Shark Bay has walking trails suitable for all levels of experience, from beginners through to advanced hikers. These trails incorporate local history, indigenous cultural sites, unique wilderness and ideal locations to observe wildlife.
For a printable walking trails guide for the Shark Bay area click here. You can also download the map for our Denham Discovery Trail, a 2.3 kilometre trail taking you past sites of interest in the town of Denham.
Wanamalu Trail
Located between Skipjack Point and Cape Peron in Francois Peron National Park this trail offers excellent views of the area's abundant marine life from the cliff top. Striking red sands provide great photographic opportunities. 4WD access only.
Distance: 1.5km one way | Time: 45 mins
Wulyibidi Yanayina Trail
The trail starts at the Monkey Mia car park and winds through surrounding red sand dunes, visiting a bird hide by an artificial water hole and a section of coastline. An excellent way to explore the local landscape of Monkey Mia.
Distance: 3km loop | Time: 1-1.5 hours
Boolagoorda Trail
The Boolagoorda Trail links the Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station with the start of the stromatolites boardwalk. A shell quarry, grave site, and remains of the old telegraph line are all features of this walk. A boardwalk extends out over the ocean providing easy viewing of the area’s stromatolites.
Distance: 750m each way + 300m boardwalk | Time: 30-45 mins
Eagle Bluff Boardwalk
This short boardwalk is perched high on the scree slope above the shallow waters of Henri Freycinet Harbour. There are excellent views of two small limestone islands and marine life that frequent the inshore waters. Rays, sharks, schools of fish, and even turtles and dugongs, can often be seen, especially during summer. Interpretive signs explain the significance of the area.
Distance: 300m boardwalk | Time: 30 mins
Station Life Walk Trail
This short walk explores historical Peron Homestead in Francois National Park. Shearing sheds, holding yards, windmills, and an artesian hot tub are all features of this interpreted walk that gives an insight into life at the old station before it became a national park. A small visitor centre features dioramas and other exhibits about the park and Project Eden.
2WD accessible | Distance: 500m loop | Time: 30 mins
Nicholson Point Walk Trail
Nicholson Point Walk Trail meanders from Denham across shrub lands to Little Lagoon and offers a large range of plant species and bird life. The sandy beach between Nicholson Point and the mouth of Little Lagoon has a large array of shells and is home to a variety of sea animals. Beware of stonefish in the lagoon shallows.
Distance: 5km | Time: 1.5-2 hours
Denham Discovery
The trail will take you past sites of interest that will have you thinking about Shark Bay's traditional owners, early pioneers, preachers, pastoralists, pearlers, prisoners, and publicans.
Distance: 2.3km | Time: 1 hour
Boolbardi Walk
This walk will feature an Aboriginal fish trap south of Denham. Walk to the southern end of Knight Terrace and then follow the shoreline. You'll find the fish trap at a small cape where there is the first 4WD beach access south of town. Even at low tide the stones, which are arrange in a three quarter circle, remain submerged.
Distance: 600m | Time: 40 minutes
Call in to the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitor Centre for more information.
Image credits: Toursim Western Australia, Intrepid Drone Photography, Australias Coral Coast