, which is a national park. It’s one of Australia’s most historically significant locations and a shelter for local fauna.
8. Visit the artesian hot tub to unwind while gazing at the skies
You might be unsure of the exact definition of an artesian hot tub. A historic farmstead that has been converted into a modest museum is located near the entrance to Francois Peron National Park and is accessible to anyone in a two-wheel drive car.
The farmhouse dug trenches in the ground to find water, and artesian water that had been imprisoned in the mineral-rich rocks for centuries suddenly burst forth. When the farmstead was converted into a museum, the townspeople decided to construct a hot tub to take advantage of the water, which was a scorching 40 degrees Celsius.
The hot tub is open to everyone, and there are dining places and BBQs as well. Make your way to the artesian hot tub to unwind after a long day of exploring Shark Bay.
9. A wonderful location for camping
Many tourists include Shark Bay on their itinerary as they travel north from Perth along the west coast since it is the ideal location for a road trip. Although there aren’t many hotels in the town of Denham, the peninsula is ideal for road trips, and camping is part of the enjoyment.
