On the westernmost point of Australia, Shark Bay offers more than sheer adventure and unbelievable fishing. It dazzles visitors with its vivid red dunes and white beaches, and its wealth of wildlife and flora – all earning the area World Heritage status. Stand-out sights on the Shark Bay World Heritage Drive include the Hamelin Pool stromatolites, Shell Beach and Eagle Bluff.
North of Shark Bay is Carnarvon, with its bounty of delicious produce. The region is steeped in history, with 2016 marking the 400th year since a European explorer set foot on an offshore island. The bustling town’s scenic waterway offers fascinating glimpses into its maritime past.
As the weather cools, get talking to visitors, and you’ll soon realise some planned to stay only a few days, but wound up spending weeks soaking up the winter sun and laidback lifestyle of this unique ocean escape.
Top 10
Meet the world-famous dolphins at Monkey Mia.
Take a Didgeridoo Dreaming tour under a starry night sky, with Wula Guda Nyinda Eco Adventures.
Watch sea spray rise up to 20m high at the natural Blowholes, 70km north of Carnarvon.
Dine at the One Mile Jetty heritage precinct and return on the Coffee Pot train.
Visit 110km Shell Beach, made up of billions of tiny white shells, up to 10m deep. There are only two beaches in the world like it.
Join the locals catching squid off the floodlit Denham Jetty once the sun sets.
Hop on a boat and visit the Monkey Mia pearl farm.
Go charter fishing or sailing in Shark Bay.
Hike the 1.5km Wanamalu Trail between Cape Peron and Skipjack Point in Francois Peron National Park.
View Shark Bay’s marine life at Ocean Park Aquarium, on a boat tour, or from the air on a scenic flight.
