Ningaloo to Shark Bay National Landscape
The area between Ningaloo and Shark Bay has recently been nominated to become a National Landscape – a partnership initiative between tourism and conservation bodies to promote Australia’s world class, high quality visitor experiences and protect our natural and cultural assets.
With so many places of rich beauty, history and cultural significance, National Landscapes aims to make the traveller’s life easier by pointing out those truly iconic, must-see destinations in Australia.
What you’ll find when exploring Ningaloo to Shark Bay:
- World Heritage listed sites – Shark Bay became a World Heritage site in 1991, and is one of only a handful of sites around the world to meet all four natural criteria to become listed. The Ningaloo Reef has also recently been nominated for World Heritage status.
- Significant sites around Shark Bay – Numerous sites contribute to the Shark Bay area’s World Heritage status, including the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool and Shell Beach.
- Cultural significance – Maritime, pioneering and Indigenous history abound between Shark Bay and Ningaloo.
- Iconic natural events – there’s always something gracing nature’s calendar on the Coral Coast. From whale sharks at Ningaloo to turtle nesting season and dugongs, no matter what time of the year you visit, there will be a natural spectacle on show.
- Dugong encounters – The Shark Bay Marine Park is home to ten percent of the world’s dugong population, making it one of the largest and most significant populations on earth.
- The reef of the West – The Ningaloo Reef is Australia’s largest fringing reef, and at some points starts just metres from the shore. There are over 500 fish species and 250 hard and soft corals to explore.
More about National Landscapes
Australia’s National Landscapes program was launched in December 2006 and the program now has 15 monumental landscapes from around Australia that are recognised as part of the initiative. Ningaloo to Shark Bay will be in the company of other extraordinary places around Australia such as Kakadu, the Kimberley, and the Great Ocean Road. Head to the National Landscapes website for more information.
