DRIVE YOURSELF TO MONKEY MIA - CONT

Note: Care should be taken, especially at night, as most of the road verge is not fenced. Stock and wildlife often stray onto the road. There are numerous cattle grids.

Shell billabong Roadhouse 134 km north of the kalbarri turnoff. An ideal place to take a break. Open 24 hours for fuel and food. Tel: (099) 425 919.

156 km north fo the Kalbarri Road and 23 km south of the Overlander Roadhouse is Butcher's Track and the turnoff to Wooleen Station (144)km - an authentic Australian Sheep Station on the banks of the upper Murchison River, offering Farmstay Accommodation in a gracious National Trust listed Homestead. Station life involvement and guided tours. Tel: (099) 637 973.

Tune again to 88FM Visitor Information Radio as you approach The Overlander Roadhouse.

Turn left at The Overlander for Shark Bay and Monkey Mia via Hamelin - Nanga - Denham. The Shark Bay Way runs north west for 154 km and is the access road to the Shark Bay World Heritage Region. One of the most unique and pristine environments in the World.

The Shark Bay World Heritage area is managed by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM). Printed interpretive material may be obtained from the Shire Office, the Shark Bay Tourist Information Centre or from the CALM office in Denham.

The Shark Bay Way is not fenced - beware of wildlife and straying stock. 27 km from The Overlander is the turnoff to Hamelin Pool (6 km) - site of the World's finest display of Stromatolites. These living fossils are formed by minute Cyanobacteria in the saline shallows of Hamelin Pool. The Stromatolites may be easily seen from a special viewing area maintained by CALM and the Shire of Shark Bay.

Before viewing the Stromatolites call at the Old Historic Telegraph Station and view the short video on how Stromatolites are formed. Enjoy the exhibition of memorabilia from the days when the Telegraph Station was vital communication link with the remote north of the State. Meals and cold drinks are available. Tel: (099) 425 905.

85 km from The Overlander is the turnoff fro Nanga Bay Holiday Village (3km). Still a working Sheep Station offering Motel, Charlet, Caravan and Camping accomodation with pool, spa, mini mart, restraunt. A proper boat ramp, fuel and animal park. Tel (099) 483 992. 5 km north of the Nanga turnoff is the famous Shell Beach situated on the northern side of the Peron Peninsula. Stretching for many kilometres the beach is made up entirely of countless tiny white seashells, in some places as much as 10 metres deep.

45 km past the Shell Beach is the town of Denham - main town and administration centre of the Shark Bay Shire.

Tune again to 88FM for local Tourist Information.

Denham has a Silver Chain Nursing Post. Tel: (099) 481 213 and is visited regularly by the Flying Doctor.

The Shark Bay Tourist Centre is situated ont eh Knight Terrace beach front. Open every day for advice on local tours and cruises. Tel: (099) 481 253.

DENHAM TO MONKEY MIA (25km)

The road from Denham to Monkey Mia is well signposted ( opposite the Information Bay). Good sealed road. On the left is Little Lagoon - popular picnic and swimming spot. Fruther on is the intry to the Francois Peron National Park (4-wheel drive vehicles only past The Old Homestead).

Tune again to 88FM Visitor informatio Radio as you approach Monkey Mia.

Monkey Mia - home of the World famous Dolphins who for almost 30 years have been visiting the beach every day to interact with visitors*. The Department of Conservation and Land Managemant in association with the Shire of Shark Bay manage a Dolphin Information Centre staffed by Rangers who care for the day-to- day well being of the Dolphins. Visit the centre to learn Dolphin etiquette and view the informative video (Park entry fee $5 per person).

Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort situated right on the famous Dolphin Beach. The Rosort offers a full range of visitor accommodation including Motel style Garden Villas, Park Homes, Canvas condos, Caravan park, camping and backpackers. A fully licenced Restaurant, Pool, Tennis, Spa. Evening nature talks by the Rosort's Resident Naturalist are free and open to all.

Cruise the calm waters of the bay aboard the magnificent 18 metre (60ft) sailing Catamarn "SHOTOVER". Rendezvous with the Dolphins and other marine life in the wild or enjoy a sunset cruise from as little a $24 per person. First sailing from the Resort 10.00 am every day Tel: (099) 481 481.

Visit a working Pearl Farm - daily excursions by glass bottom boat depart from the Resort every day at 10.00 am.

The Bough Shed Restaurant on the beach at the Monkey Mia Dolphin resort is open to all visitors. Relax in a superb open-to-the-air setting. Breakfast served from 7.00 am. Lunch, snacks and cappuccino served all day. Local seafood a speciality, cocktail bar open in the evenings. The superb candlelight dinners are prepared by International Chefs.

Tel: (099) 481 320.

The Monkey Mia Store and Mini Mart. Everything you need - food, fuel, drinks and holiday wear. Tel: (099) 481 320.

Relax and enjoy your stay at Monkey Mia. Please contact The Resort's Guest Relations Staff for assistance with your holiday planning, local touring and a list of activities.

Dolphins: The Dolphins of Monkey Mia are wild creatures free to come and go as they please. Whilst it is very rare for them not to visit the beach daily, the Resort makes no guarantee.

For obligation free assistance with your itinerary planning call the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Central Reservations Perth Western Australia (61-9) 93853611 or The Rosort direct (099) 481 320. Fax: (099) 481 034 E Mail - monkeymia@rts.com.au This guide is produced using the best data available at the time of going on-line. No responsibility will be taken for accuracy or actions of businesses or services listed herein.