Shark Bay, Marine World Heritage Site in Western Australia.
Description
Shark Bay is a large marine protected area on Australia's western coast, spanning about 23,000 square kilometers. The region contains seagrass beds, sandy beaches, red cliffs, and salt flats that extend along the Indian Ocean shoreline.
History
Dutch and English explorers first arrived in this region during the 1600s, bringing it to European attention for the first time. The area later gained international recognition for its marine diversity and geological features.
Culture
The local Malgana people call this place Gathaagudu, meaning 'two waters', and their long connection to the land remains visible throughout the region today. The area continues to hold meaning as a place where water, land, and people have always met.
Practical
The area is accessible through Shark Bay Airport or via the World Heritage Drive from the North West Coastal Highway. Visitors should plan to spend several days exploring the different zones and habitats throughout the region.
Did you know?
Hamelin Pool contains ancient stromatolite formations made of microorganisms that represent some of Earth's oldest known life forms. These living fossils provide a window into a time when life on the planet was still very young.
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