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Shark Bay World Heritage Drive

Made entirely of tiny white cockle shells, Shell Beach is one of natures marvels. +1 Gallery
2WD
Trail difficulty
Easy
  • Length 160km
  • Est. time Multiple day
  • Return
Today

25°C

31°

21°

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This self-drive trail takes in all the significant features that give Shark Bay its World Heritage Listing. Unique features include the largest sea grass beds in the world - providing food for the dugong (sea cow), the tiny cockleshells of Shell Beach, the stromatolites of Hamelin Bay and the dolphins at Monkey Mia.

Interpretive signage exists at the sites along the drive that relate to the World Heritage listing.

Visit the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery Centre for information on the trail, whales, manta rays, turtles, sharks, fish species, walk trails and the World Heritage features throughout the Shark Bay area.

Specific interests of the drive include the stories of the early Dutch, French and English explorers of the area, the endangered species reintroduced with Project Eden, the views of Eagle Bluff and Shell Beach and the beautiful Ocean Park, Nanga Bay, Hamelin Bay and Peron Peninsula.

Denham (Shark Bay) Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9948 2226

Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery Centre

1300 367 072

National Parks

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Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures

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Come and join us for a truly amazing life changing adventure not to be forgotten. See and feel the REAL Shark Bay. A great Family Experience A LOW IMPACT and STRESS FREE ACTIVITY. Catering for: families, school groups seniors, backpackers and Aussies. Immerse yourself in the local Aboriginal culture and history. Learn about Nhanda and Malgana peoples strong connection to this amazing country, w...

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Rivergods Kayak Adventures

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Willetton

See the best of Perth by kayak, with the wildlife by your side. 100% enjoyment guarantee! Love our tours or your money back.

100% money back guarantee
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Be trail ready

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

Up to 5 days

Length

160km

Fees

National Park fees apply

Trail Access

Air or bus to Monkey Mia. Drive to Overlander Roadhouse. Suitable for 2WD vehicles

Trail Start

Overlander Roadhouse, North West Coastal Highway, Hamelin Pool which is 700km (9 hours) north of Perth

Get directions

Trail End

Monkey Mia

Get directions

When to go

What’s the weather like?

What To Pack

Prohibited items

No pets in National Park areas

Facilities

Camping in the Shire of Shark Bay is restricted and designated to four areas and allowed overnight only. Permission must be obtained from the Visitor Centre

  • Camping
  • Lookouts
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • All accessible toilet facilities
  • Visitor Information Centre
More tips for being Trail Ready

Today May 13, 9:33am

25°C

Feels like 24°C

Max 31°

Min 21°

Precipitation: 0%

Visibility: 10km

Wind: 6.41km/h NE

8-day forecast

Wed

31°

21°

Thu

31°

21°

Fri

26°

19°

Sat

24°

15°

Sun

24°

14°

Mon

28°

16°

Tue

30°

18°

Wed

28°

21°

Weather data provided by:

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2 trail goers have rated this trail as 4 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Chelle Fisher

Reviewed 7 Sep 2022, 10:27am

Absolutely love the Shark Bay Heritage area. Outstanding part of Western Australia with so much to see!
Daniel Francis

Reviewed 26 Apr 2014, 2:39pm

Shark bay is far more than just dolphins. This drive takes you to all the features that made this area world heritage, and although it is long and some of the features like the Stromatolites are not super spectacular, together they provide an unsurpassed view into the wonders of nature and outback Western Australia.

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