Shark Bay is one of only two places in the world where living marine stromatolites exist. These ancient structures are examples of what life on Earth was like 3.5 billion years ago and are considered living fossils - the earliest record of life on earth.
What is a Stromatolite?
Cyanobacteria were some of the first living creatures on Earth and stromatolites are formed by these organisms. The cyanobacteria bond together and produce a sticky gel – trapping sediments and sand together and gradually building up layers. As the sediment accumulates, it forms flat algal mats or hardens to form stromatolites, which have an outer layer of living cyanobacteria. At first glance these don't even seem to be living. Each structure is actually a very slow growing microbial colony that may grow less than 1mm per year.
Hamelin Pool is home to the most diverse and abundant examples of living stromatolites in the world. These creatures are monuments to life on Earth over 3.5 billion years ago; a time when no other complex creatures were present on the planet.
Viewing the Stromatolites
The Stromatolites are located at Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve. A 200 metre boardwalk gives access to the stromatolites’ environment and interpretive signage helps explain all there is to know about these intriguing organisms. A short walk leads from the Old Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station out to the start of the boardwalk. When visiting the stromatolites please do the right thing and stay on the boardwalk to protect these delicate structures.
*BOARDWALK CLOSED* Boardwalk was damaged in Cyclone Seroja, there is currently no announcement on a reopen date. Please check DBCA website for latest updates: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/hamelin-pool-marine-nature-reserve
Other visitor facilities nearby include the Old Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station, built in 1884 as part of the vital communication line between Perth and Roebourne. The original building is now a museum housing many fascinating artifacts.
Boolagoorda Walking Track
This walking track is a 1.4 kilometre loop track linking the Old Telegraph Station with the stromatolite boardwalk. The walk’s key attraction is obviously the stromatolites but other interesting historic sites can be found along the way including the old shell block quarry, a grave and remains of the old telegraph line. Information signs explain the significance of these features.
Getting there
Getting to Hamelin Pool and the stromatolites is easy. Drive the 27 kilometres of sealed road from the North West Coastal Highway and turn right at the signs for the last 5 kilometres to the Old Telegraph Station. From there it's a short walk along a formed walking track to reach the boardwalk and view the stromatolites.
There is no entry fee to view the Stromatolites.
Image credits: Tourism Western Australia, Intrepid Drone Photography, Australia Coral Coast