Shark Bay Marine Park, Marine nature reserve in Western Australia.
Shark Bay Marine Park is a protected marine area on the west coast of Western Australia, covering the waters of Shark Bay, a shallow and sheltered inlet framed by long peninsulas and small islands. The bay floor is largely covered by seagrass meadows, which support a wide range of sea creatures including dugongs, dolphins, turtles, and sharks.
The area was declared a marine park in 1990 to protect its ecosystems from overfishing and other human pressures. The following year, the wider Shark Bay region was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding natural value.
The Gnulli and Malgana peoples have lived along these waters for generations and continue to share their knowledge with those who manage and visit the area today. Their deep connection to the sea shapes how the park is cared for and understood.
Denham is the main base for visiting the park, offering accommodation, equipment hire, and guided tours on the water. Conditions are accessible year-round, but wildlife sightings vary by season, so it is worth checking in advance which time of year suits what you want to see.
The waters of the park contain around 20 recorded shipwrecks, left behind by centuries of seafaring through this stretch of coast. The bay is also home to roughly half of the world's dugong population, making it one of the most important places on Earth for this rare sea mammal.
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