If you ever have a chance to visit Western Australia.

make sure that you take the time to visit Monkey mia and the Shark Bay World Heritage area.

You can drive or fly from Perth to visit the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.

Monkey Mia can be found within Shark Bay 27km north east of Denham and 702km north of Perth. Monkey Mia began when 'Old Charley" the dolphin was fed by hand from the side of a fishing boat by Alice Ninnie. He kept coming back with other dolphins afterwards and the tradition was passed down for future generations.

Beautiful sandy beaches cover the area down to the ocean and thousands of tourists come to visit Monkey Mia each and every year because of these amazing dolphins, facilities and wonderful accommodation. These features make Shark Bay rather special.

Tours by land or sea are increasing rapidly in popularity because the uniqueness of the bay is becoming increasingly appreciated by all.

Monkey Mia was named by William Dampier in 1699 but a Frenchman by the name of Francois St. Allouran claimed the land in 1772. He also made the first formal claim of land by burying two French coins and a parchment in a bottle, he also left behind the remains of one of the crew.

Most of the names of the islands and bays were named after explorers.

The clear waters allow the visitor an ideal opportunity to view these and the other aquatic life which abounds. Manta Rays, Turtles and Whales can be seen and there are also the famous dolphins of Monkey Mia - who visit the beach each day to interact with visitors.

In the saline waters of Hamelin Pool can be found evidence of one of the earth's earliest life forms - The Stromatolites of Hamelin Pool is an example. The Francois Peron National Park covers some 52,500 hectares/130,000 acres at the northern extreme of the Peron Peninsula.

Under the care of the Department of Conservation and Land Management (C.A.L.M.) this area has become one of the most important natural areas in Australia
and is home to many rare and endangered species and must be protected at all costs so that future generations may also enjoy this wonderland. Access to the Park is limited to 4-wheel drive vehicles beyond the old Peron Station Homestead.

Shell Beach - is a 110 kms stretch of coastline comprising countless billions of tiny shells. Shark Bay Shell & Craft Museum - on display are gemstones, rocks, Aboriginal artefacts, and a replica of the Dutch ship "Zuytdorp," wrecked off the coast in 1712.

Attractions.

  Much evidence of an Aboriginal presence in the Shark Bay region can be still seen in numerous cave shelters and shell middens. The shallow, crystal clear waters of the Shark Bay Marine Park abound with a myriad of marine life. Vast seagrass meadows are home to the most secure herd of dugong in the World.

The clear waters allow the visitor an ideal opportunity to view these and the other aquatic life which abounds.

Manta Rays, Turtles and Whales can be seen and there are also the famous dolphins of Monkey Mia - who visit the beach each day to interact with visitors.

In the saline waters of Hamelin Pool can be found evidence of one of the earth's earliest life forms - The Stromatolites of Hamelin Pool is an example.

The Francois Peron National Park covers some 52,500 hectares at the northern extreme of the Peron Peninsula.

Under the care of the Department of Conservation and Land Management (C.A.L.M.) this area has become one of the most important natural areas in Australia

and is home to many rare and endangered species and must be protected at all costs so that future generations may also enjoy this wonderland.

Access to the Park is limited to 4-wheel drive vehicles beyond the old Peron Station Homestead.

Shell Beach - is a 110 kms stretch of coastline comprising countless billions of tiny shells.

Shark Bay Shell & Craft Museum - on display are gemstones, rocks, Aboriginal artefacts, and a replica of the Dutch ship "Zuytdorp," wrecked off the coast in 1712.

Activities.