SHARK BAY Explore and Discover
DIRK HARTOG 1616
A FESTIVAL OF MUSIC, ART, CULTURE AND HISTORY. CELEBRATING 400 YEARS SINCE THE LANDING OF DUTCH EXPLORER DIRK HARTOG
BEGINNING OF LIFE
21 - 25 OCT 2016
DISCOVER HOW LIFE ON THE PLANET EARTH BEGAN AT HAMELIN POOL
DOLPHINS & DUGONGS
MEET OUR FAMOUS MONKEY MIA DOLPHINS AND EXPLORE ONE OF THE LARGEST DUGONG POPULATIONS IN THE WORLD
Shark Bay
Perth
2016 Visitor Guide EXPERIENCESHARKBAY.COM
DIRK HARTOG NATIONAL PARK
IMAGE COURTESY: ELEMENTS MR
GUTHARRAGUDA 'TWO WATERS' Shark Bay is home to one of the largest populations of dugongs.
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. IMAGE COURTESY: ELEMENTS MR
WILDLIFE IN SHARK BAY
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10 CONTENTS 06
DIRK HARTOG 400 YEAR CELEBRATION
OUR HISTORY Learn more about our history. Gutharraguda or ‘two waters’ is our Malgana name and our locals love telling their stories.
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12 FRANCOIS PERON NATIONAL PARK
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FIND YOUR WAY MAPS & DIRECTIONS
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ANNUAL EVENT CALENDAR
Make sure you check our event calendar and plan your visit around your favourite event or activity. This year is a busy one!
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THE WORLD HERITAGE DRIVE
From the highway through to Monkey Mia or Steep Point, the vast landscape will keep you thrilled, entertained and educated.
CLIMATE & WEATHER Francois Peron National Park
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WORLD HERITAGE LISTING STATUS
IMAGES COURTESY: ELEMENTS MR
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SHARK BAY ACCOMMODATION
Shark Bay has accommodation to suit all budgets and family sizes. Check out our accommodation listings and stay a while.
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TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
Thrill seekers, adventurers and those looking to learn more about our Bay can check out some incredible experiences we have to offer.
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SHOPS AND SERVICES
Explore the many shops and services in our township Denham along with areas such as Billabong, Hamelin, Overlander, Nanga Bay and Monkey Mia.
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DIRK HARTOG 1616 EVENTS
The first recorded white man to arrive on Australian soil was the Dutch captain Dirk Hartog. 400 years ago!
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DOLPHINS & DUGONGS
From the world famous Monkey Mia dolphin experience to our unique dugong cruise deals we have experiences galore.
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ONWARD TRAVEL The journey to and from Shark Bay has plenty of not to be missed hotspots.
Shark Bay OUR HISTORY
SHARK BAY WORLD HERITAGE LISTING
GUTHARRAGUDA
SHARK BAY is one of the few sites in
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.
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.
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. NorthernAustralian 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 oystershell which had travelled at least 500 miles from its point of origin.
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.
NATURAL FEATURES
Other 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.
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.
IMAGE COURTESY: ELEMENTS MR
DIRK HARTOG A Quadricentenary
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 scrubcovered 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.
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.
SHARK BAY WILDERNESS BIRD WATCHING
Wild Encounters
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.
21 – 25 Oct 2016 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.
RARE AND EXCITING ANIMALS 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.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
AUSTRALIAS MOST ENDANGERED 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 harewallaby, 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 selfsustaining 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.
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Fri 21 Oct
Opening Celebrations Arrival of tall ship Leeuwin II
Fri 21 Discovery Hub open daily with Tue 25 Oct 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
WWW.SHARKBAY1616.COM.AU 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.
WORLD HERITA GE DRIVE MAP START FROM THE OVERLANDER ROADHOUSE AND EXPLORE GETTING TO THE BAY
Denham: Latitude: 25O55’38.19” S Longitude: 113O32’07.50” E
220km
50km 10
Dirk Hartog Island
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9
6km
26km
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Wooramel Roadhouse & Caravan Park 75km
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Eagle Bluff
Steep Point
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50km Shell Beach
2 4
Nanga 3
35km Hamelin Pool
35km 1
1
World Heritage Drive sites
Start the World Heritage Drive
29km
12km
42km
Follow the journey on page 14 43km
43km
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Billabong Roadhouse & Hotel Motel 47km
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.
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 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.
3. NANGA BAY
WORLD HERITAGE DRIVE GUIDE
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.
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.............
1. STROMATOLITES & HAMELIN POOL 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.
2. STEEP POINT 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.
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IMAGE 2 COURTESY: PATRICIA RENOIR-WESTON
4. SHELL BEACH 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.
5. EAGLE BLUFF
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.
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IMAGE 1 & 4 COURTESY: ELEMENTS MR
9. PERON HOMESTEAD
6. OCEAN PARK
Accessible 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.
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.
7. DENHAM
Ocean Park also offers scuba tours and the oportunity to dive into their shark pool.
10. NATIONAL PARK
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.
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.
8. LITTLE LAGOON 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.
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11. MONKEY MIA RESERVE 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.
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IMAGE 9 COURTESY: ELEMENTS MR
TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
BlueLagoon1616.pdf 1 12/10/2015 10:51:12 AM
Whether 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.
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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.
BIG BOAT, BIG FISH, BIG TRIP
For Bookings contact us on: 08 9339 2432
matt@apachecharters.com.au www.apachecharters.com.au
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: admin@sharkbaycoaches.com W: www.sharkbaycoaches.com
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SHARK FEEDING ! R U O H Y VER
come face to face with the original inhabitants of shark bay world heritage area
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Witness the awesome power of the majestic tiger shark, sandbar whalers, nervous whalers and lemon sharks!
Aquarium Tours
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1 Ocean Park Rd, Shark Bay, Western Australia, 6537 * Conditions apply
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See some of Australia’s most amazing marine life on a guided tour with a marine biologist
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• Open 7 days 9AM - 5PM • Oceans restaurant 9 - 3 • Wireless internet • Gift shop & souvenirs • Dive gear & tank refills AM
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• Function venue • Interactive guided tours • Shark feeding every hour • Natural history tours • 4WD tours
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MONKEY MIA - SHARK BAY
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in this incredibly untouched World Heritage Area.
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.
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Visit
Blue Lagoon Pe arl Farm
SHARK BAY ACCOMMODATION Shark 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.
DENHAM TOWN MAP
MAP LEGEND Airport
Denham 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.
Accommodation
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Logue Rd
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9 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
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117 Knight Terrace, Denham, WA info@oceanside.com.au T: +61 (0)8 9948 3003 Freecall: 1800 680 600
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Tradewinds Seafront Apartments
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Hamelin Pool
Town Centre / Oceanfront I & 2 Bedroom Apartments with Ocean views 2 Studio Apartments with Oceanfront views FREE Wi Fi Free Telephone 1800 816 160 T: 08 9948 1222 email: tradewindssharkbay@bigpond.com
Hamelin Station Stay is located on World Heritage Drive, 30km from the Overlander Roadhouse and 110km from Denham n n n n n n n
Modern accommodation Campsites in bush settings (unpowered) Big rigs welcome First class showers and amenities Self-catering kitchen and dining area Visit the stromatolites, Steep Point, Denham, Monkey Mia and Francois Peron National Park Sorry, no pets
EMAIL: hamelinstationstay@bigpond.com
Phone: 08 9948 5145
www.tradewindsdenham.com.au
www.hamelinstationstay.com.au
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Explore Shark Bay and relax at Monkey Mia >> Absolute beachfront accommodation >> Magical dolphin encounters >> World leading nature-based experiences >> Only accommodation in Monkey Mia
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
Room features and amenities:
73-75 Knight Terrace, Denham WA 6537 T: 61 (08) 9948 1133 F: 61 (08) 9948 1134 E: hrsb@bigpond.com W: www.heritageresortsharkbay.com.au
§ § § § § § § § § § § § §
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
www.facebook.com/HeritageResort @hrsb_wa heritageresortsharkbay www.youtube.com/heritageresort
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Call 1800 871 570 or visit racmonkeymia.com.au
Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
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SHOPS AND SERVICES
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You 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
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.
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Wish you were here...
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Relax at Monkey Mia's unique and affordable budget accommodation
“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 Terrace Denham WA 6537 P: (08) 9948 1203 enquiries@sharkbayhotelwa.com.au www.sharkbayhotelwa.com.au
Freecall 1800 871 570 racmonkeymia.com.au
ADVERT - Visitor Guide 2016.indd 1
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10 Denham Road, Denham, Shark Bay WA 6537 T: +61 (0)8 9948 1787 F: +61(0)8 9948 1823 e: sharkbay@crc.net.au www.sharkbaycrc.net.au
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
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ALL MECHANICAL REPAIRS New Car Servicing and Diagnostics QualiďŹ ed Mechanics
TYRE SERVICE Fit - Balance - Align Automotive Batteries
SMASH REPAIRS All Recognised Insurance Repairs TILT TRAY TOWING Vehicles - Boats - Trailers Caravan Recovery and Relocation Anywhere - Anytime
Mick: 0427 333 590
Michael: 0467 670 136
Windscreens Caravan and Trailer Repairs
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20 BBQ Packs Cryovacing available Flavoured sausages Game Kebabs Marinated lines Meat packs Seafood Specials Stirfrys & Pet Food
p: (08) 9948 1112 e: gearingbutchers@westnet.com.au a: u/5 89 Knight Tce, Denham WA 6537 w: www.gearingbutchers.com.au
52 Vlamingh Cres Denham WA 6537
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SHELL BEACH is our
FOOD BLOG
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 into shells There are many exciting eatries in Shark Bay, wether your heading the baywere from the once North orused South, to our roadhouses at Woomeral, Billabong and Overlander as build well as the the Billabong all office Homestead walls ofMotel buildings offer some awesome food delights such as wraps, sandwiches and hot chips. On your way into the bay in the area, some of which can our hidden gem ‘Hamelin Pool Caravan Park’ do the best burger. Onwards from Hamelin Pool a quaint stillBay.be seen today. On a still meal of fish and chips, salads or toasties can be found at Nanga day, the ocean at Shell Beach
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 localtransforms seafood dishes. into a palette of the
most intense greens & blues. Make sure you stop in on your drive into the bay.
EVENTS IN SHARK BAY 2016 JANUARY
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.
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.
MARCH
APRIL
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.
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.
MAY
JUNE
Gear up for the Annual Fishing Fiesta! Great prizes, food, can regatta and entertainment, on the Denham foreshore. Family fun for everyone. 6th – 13th Barefoot Black Tie is an up market, down to earth, extravaganza evening of cultural theatre. Secret location.
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.
JULY
AUGUST
A 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.
This may be an image of shell beach if i dont get it finished.
FEBRUARY
Cameras have frantically clicked away to create the scene of captivating images, for the Shark Bay Photography Awards at Rose Freycinet Gallery
SEPTEMBER
Humpback whales, the greatest singers of the sea, stop off for a playful rest with their calves, on the migration back to Antarctica.
OCTOBER
Party 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
21 - 25 OCT 2016
www.sharkbay1616.com.au (21-25th October 2016)
NOVEMBER
Six 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. IMAGE COURTESY: ELEMENTS MR
DECEMBER
21 - 25 OCT 2016
Monkey 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.
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.
IMAGE COURTESY: ELEMENTS MR
22
Billabong Homestead Hotel Motel
IMAGE COURTESY: ELEMENTS MR
ONWARD TRAVEL
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.
21
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, Geraldton T: (08) 9942 5980
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.
Mean maximum temperature (C)
Mean minimum temperature (C)
Mean 9am wind speed (km/h) Mean 3pm wind speed (km/h)
EXPERIENCESHARKBAY.COM | PAGE 42
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.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
33.9
34.7
34.2
31.1
27.5
23.9
22.7
24.0
25.8
28.2
30.3
32.2
21.5
22.3
21.2
18.2
14.7
11.9
10.5
10.9
12.6
15.2
17.5
19.6
24.1
22.6
23.1
20.1
17.5
17.0
16.7
18.9
21.3
23.3
23.6
24.9
31.4
28.7
26.5
23.2
19.4
19.4
19.8
21.0
24.9
28.9
30.3
31.5
EXPERIENCESHARKBAY.COM | PAGE 43