In 1991, Shark Bay was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of its outstanding natural beauty, biological diversity, fascinating ecology and unique insights into the Earth’s history. Here, you can meet the Monkey Mia dolphins, the world’s largest population of dugongs, walk among the largest and oldest living fossils on the planet and discover the 30,000-year history and culture of its Indigenous people.

A closer look at this vast landscape will reveal an abundance of rare and unique plant and animal life, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth. It’s home to over 100 known species of reptiles and amphibians, 240 varieties of birds, 320 types of fish, 80 different corals and 820 species of plants, including 700 flowering species. Protecting many endangered species, Shark Bay’s Francois Peron National Park is one of the most important wilderness areas in Australia.

In Shark Bay you can walk along one of only two beaches in the World formed entirely of tiny white shells or visit the Hamelin Pool Stromatolites and get a glimpse of life on Earth over 3,500 million years ago. By far the most popular and spectacular attraction is Monkey Mia, where wild dolphins come into shore every day to meet and interact with people.

APPROXIMATE FLIGHT TIME FROM BUSSELTON

Busselton – Shark Bay
2 hours 30 minutes
(a fuel stop may be required depending on weight)