Anchorage: Monkey Mia, Shark Bay WA 

World Heritage listed Shark Bay encompass the most important natural and cultural treasures the Earth has to offer

World Heritage....Wildlife....European History....Aboriginal Culture

  
Of the 720 World Heritage sites around the world, Shark Bay is one of only 16 sites that satisfy all four of the natural criteria for World Heritage listing.Shark Bay has the largest seagrass banks in the world, which help to maintain one of the worlds very few hypersaline marine environments.On shore are important habitats where threatened animal species still survive, some of which are extinct elsewhere in Australia.
 
Whilst the bottlenose dolphins that visit the shallows each morning are the most well known attraction, these waters are home to dugong, turtles, rays and, naturally, sharks.Many endangered species such as bandicoots and wallabies have been identified, with Shark Bay, and in particular the Cape Peron region, now providing a safe haven in a predator and livestock free zone. 		 
Captain Dirk Hartog arrived in Shark Bay in 1616, nailing a pewter plate on the northern tip of the island he named after himself.His fellow countryman Willem de Vlamingh visited 81 years later, replacing the original plate with one of his own. The Maritime Museum of WA now displays this plate in Fremantle.

The traditional Malgana people call this country Gathaagudu, meaning two bays, or two waters. These saltwater people have lived off this land long before white explorers arrived.Take a fascinating walk through the red sand country with Darren Capewell of Wula Guda Nyinda Tours on an Aboriginal cultural walk.An evening experience not to be missed is sitting beneath a canopy of stars on the beach on the Didge Dreaming Tour, as 'Capes' plays the didgeridoo.		  

Anchorage
Approach is from the north, travelling down the east side of Peron Peninsula into Red Cliff Bay.The anchorage is protected from south through to west by land, and has some protection from the north by the extensive seagrass banks, which dry at low tide.

Lateral beacons mark the extent of the seagrass banks, directing vessels towards the beach before turning hard to port towards the public jetty.The anchorage opens out into a large area north of the jetty.Some permanent (private) moorings are in place and are used year round by charter vessels that operate from the Monkey Mia Dolphin resort.Good holding over sand is offered just north of the jetty in approx 5mts of water, approx 50mtrs from the beach.This position offers the opportunity to view the bottlenose dolphins as they swim in to the beach most mornings.
 
The beachfront resort welcomes boaties and offers the use of amenities for a small fee.It has a casual ambience with most guests wandering around in beach gear throughout the day.There is a good, albeit expensive, waterfront alfresco restaurant, BBQs, plus a takeaway café and shop.Many accommodation options are available at the resort, plus there's a caravan and campground.

Anchorage location: Lat 28 deg 48S  Long 113 deg 43E

  
Checklist
Best Time to Go Monkey Mia is a year round destination.Strong SW winds blow consistently from Nov to March, often being particularly fresh as the afternoon sea breeze builds.Monkey Mia is generally considered to be south of the cyclone belt, and may therefore be considered a safe haven for those waiting for the monsoon season to finish before travelling further north. Winds are generally lighter over the winter months.
How Long to Get There As with most of the West Australian coast where almost everywhere is remote,Monkey Mia on the mid coast is a long way from any major civilisation.By road it is 850km north of Perth or 350km south of Carnarvon.For cruisers travelling north from Fremantle by sea, Geraldton is the last stop before entering Shark Bay at Steep Point, a distance of over 400nm.To the north, Carnarvon is the next urban centre.
Fuel & Provisions Fuel is not available at Monkey Mia.The closest refuelling and shopping facility is at Denham on the western side of Peron Peninsula.Water is not available, except by jerry cans carried out in your dinghy. Limited provisions are available at the store at the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.A mail collection service is available for those staying an extended length of time, but check with the resort first.
Cruising Guide Western Australian Cruising Guide published by Fremantle Sailing Club
Charts: Paper AUS748 Shark Bay SE
Charts: C-Map Coral Bay to Kalbarri
Destination Info Shark Bay Tourism and Aboriginal Cultural Walks
Zoning
 
 

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