Shark Bay World Heritage Area

Shark Bay is a World Heritage Listed Area since 13 December 1991 for our outstanding natural values: 

• Outstanding examples representing the major stage of Earth's evolutionary history - Stromatolites 
• Outstanding examples representing significant ongoing geological process, biological evolution and man's interaction with his natural environment - Faure Sill
• Superlative natural phenomena, formation or features: for instance outstanding examples of the most important ecosystems, areas of exceptional natural beauty or exception combinations of natural and cultural elements - the inundated birridas and lagoons such as Big Lagoon and Little Lagoon. 
• The most important and significant natural habitats where threatened species of animals or plants of outstanding universal value still survive - Shark Bay is home to 5 out of Australia's 26 endangered mammal.

You can learn more about Shark Bay's world heritage on:

• UNESCO to view the complete list of all World Heritage Areas and places around the world.
• Visit the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitors Centre.
• Shark Bay World Heritage website.

Our World Heritage Neighbourhood

The Gascoyne region is truly special having two World Heritage areas in close proximity - the Ningaloo Coast and Shark Bay. Both sites are renowned for their incredible natural environments, wildlife and wilderness tourism experiences.  

For more information on the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area