A unique tourism offering
The site is one of only two places worldwide where these living marine stromatolites occur, making it an anchor attraction for visitors seeking to understand the origins of life.
In 2021, Cyclone Seroja destroyed the main visitor viewing platform closing the iconic 230‑metre boardwalk. Since then, inadequate onsite facilities such as toilets, shade, parking, and interpretive signage have limited visitor access, constrained economic opportunities, and increased risks to the fragile stromatolite environment.
More than 122,000 people visited the site in 2022–23, despite these constraints, highlighting its ongoing tourism value and the urgency for safe, high‑quality infrastructure.
To address these challenges, the State Government has committed $4.6 million to rebuild the boardwalk, led by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). However, the broader landside visitor precinct remains unfunded.
Cross-agency coordination
Recognising the complexity of the site’s tenure, environmental sensitivities, and fragmented responsibilities, the Gascoyne Development Commission (GDC) plays a critical leadership role through the Hamelin Pool Visitor Infrastructure Working Group.
GDC supports cross‑agency coordination, contributes to project planning and business case development, and helps identify investment pathways to ensure the landside precinct can progress.
GDC’s executive support functions – coordinating meetings, preparing agendas, and driving collaboration – are essential to advancing a unified approach that protects the site’s World Heritage values while enabling safe, sustainable tourism.
Through this leadership, GDC is helping restore access to a globally rare natural asset and unlocking long‑term economic and community benefits for Shark Bay and the wider Gascoyne
Relevant Resources
Want to know more? Explore more here:
Australia Coral Coast
Shark Bay Discovery and Visitor Information Centre
