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MONKEY MIA
Introduction
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 hand fed from the
side of a local fishing boat by Mrs Alice Ninnie. He kept coming back with
other dolphins afterwards. The tradition was passed down for three
generations so far.
Beautiful sandy beaches cover the land down to the ocean. Thousands of
tourists come to visit Monkey Mia each year because of the amazing
dolphins, facilities and accommodation. These features make Shark Bay
special. People have estimated 150 000 tourist come to the bay each year.
Tours by land or sea are increasing rapidly in popularity because the
uniqueness of the bay is greatly appreciated.
Monkey Mia was named by William Dampier in 1699. A Frenchman by the name
of Francois St. Allouran claimed the land in 1772. He also made the first
formal claim of land 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.
Attractions
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Evidence
of Aboriginal presence in the Shark Bay region can be still
seen in numerous cave shelters and shell middens.
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The
shallow 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 opportunity to view these and other aquatic life. Manta
Rays, Turtles and Whales can be seen and there are the famous dolphins
of Monkey Mia - who visit the beach each day to interact with
visitors.
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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.
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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. Access to the Park is
limited to 4-wheel drive vehicles beyoud the old Peron Station
Homestead.
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Shell
Beach - a 110 kms stretch of coastline comprising countless
billions of tiny shells.
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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
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Plan to
spend time exploring the pristine bays, inlets and
islands.
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Discover
for yourself some of the rare plants, mammals and birds found
only in Shark bay.
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Regular 4-wheel
drive nature based tours and cruises to the more remote
areas of the Park are available
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Walk the 100 kilometre Shell Beach. This beach, unique to Australia is made up of billions of tiny shells. At times these shells build up to mounds over 10 metres deep.
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All along
this coast there is magnificent fishing
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Lagoons
for perfect boating
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Beach
picnics and small boat sailing
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Interact
with the Monkey Mia Dolphins who visit the shores almost everyday to
meet with people
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