Shark Bay is renowned for its marine fauna. The population of about 10,000 dugong, for example, is one of the largest in the world, and dolphins abound, particularly at Monkey Mia. Humpback whales use the Bay as a staging post in their migration along the coast.
Why do people go to Shark Bay?
It is an area of great beauty, it’s rich in marine life and is home to some of earth’s first life forms. There is no shortage of things to do in Shark Bay. The region boasts attractions like Monkey Mia, Shell Beach, Dirk Hartog Island and the Hamelin Pool stromatolites.
Why is Shark Bay called Shark Bay?
There is a reason why Shark Bay is so called. “Sharks we caught a great many of, which our men eat very savourily,” wrote English explorer William Dampier in 1699. “Among them we caught one which was 11 feet long.” Dampier named the place “Shark’s Bay” in honour of these magnificent fish.
How was Shark Bay originally used?
Shark Bay was first settled by Europeans in the 1850s and was important for industries such as guano mining, pearling and pastoralism. Guano mining was the first land-based industry in Shark Bay and initiated European settlement of the area in 1850.
Does Shark Bay have lots of sharks?
True to its namesake, Shark Bay has a large number and diversity of sharks. From the small black-tipped sharks to the 5m tiger shark, Shark Bay is home to more than a dozen shark species.
Is Shark Bay worth visiting?
Shark Bay is a fantastic place with so much to see and do. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, go for a swim, explore the national park or learn about the history and culture of the area, there is something for everyone. Make sure you add Shark Bay to your list of places to visit in Western Australia!
Do people live in Shark Bay?
Although physically larger than some European nations, Shark Bay has a permanent population of fewer than 1,000 people. There are two main population centres – the town of Denham with a population of about 600, and the closed salt mining town of Useless Loop.
Can you swim at Shark Bay?
Bring a ball and bat for a game of cricket on the grass or head to the beach for a swim in Shark Bay’s sparkling blue water. Protected from big ocean waves by a headland and fringing reef, it’s also a lovely spot for some beach fishing.
Who discovered Shark Bay?
An expedition led by Dirk Hartog happened upon the area in 1616, becoming the second group of Europeans known to have visited Australia. (The crew of the Duyfken, under Willem Janszoon, had visited Cape York in 1606). The area was given the name Shark Bay by the English explorer William Dampier, on 7 August 1699.
What is the Aboriginal name for Shark Bay?
The Aboriginal name for Shark Bay is “Gutharraguda” meaning “two bays”. The Indigenous people of Shark Bay are descendants of the Malgana tribe.
What animals live in Shark Bay?
The reserve also has turtles, dugongs, humpback whales and sharks. Come to swim, snorkel and canoe in the many bays and inlets. A population of more than 10,000 dugongs thrive in the vast meadows of seagrass.
Why is Shark Bay Heritage?
The Shark Bay region represents a meeting point of three major climatic regions. It contains plant species that are unique and considered new to science, five of Australia’s 26 species of endangered Australian mammals, as well as 35 percent of Australian bird species and abundant marine flora and fauna.
Why is Shark Bay protected?
Because of its outstanding natural heritage values, Shark Bay was inscribed on the World Heritage List on 13 December 1991, becoming Australia’s tenth and Western Australia’s first, World Heritage Property. Including Shark Bay, there are currently 17 Australian World Heritage sites.
What is the best time to visit Shark Bay?
The best times to visit the heritage area would be between April 16th and October 28th to enjoy the best of Shark Bay weather.
Where are most sharks found in Australia?
Sharks occur in all habitats around the Australian coast line, however most are found on the continental slope or shelf, primarily on the bottom. However, many sharks are also found in coastal waters and a small number are even found in freshwater systems, such as rivers and estuaries.
Why are there so many sharks in WA?
More sharks are drawn close to WA shores where the whale prey has become plentiful, and it has been decades since so many were swimming off the beaches of Western Australia. WA’s humpback population around 1900 was estimated at a little over 30,000. In 1935 it was less than 17,000 and by 1949 it was below 10,000.
How many days do you need in Shark Bay?
five days
Spending five days to a week will give you enough time to tick everything off. Consider splitting your stay between Denham and Monkey Mia; Denham for day trips and adventure, Monkey Mia for staying-put, relaxation and play.
Where are the sharks in Shark Bay?
At least 28 shark species live in Shark Bay and some can be spotted from lookouts at Eagle Bluff and Skipjack Point, especially during summer.
Is it always windy in Shark Bay?
Shark Bay has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature is 26.5ºC and the average annual rainfall is 228 mm. This mild climate is paired with a sometimes intense southerly wind, especially between October and April.
Can you visit Useless Loop?
Whilst not open to the public, those with a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles can get closer to see this unusual sight or see Useless Loop from above on a scenic flight over the Shark Bay area or whilst flying to Dirk Hartog Island.
What is Shark Bay made of?
Peron sandstone underlies most of Shark Bay but is only exposed on Peron Peninsula and Fauré Island. The white sands comprising Edel Land Peninsula and Dirk Hartog, Berniér and Dorré Islands were deposited between one million and 10,000 years ago and overlay Peron sandstone.