Shark Bay Visitor Guide

SHARK BAY

EXPERIENCESHARKBAY.COM

BEGINNING OF LIFEDISCOVER HOW LIFE ON THE PLANET EARTH

BEGAN AT HAMELIN POOL

DIRK HARTOG 1616 A FESTIVAL OF MUSIC, ART, CULTURE AND

HISTORY. CELEBRATING 400 YEARS SINCE THE LANDING OF DUTCH EXPLORER DIRK HARTOG

Exp lore and Discover

2016 Visitor Guide

Perth

Shark Bay

DOLPHINS & DUGONGSMEET OUR FAMOUS MONKEY MIA DOLPHINS

AND EXPLORE ONE OF THE LARGEST DUGONG POPULATIONS IN THE WORLD

21 - 25 OCT 2016

DIRK HARTOG NATIONAL PARK IMAGE COURTESY: ELEMENTS MR

THE DUGONG population is estimated to be approximately 14,000, one of the largest and most stable populations left in the world. For this reason the Shark Bay population is ideal to study and gain a greater insight into their unique existence. You can’t help but be engaged by these graceful, if bizarre-looking creatures. A dugong feeds almost exclusively on seagrass – up to 50kg (wet weight) per day! However, it does occasionally snack on molluscs and crustaceans. Dugongs are best spotted August to April.

GUTHARRAGUDA

'TWO WATERS'Shark Bay is home to one of

the largest populations of dugongs.

IMAGE COURTESY: ELEMENTS MR

CONTENTS

Francois Peron National Park

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OUR HISTORYDIRK HARTOG 400 YEAR CELEBRATION

FRANCOIS PERON NATIONAL PARK

WILDLIFE IN SHARK BAY

FIND YOUR WAY MAPS & DIRECTIONS

WORLD HERITAGE LISTING STATUS

CLIMATE & WEATHER

ANNUAL EVENT CALENDAR

THE WORLD HERITAGE DRIVE

SHARK BAY ACCOMMODATION

DIRK HARTOG 1616 EVENTS

TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

DOLPHINS & DUGONGS

SHOPS AND SERVICES

ONWARD TRAVEL

Learn more about our history. Gutharraguda or ‘two waters’ is our Malgana name and our locals love telling their stories.

Shark Bay has accommodation to suit all budgets and family sizes. Check out our accommodation listings and stay a while.

The first recorded white man to arrive on Australian soil was the Dutch captain Dirk Hartog. 400 years ago!

Thrill seekers, adventurers and those looking to learn more about our Bay can check out some incredible experiences we have to offer.

From the world famous Monkey Mia dolphin experience to our unique dugong cruise deals we have experiences galore.

Explore the many shops and services in our township Denham along with areas such as Billabong, Hamelin, Overlander, Nanga Bay and Monkey Mia.

The journey to and from Shark Bay has plenty of not to be missed hotspots.

Make sure you check our event calendar and plan your visit around your favourite event or activity. This year is a busy one!

From the highway through to Monkey Mia or Steep Point, the vast landscape will keep you thrilled, entertained and educated.

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IMAGES COURTESY: ELEMENTS MR

From 1862-68, local Aborigines worked ‘dry shelling’ without wages, collecting oysters in the shallow waters of Shark Bay. Within three years, the supply was so low that larger boats were sent out two kilometres off shore to collect oysters in deep water. Six to eight Aboriginal men and women in a boat would ‘naked dive’ for shell. This meant they had to dive down deep with no oxygen, no snorkel and no mask.

MANY SHIPS have met their end in waters around Shark Bay. The histories of these shipwrecks can be examined at the Shark Bay Discovery Centre. But two wrecks located in 2008 were not the result of the elements or the hidden reefs. These were the HMAS Sydney(II) and the HSK Kormoran. A memorial with the names of the men on the HMAS Sydney(II) now stands in front of the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery Centre.

The battle between these two ships on November 19, 1941 caused their mutual destruction. All 645 men perished from the Sydney, 82 died from the Kormoran and 317 were ultimately captured by Australia. Questions continue to be asked about what actually happened on that fateful day.

GUTHARRAGUDA is the Aboriginal peoples’ traditional name for Shark Bay, meaning two waters. Shark Bay is the traditional home of three Aboriginal groups – the Malgana, Nhanda and Inggarda people. The Malgana and Nhanda people dwelt in the region long before Europeans first set foot on its soil. The southern end of the Bay, near the Zuytdorp Cliffs, is Nhanda land, and the eastern shore is Inggarda land while much of the remaining area is Malgana land. Ancient artefacts have been found at numerous sites. Descendants of these people still live in the area and actively strive to preserve their history.

Shark Bay OUR HISTORY

SHARK BAY WORLD

HERITAGE LISTING

FRANCOIS PERON arrived in Shark Bay in 1801 as the zoologist on the French ship, Geographe, with Captain Baudin. His observations were of great importance to the natural history of the region. Another ship accompanied this expedition. The skipper of the Naturaliste was Captain Hamelin.

In 1858 Captain Henry Mangles Denham charted the whole of the Shark Bay area. By the 1870’s a number of small settlements dotted the Shark Bay coastline. Several large pastoral leases were issued resulting in the establishment of many sheep and cattle stations, several of which may still be visited today.

Australia’s pearling industry began long before European settlement. Northern-Australian coastal dwelling Aborigines harvested the abundant pearl shell from the shallow waters and had a well established trading network for pearl shell.

Within Australia, pearl shells travelled further perhaps than any other item.

In Western Australia, an explorer saw an aboriginal wearing a pearly oyster-shell which had travelled at least 500 miles from its point of origin.

SHARK BAY is one of the few sites in the World that satisfies all four of the natural criteria to be listed as a world heritage area.

• Natural Beauty• Earth’s Evolutionary History – The famous

Hamelin Pool Stromatolites • Ecological Processes – An ongoing geological

process – The largest seagrass banks in the world

• Biological Diversity - Peninsulas and islands of Shark Bay – Important habitats where threatened animal species still survive

2.2 MILLION HECTARES of colourful and diverse landscapes provide unique habitats for many animals and plants, some of which are found nowhere else on earth. The vast seagrass meadows feed and shelter globally endangered species. Shark Bay’s extraordinary natural riches are of outstanding global significance. By satisfying all four natural criteria, Shark Bay ranks as one of our planet’s most important wilderness regions.

Other NATURAL FEATURES that contribute to this area are:• Over an eighth of the World’s total dugong

population• Exceptional coastal scenery at Zuytdorp

Cliffs, Dirk Hartog Island, Peron Peninsula and others

• Peron Peninsula’s unusual ‘birridas’ (gypsum salt pans)

• Shell Beach with its Hamelin Cockle Shell• Spectacular spring wildflower displays• Australia’s most important loggerhead turtle nesting areas

• The meeting place of three climatic zones and tropical and temperate species

• Many endemic plants, birds and reptiles • Gigantic shrubs of the Erica arborea commonly

known as the Tree Heath• Salt-adapted and genetically unique pink

snapper and venerid clams.


Dirk Hartog Island is situated just off the Gascoyne coast of Western Australia, within the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. It is about 80 kilometres long and between 3 and 15 kilometres wide and is Western Australia’s largest and most western island. It covers an area of 620 square kilometres and is approximately 850 kilometres north of Perth.

The Island was named after Dirk Hartog, a Dutch sea captain, who first encountered the Western Australian coastline close to the 26th parallel south latitude, which runs through the island. After leaving the island, Hartog continued his voyage north-west along the mainland coast. Hartog gave the Australian mainland one of its earliest known names, as Eendrachtsland, which he named after his ship Eendracht, meaning “Unity”.

The island consists mostly of scrub-covered sand dunes. At times it has been used as a sheep station and supported 20,000 head of sheep at one stage. The island is now Dirk Hartog Island National Park and sheep have been removed.

THE LARGEST ISLAND in Western Australia is named after Captain Dirk Hartog who landed there in 1616. Today only a limited number of vehicles are allowed to visit at any one time. However Dirk Hartog Island Eco Lodge provides guest rooms, a private villa, history tours, snorkelling tours, wildlife cruises and fishing trips. There are plenty of walk trails and unspoilt swimming beaches. The 400th anniversary of Dirk Hartog’s landing will be celebrated in 2016.

DIRK HARTOGA Quadricentenary

Image by Carlisle Rogers

To the east it is bounded by the Shark Bay Marine Park, and it is part of Shark Bay World Heritage Area. A small area is leased to the Wardle family who run it as a tourism destination.

Dirk Hartog Island is an important nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, with green turtles and loggerhead turtles both nesting on the beaches. It is also home for the endemic subspecies of the white-winged fairy-wren. Quoin Bluff, mid-way along the eastern side of the island, holds an important pied cormorant nesting colony which, along with Freycinet Island some 80 kilometres to the south-east, forms the Quoin Bluff and Freycinet Island Important Bird Area, identified as such by BirdLife International.

The region also boasts a great variety of reptiles including the rare woma, a beautiful python that can grow up to 2.3 metres. Majestic sand goannas can often be encountered foraging along the sandy tracks in Francois Peron National Park or around the Peron Homestead. The highlight for many visitors is an encounter with the charismatic thorny devil. These extremely slow moving reptiles can often be spotted crossing the roads in a typical jerky gait, so please keep your eyes open for them whilst driving.

BIRD WATCHING

RARE AND EXCITING ANIMALS

AUSTRALIAS MOST ENDANGERED

Bird watching is extremely rewarding with over 230 recorded bird species including the elusive southern scrub-robin, the endemic thick-billed grasswren, the chiming wedgebill whose distinctive call echoes repeatedly through the bush and, last but not least, emus which can often be seen wandering through the streets of Denham.

Mammals are also well represented in the region with a staggering 34 species – more than in many national parks in Australia. Among the natives are five of Australia’s most endangered mammals which have been successfully reintroduced into the wild. While some of them, such as the rufous hare-wallaby, have survived so far only on Bernier and Dorre Islands which are, in contrast to the mainland, free of introduced predators such as cats.

Others, such as the bilby, thrive also on the mainland where they occur now in self-sustaining populations. The most common mammal in the region is the euro – a stockily built subspecies of the common wallaroo with a soft reddish-brown to grey coat.

SHARK BAY WILDERNESSWild Encounters

Dirk Hartog Voyage of Discovery is proudly presented by The Shire of Shark Bay and the Western Australian Government.Made possible by Royalties for Regions.

WWW.SHARKBAY1616.COM.AU

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTSFri 21 Oct Opening Celebrations

Arrival of tall ship Leeuwin II

Fri 21 - Tue 25 Oct

Discovery Hub open daily with Markets, music, talks

Tall ship Duyfken moored & open as a museum

Nd5 photographic Exhibition

Sat 22 Oct Outdoor free Concert

Dirk hartog Ocean Classic mass finish

Sun 23 Oct The Golden Age 1616 Ball

Tue 25 Oct Cape Inscription Commemorative event

A FESTIVAL OF MUSIC, ART, CULTURE AND HISTORY. CELEBRATING 400 YEARS SINCE THE LANDING OF DUTCH SKIPPER DIRK HARTOG ABOARD VOC TRADING VESSEL THE EENDRACHT.

21 – 25 Oct 2016

EXPERIENCESHARKBAY.COM | PAGE 10

Commercial passenger air services and private air charter services regularly fly into Shark Bay Airport from Perth. Coach services from Perth and Broome are available with a stopping point at the Overlander Roadhouse. A pre organised shuttle service is available from Overlander to destinations within Shark Bay.For the private road traveller the Northwest Coastal Highway brings you to the turn off to the Bay.Driving from the south you know you are in Shark Bay territory when you reach the Billabong Hotel Motel and the Billabong Roadhouse, two great options for fuel and supplies. Similarly, from the north you will reach the Wooramel Roadhouse, also an ideal refreshment stopping point.

GETTING TO THE BAY

A remarkable display awaits the traveller who visits in a good wildflower season. More than 50 varieties are unique to this area. For the wildflower enthusiast Shark Bay is a ‘must visit’ in wildflower season.

EXPERIENCESHARKBAY.COM | PAGE 12

The turnoff into the Bay is at the Overlander Roadhouse which will take you on to World Heritage Drive and the beginning of your Shark Bay experience.Group coach tours and excursions also frequently visit the Bay.Whether you just want to relax and take in the World Heritage experience or do some serious fishing, Shark Bay is well worth the drive.

MAKE SHARK BAY YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY DESTINATION

WILDFLOWERS

29km

220km

12km

35km

BillabongRoadhouse

& Hotel Motel47km

Hamelin Pool

Nanga

ShellBeach

Eagle Bluff

Steep Point

DirkHartogIsland

WooramelRoadhouse& Caravan Park75km50km

26km6km

50km

43km

43km

35km

42km

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Denham:Latitude: 25O55’38.19” S

Longitude: 113O32’07.50” E

Start the World

Heritage Drive

1 World Heritage Drive sitesFollow the journey on page 14

WORLD HERITAGE DRIVE MAPSTART FROM THE OVERLANDER ROADHOUSE AND EXPLORE

3. NANGA BAY

4. SHELL BEACH

5. EAGLE BLUFF

Just 50kms from Hamelin the peaceful Nanga Bay offers access to crystal clear waters plus a cosy resort and caravan park for overnight stays. Nanga Bay is an awesome fishing spot and boasts a general store, fuel station, restaurant and a range of accommodation options. The resort and parking is less than 2kms from the main road.

Only 5kms from Nanga Bay lies Shell Beach, a unique world wonder and awesome photo opportunity. Shell Beach is made up entirely of the Hamelin Cockle or Coquina Shell. Trillions of these tiny bivalves stretch 120kms along L’haridon Bight. We recommend a stroll to the left once you reach the water for more dramatic views and crisp fresh shell mounds. The water is often really warm and a great place for a dip or a paddle, but rather salty.

25kms from Nanga and only 25kms from Denham, osprey nests on the cliffs give this location its name. A boardwalk on the cliff’s edge gives you a birds eye view of the area and the passing sharks in the waters below. There are interprative signs explaining previous uses for Wilson Island just off shore. Note the road is unsealed but fine for 2wd vehicles.

EXPERIENCESHARKBAY.COM | PAGE 14 EXPERIENCESHARKBAY.COM | PAGE 15

WORLD HERITAGE DRIVE GUIDE

1. STROMATOLITES & HAMELIN POOL

2. STEEP POINT

A remarkable journey through country can offer you some of the best experiences in the state. if you get lost or want to learn more, just ask one of our friendly locals at any of your stops along the way.............

Learn about the oldest living organism, the stromatolites, stay the night at the Hamelin Pool Caravan Park or Hamelin Station Stay. Our stromatolites give you a glimpse into life over 3,500 million years ago and the Telegraph Station is steeped with history. Make sure you find out how our telegraph station helped with the lift off of GT-1 unmanned NASA Gemini mission.

The westernmost point of mainland Australia and one of the world’s best land based game fishing locations, Steep Point is not only a natural wonder but an ultimate scenic destination. If you are planning a visit take heaps of water, and plenty of fuel. Don’t forget your tent, permit and fishing gear because once you arrive at Steep Point, we guarantee you will want to stay a little longer! Overnight bookings must be pre arranged you can do this by calling the ranger on (08) 9948 3993. The Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery Centre can also assist with arranging visits to Steep Point, and this is also the crossing point for visiting Dirk Hartog Island on the barge.

IMAGE 2 COURTESY: PATRICIA RENOIR-WESTON IMAGE 1 & 4 COURTESY: ELEMENTS MR

10. NATIONAL PARK

11. MONKEY MIA RESERVE

With a 4wd only, access to the Francois Peron National Park is worth every bump! Guided tours also visit the park. Our 52,500 hectare park on the northern most tip of the peninsula features dramatic scenery, incredible land animals and frequent visits by dolphins, turtles, sharks, manta rays and other incredible rare species. This is a must see either by yourselves or with a guide.

Our famous Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins visit on average 360 days of the year. They make Monkey Mia a must see location in Shark Bay. There are up to three feeds between 7.45am - 12pm and these are regulated by the Department of Parks and Wildlife (entry fees apply)

RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort has accommodation, caravan park and dining outlets available.

9. PERON HOMESTEADAccessible by 2wd the Peron Homestead is 6kms into the Francois Peron National Park. A self guided walk trail guides you through this once grand sheep station and explains the workings of the shearing shed, shearers’ quarters and stock yards. Enjoy the lawn and free bbq’s or just relax in the artesian bore water hot tub. The homestead also offers a glimpse into the past and present wildlife in the Bay through an indoor display room & museum.

EXPERIENCESHARKBAY.COM | PAGE 17EXPERIENCESHARKBAY.COM | PAGE 16

6. OCEAN PARK

7. DENHAM

8. LITTLE LAGOON

15kms from Eagle Bluff, and only 10kms out of Denham you will find a most unique range of marine creatures cared for by local marine biologists. Ocean Park offers hourly shark feeding along with boasting a restaurant for breakfast, coffee or lunch.

Ocean Park also offers scuba tours and the oportunity to dive into their shark pool.

The hub of Shark Bay, Denham has various accommodation options, food outlets, plentiful shops and services to help you re-stock and rest during your holiday in the Bay. Our local visitor information centre is a perfect first stop before venturing further into the Bay. Details of the facilities in Denham can be found throughout this visitor guide, along with food options for all meal requirements.

Just 3kms past Denham lies an idyllic lagoon perfect for a long walk, bbq or swim. Little Lagoon is a busy natural fish nursery, a perfect fishing location with disabled access too. We recommend a stop at Little Lagoon which is only 100m off the Monkey Mia road on an unsealed track suitable for 2wd vehicles.

IMAGE 9 COURTESY: ELEMENTS MR

BlueLagoon1616.pdf 1 12/10/2015 10:51:12 AM


TOURS AND ACTIVITIESWhether its gentle walks along deserted beaches, exploring our heritage, enjoying the thrill of a 4wd tour, the excitement of cruises and scenic flights or fishing with the locals - we offer them all. We recommend pre booking your preferred activities during our peak holiday periods.

Experience a fishing trip of a lifetime on our 70ft vessel Lady Grace staying on board our vessel for 4 or 5 days on a live aboard fishing charter. Enjoy fishing in remote areas off the Shark bay coast around Steep Point and Dirk Hartog Island catching massive fish which dreams are made of.

[email protected] www.apachecharters.com.auFor Bookings contact us on: 08 9339 2432 BIG BOAT, BIG FISH, BIG TRIP

Shark Bay Coaches & Tours

Stromatolites – Shell Beach

Eagle Bluff – Ocean Park

Peron Homestead – Hot Tubs

Monkey Mia – Denham

Pub Transfers – Charters

Overlander - Airport Transfers

Individual and Group Bookings Welcome

After Hours Transfers

Anywhere - Anytime

Phone Tara 0429-110-104

E: [email protected] W: www.sharkbaycoaches.com


Witness the awesome power of the majestic tiger shark, sandbar whalers, nervous whalers and lemon sharks!

SHARKFEEDING

now!

buytickets

online

now!

buytickets

online

See some of Australia’s most amazing marine life on a guided tourwith a marine biologist

AquariumTours

• Open 7 days 9AM - 5PM

• Oceans restaurant 9AM - 3PM

• Wireless internet• Gift shop & souvenirs• Dive gear & tank refi lls

* Conditions apply

• Function venue• Interactive guided tours• Shark feeding every hour• Natural history tours• 4WD tours1 Ocean Park Rd, Shark Bay, Western Australia, 6537

oceanpark.com.au

/oceanparkwa /oceanparkwa/oceanpark_wa

EVERY HOUR!

ENTRY FROM $16*

newtourbook online

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come face to face with the original inhabitants of

shark bay worldheritage area

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bookyour tour

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TOURS FROM $70*

SHARK BAY

4WD TOURS

OCE158368 Dive tour 294x414.indd 1 20/11/2015 4:34 pm


in this incredibly untouched World Heritage Area.

MONKEY MIA - SHARK BAYMONKEY MIA - SHARK BAY

Like us at Aristocat 2 Cruises

Breathe in the fresh salty air of nature’s aquarium on the only boat licenced to interact with marine life in the exclusion zone on a 1-3 hour cruise. Tours include Monkey Mia Marine Life Cruise, Fresh n Wet Cruise & Sundowner Cruise.

Spoil yourself & explore Shark Bay on a special private 1-4 day cruise. Private tours include Discover Dirk Hartog Island, Steep Point Adventure, & Cape Peron Escape.

Visit Blue Lagoon

Pearl Farm

SHARK BAY ACCOMMODATIONShark Bay has accommodation to suit every travel style and budget. We offer outback camping locations, backpackers, caravan parks, holiday homes, self contained units, hotel, motel and resort accommodation in various locations throughout the Bay.

Talbot St

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Hughes St

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Denham Rd

Hartog Cresent

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MitchellRise

Oxenham Chase

Logu

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Skinner Rd

Dirk Pl

Silver ChainNursing Post

PoliceStation

Mainland St

Spaven Way Leeds Ct

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Edwards St

Capewell Dve

Fletcher Ct

Cross St

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dMead St

Hoult St

Bates Rd

TownOval

To Monkey Mia Resort,Monkey Mia Airport,

Francois Peron National Park,the Golf Club,the Pistol Club

To OverlanderGeraldton &Carnarvon

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117 Knight Terrace, Denham, [email protected]

T: +61 (0)8 9948 3003 Freecall: 1800 680 600

Oceanside Village offers modern 3 1/2* self contained 1 & 2 bedroom villas, close to shops and restaurants, while being only a short drive to the famous Monkey Mia Dolphins beach & Francois Peron National Park.

- Free Wifi- Fully equipped kitchen- Full size fridge- Linen & towels- Air conditioning- Free Foxtel

- Swimming pool- Guest laundry area- Guest BBQ area- Ample boat

& trailer parking

Perfect Beachfront LocationReservations: +61 (0)8 9948 3003

www.oceanside.com.au

oceanside.com.au

1

MAP LEGEND DENHAM TOWN MAPDenham is the township of Shark Bay with facilities such as supermarkets, various food outlets, nursing post, police, visitor information centre and a host of shops and services. This map shows the location of most of these services, those which are advertised are marked by numbers next to thier respective adverts.


Hamelin PoolHamelin Station Stay is located on World Heritage Drive, 30km

from the Overlander Roadhouse and 110km from Denhamn Modern accommodationn Campsites in bush settings (unpowered)n Big rigs welcomen First class showers and amenities n Self-catering kitchen and dining arean Visit the stromatolites, Steep Point, Denham,

Monkey Mia and Francois Peron National Parkn Sorry, no pets

EMAIL: [email protected]

www.hamelinstationstay.com.au

Phone: 08 9948 5145

Tradewinds Seafront Apartments

Town Centre / Oceanfront I & 2 Bedroom Apartments with Ocean views2 Studio Apartments with Oceanfront viewsFREE Wi Fi Free Telephone 1800 816 160T: 08 9948 1222email: [email protected]

www.tradewindsdenham.com.au

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Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

>> Absolute beachfront accommodation>> Magical dolphin encounters>> World leading nature-based experiences>> Only accommodation in Monkey Mia

Call 1800 871 570 or visit racmonkeymia.com.au

Explore Shark Bay and relax at Monkey Mia

10 11

Our 4 «««« facilities and services include:§ Fully licensed Bistro & alfresco dining§ Daily breakfast & all-day lunch & dinner menu § Lounge & saloon bars§ Bar & Bottle Shop§ Swimming pool § Laundry Facility § Free wi-fi§ Complimentary parking & undercover secured

parking§ ATM in main bar§ Wheelchair access§ Car hire & airport transfers§ Conference & meeting facilities, functions &

catering

73-75KnightTerrace,DenhamWA6537T:61(08)99481133 F:61(08)99481134

E:[email protected]:www.heritageresortsharkbay.com.au

www.youtube.com/heritageresort

Room features and amenities:§ 38 square meters non-smoking rooms§ Reverse cycle air-conditioning§ Personal balcony (ocean view rooms)§ TV, Foxtel with 2 channels of free movies§ Clock radio with iPod docket§ Iron and ironing board§ Tea and coffee making facilities§ Direct Dial phones (STD and ISD)§ Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower§ Personal refrigerator § Bed configuration changeable to King or Twin size § Rollaway & sofa bed available upon request§ Family Rooms with adjacent door available

heritageresortsharkbay

www.facebook.com/HeritageResort@hrsb_wa


Enjoy local produce cooked by great personalities and served up with a smile at our food and beverage outlets scattered throughout Shark Bay. We have a wide range of eateries, and bars to suit all tastes and budgets, and many of our food and beverage outlets will cater for your dietary requirements too.

SHOPS AND SERVICESYou will be supprised at the variety of shops and services we offer in Shark Bay. Firstly, our highway roadhouse locations at Billabong coming from the south or Wooramel from the north, as well as Overlander near the turnoff to the Bay offer a great travelling feed, followed by shops and services at Hamelin, Nanga, Ocean Park, Denham and Monkey Mia. You’re never far away from help, shops and services.

FOOD AND DRINK OPTIONS

“The Old Pub” Shark Bay Hotel/Motel & Restaurant“Australia’s most Westerly Hotel”

Clean, comfortable rooms at budget prices. Great food, great atmosphere.

A visit to the “Old Pub” is a must when you come to Shark Bay.43 Knight TerraceDenham WA 6537

P: (08) 9948 [email protected]

www.sharkbayhotelwa.com.au

ADVERT - Visitor Guide 2016.indd 1 23/11/2015 12:13:25 PM

Wish you were here...Relax at Monkey Mia's unique and affordable budget accommodation

Freecall 1800 871 570 racmonkeymia.com.au

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10 Denham Road, Denham, Shark Bay WA 6537

T: +61 (0)8 9948 1787F: +61(0)8 9948 1823

e: [email protected]

Wifi, internet, book exchange, print, fax, photocopy, scan

and much more...

The local hub with access to government agencies, business services, and community development initiatives.

Proudly Supported by:

CRC - Visitor Guide Advert 2016 - Quarter page 80x122mm.indd 1 23/11/2015 2:11:11 PM

p: (08) 9948 1112e: [email protected]: u/5 89 Knight Tce, Denham WA 6537w: www.gearingbutchers.com.au

BBQ PacksCryovacing availableFlavoured sausages

GameKebabs

Marinated linesMeat packs

SeafoodSpecialsStirfrys

& Pet Food

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Mick: 0427 333 590 Michael: 0467 670 136 52 Vlamingh Cres Denham WA 6537

ALL MECHANICAL REPAIRS New Car Servicing and Diagnostics Qualified Mechanics

SMASH REPAIRS All Recognised Insurance Repairs

TILT TRAY TOWING Vehicles - Boats - Trailers Caravan Recovery and Relocation Anywhere - Anytime

TYRE SERVICE Fit - Balance - Align

Automotive Batteries

Windscreens

Caravan and Trailer Repairs

EVENTS IN SHARK BAY 2016

Gear up for the Annual Fishing Fiesta! Great prizes, food, can regatta and entertainment, on the Denham foreshore. Family fun for everyone. 6th – 13thBarefoot Black Tie is an up market, down to earth, extravaganza evening of cultural theatre. Secret location.

MAY

Happy New year to all the beautiful baby loggerhead turtles joining us in a year full of celebration. A whopping 70% of WA turtles lay their eggs here.

JANUARY

Crystal clear, turquoise waters, glisten with gorgeous glass off days and idyllic temperatures. Grab the SUP board or kayak and cruise around Little Lagoon. Take the tinny to catch a tasty feed of fish to feast on. Make sand angels in the billions of tiny shells at Shell Beach.

JUNE

Dirk Hartog’s 1616 plate was discovered at Cape Inscription by explorer Willem de Vlamingh on the 7th, 1697. Explore our incredible history and enjoy a close encounter with the replica plate, in the World Heritage Discovery Centre Museum.

FEBRUARY

Shark Bay Speedway kicks off with a fast paced, action packed weekend. The 2016 WA Street Stock Title is adrenalin pumping racing. Filled with thrills, spills and spine tingling chills of excitement! Get your revs on for the 22nd – 24th April.

APRIL

FOOD BLOGMARCH

Hot tub heaven invites you to submerge yourself, located in Francois Peron National Park. A wonderful way to warm the body and soul in the middle of winter. Take a stroll around the homestead precinct, and sizzle up some succulent steaks & snags on the barbie.

JULYA colourful creation of wonderful wildflowers welcomes you on the drive in for the Shark Bay Winter Festival. Far Western Speedway’s (8th - 10th) spectacular street parade kicks off a weekend of fast cars, fabulous food, fantastic fireworks and the charismatic Sunday market Carnival.

AUGUSTCameras have frantically clicked away to create the scene of captivating images, for the Shark Bay Photography Awards at Rose Freycinet Gallery

SEPTEMBERHumpback whales, the greatest singers of the sea, stop off for a playful rest with their calves, on the migration back to Antarctica.

OCTOBERParty Time!!! A commemorative celebration of Dirk Hartog’s landing 400 years ago. Shark Bay is the “Discovery Hub” of history. A week of excitement, endurance, exhibitions and entertainment. From a Classic Yacht Race to the Golden Age Ball, it’s enjoyable fun for all.

MAJOR FESTIVAL EVENT www.sharkbay1616.com.au (21-25th October 2016)

NOVEMBERSix hundred and forty-five pink poppies floating serenely in the ocean above the sunken HMAS Sydney II, symbolize the men who sacrificed their lives in Australia’s greatest naval disaster.

DECEMBERMonkey Mia’s world famous dolphins are in full summer swing, playfully showing off their new babies to all who visit this beautiful beach in paradise.

21 - 25 OCT 2016 21 - 25 OCT 2016

There are many exciting eatries in Shark Bay, wether your heading into the bay from the North or South, our roadhouses at Woomeral, Billabong and Overlander as well as the Billabong Homestead Motel all offer some awesome food delights such as wraps, sandwiches and hot chips. On your way into the bay our hidden gem ‘Hamelin Pool Caravan Park’ do the best burger. Onwards from Hamelin Pool a quaint meal of fish and chips, salads or toasties can be found at Nanga Bay.

Further in the bay, the options grow even further. The Ocean Park Aquarium host breakfast and lunch, our locals are huge fans of thier incredible coffee and local seafood dishes.

This may be an image of shell beach if i dont get it finished.

SHELL BEACH is our beautiful snow-white beach made up of millions of tiny shells. The shells can be up to 10 metres deep and stretch for over 120 kilometres.

The shells were once used to build the office walls of buildings in the area, some of which can still be seen today. On a still day, the ocean at Shell Beach transforms into a palette of the most intense greens & blues. Make sure you stop in on your drive into the bay.


INDO-PACIFIC BOTTLE NOSE

DOLPHINS

MONKEY MIA MARINE RESERVE

is famous for its daily interaction with wild Indo Pacific bottle nose dolphins. Four dolphins are part of the programme at Monkey Mia and feedings occur up to three times daily between 8am and 12pm. The Department of Parks and Wildlife recommend arriving by 7.45am when informational sessions begin. The experience is incredible and world famous.


ONWARD TRAVEL


Billabong Homestead Hotel Motel

Break the drive with a cappuccino and a muffin in the Red Car Cafe,

serving hot and cold meals from 6am to 8pm, 7 days a week,

or have a cold drink in our fully licensed bar.

For overnight stays we have renovated ensuite motel rooms or

powered and un-powered sites for your own caravan or tent.

www.billabonghotelmotel.com.au N W Coastal Highway, GeraldtonT: (08) 9942 5980

We know you will be reluctant to leave Shark Bay, but as you go there is the opportunity to again visit Shell Beach, Nanga, the Stromatolites and Hamelin Telegraph Station. Time for a snack or another fish at Nanga? There’s also a chance to pick up those last minute souvenirs or enjoy a meal at Hamelin Pool, Overlander, Billabong or Wooramel. ...... See you again on your next visit, we know you will want to return. CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Shark bay offers year round holiday weather, with almost daily sunshine and limited rainfall, so you’re almost guaranted a sunny day on your holiday. Winter months tend to be a little cooler, with temparatures ranging from the high teens through to the late twenties between June and August.

September through November are warmer months but our guests are kept cool by the welcome breezes. December through March tend to be our hottest months, which makes swimming and ocean activities so refreshing.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Mean maximum temperature (C) 33.9 34.7 34.2 31.1 27.5 23.9 22.7 24.0 25.8 28.2 30.3 32.2

Mean minimum temperature (C) 21.5 22.3 21.2 18.2 14.7 11.9 10.5 10.9 12.6 15.2 17.5 19.6

Mean 9am wind speed (km/h) 24.1 22.6 23.1 20.1 17.5 17.0 16.7 18.9 21.3 23.3 23.6 24.9

Mean 3pm wind speed (km/h) 31.4 28.7 26.5 23.2 19.4 19.4 19.8 21.0 24.9 28.9 30.3 31.5

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During the summer months Shark Bay is the perfect paradise for sailing and wind sport enthusiasts with wind speeds averaging 27km/hr. Many kite boarders and wind surfers return annually to the flat shallow waters in the protected bays with plenty of wind and no swell.

With calm shallow water extending out several hundred metres Denham is perfect for the novice trying to learn wind surfing, kite boarding, hobie cat sailing, and other wind sports they might like to try. Canoeists and day sailors can enjoy exhilarating but safe adventures all within sight of the shaded pergolas on the Denham foreshore.

Documents

Shark Bay Visitor Guide