Last Updated on 15 May 2025 by Ariana Svenson
Hamelin Pool is one of the most incredible places on Earth, yet it would be underwhelming without some extra information.
The stromatolites found in Hamelin Pool are one of the main reasons why the entire Shark Bay area has been granted World Heritage status since 1991. Hamelin Pool is home to stunning natural landscapes and incredible ecological value.
When you visit, you’ll see unique ecosystems, including huge seagrass beds, crystal clear shallows, and the most extensive stromatolites -living evidence of Earth’s early life.
The Shark Bay area fulfils all FOUR of the natural criteria – this is very unique and rare, making it all the more special:
- Evolution History: Shark Bay holds some of the most remarkable living examples of early life. The stromatolites at Hamelin Pool give invaluable insights into Earth’s evolution.
- Wildlife Refuges: Shark Bay is home to many threatened marine and terrestrial wildlife, including dugongs, turtles, and other species that depend on its protected habitats for survival.
- Outstanding Natural Beauty: Shark Bay stands out for its breathtaking scenery and incredible ecological diversity, with turquoise waters, white shell beaches, and more!
- Ongoing Geological and Biological Processes: The region demonstrates ongoing natural processes, including the formation of hypersaline environments and the evolution of coastal and marine ecosystems that continue to shape the landscape today!
Hamelin Pool Stromatolites: Why They are SO Important
Stromatolites are microbial mats or mounds formed by bacteria and cyanobacteria. They are shaped through a binding process involving sediment, sand, and algae.
The Hamelin Pool stromatolites represent life from between 3.5 billion and 700 million years ago, a time when complex organisms did not exist. Once the dominant life form, they helped shape Earth’s atmosphere and paved the way for more complex organisms.
The mystery surrounding the origin of these Stromatolites has interested scientists worldwide. They have even been described as discovering a living dinosaur. Shark Bay is one of only two places on the planet where marine stromatolites are still forming—and it holds the record as the largest colony on Earth.
Stromatolites grow at an incredibly slow rate of just 0.3 mm per year. Imagine how long it’s taken them to reach their current height!
Hamelin Pool Shark Bay is one of the best places to visit in Western Australia and a must on your bucket list!
Visiting Hamelin Pool Stromatolites
To see the stromatolites, head to Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve. They are best viewed at low tide and can be seen with binoculars for a close-up view. The walk from the car park to the viewing areas is just 750m. The ground is compacted gravel.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Since Cyclone Seroja in 2021, the 200m boardwalk that allows you to walk out across the stromatolites has been closed. There is currently a $4.6 million rebuild in planning. Visiting now, you can still view the stromatolites from the shoreline.
Map of Hamelin Pool’s Location
How to get to Hamelin Pool, Western Australia
Hamelin Pool is 27 km off the Northwest Coastal Highway via Shark Bay Road. The road is sealed, with just a short unsealed stretch suitable for 2WD vehicles leading to the carpark. From there, it’s an easy 750-metre return walk to the stromatolites.
Denham to Hamelin Pool
If you’re staying in Denham, join Denham/Shark Bay Road and drive south for 100km, then join Hamelin Pool Road (sealed road on left) for 5km.
Monkey Mia to Hamelin Pool
Head east on Monkey Mia Road toward Denham for around 25km, where you can turn left to join Shark Bay Road, then head left onto Hamelin Pool Road for 5km.
More Things to Do Near Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay
Whether you’re drawn by the science, the scenery or both, there are plenty of places beyond Hamelin Pool to visit. Here are some top spots to visit:
Hike the Boolagoorda Trail
Hiking on the Boolagoorda Trail takes you past the old Telegraph Station, the Stromatolites, the coquina quarry, interesting grave sites, and wildlife.
Depending on the season, you’ll also see plenty of gorgeous wildflowers (read about wildflowers in Western Australia here).
The trail is easy to navigate, 1.4 km long, and takes under 1 hour to complete, making it a perfect family activity. There are also plenty of useful information signs you can read to stay on track and learn more about the area.
Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station
Built in 1884, the historic Telegraph Station provided a vital telegraph line between Perth and Roebourne until its closure in the 1950s. It used to be called Flint Cliff Telegraph Station.
The station is now a historic museum where you can learn about telecommunications in the 1800s. (Closed unless the Caravan Park owner agrees to open it)
Coquina Quarry
In Shark Bay, a tiny cockle called Fragum erratum is so abundant in places like Hamelin Pool, WA and L’haridon Bight that its shells have formed a type of soft limestone known as coquina, created when the shells compact and cement together over time.
This shell-based stone was once quarried and used in local construction. One of the old quarry sites can still be seen along the Boolagoorda trail.
In Denham, these unique coquina blocks were used to build buildings like the Old Pearler Restaurant, St Andrew’s Church, and parts of the Shark Bay Hotel.
Places to Visit Near Hamelin Pool: The Shark Bay Heritage Area
Hamelin Pool is part of the wider Shark Bay region. Make sure you also add these highlights to your Shark Bay itinerary!
Shell Beach
Just a short drive from Hamelin Pool, this stunning beach is made entirely of tiny white cockle shells stretching for more than 100 km.
It’s one of only a few places where shells replace sand, creating a surreal and beautiful landscape.
Denham
Denham is the closest town to Hamelin Pool, a relaxed coastal hub with cafes, a waterfront foreshore, and access to nearby attractions like Monkey Mia and the Ocean Park Aquarium.
Make sure you read:
Monkey Mia
Famous for its wild dolphin encounters, Monkey Mia is a must-visit. It’s also home to the renowned RAC Monkey Mia Resort.
Make sure you read:
Francois Peron National Park
Picture dramatic red cliffs contrasting with white sandy beaches and bright turquoise waters.
Due to the terrain, a 4wd tour is the best way to explore this national park. Lots of experience is needed for this. Read more about this in our things to do in Shark Bay post.
You can also paddle your watercraft across the wide shallows and into the upper reaches of Big Lagoon, where you can enjoy spotting birds, fish, turtles, and rays along the way.
Hamelin Pool Accommodation
Accommodation at Hamelin Pool is limited due to its remote location and protected status. Most visitors base themselves in Denham or Monkey Mia. Read our guide to staying in Denham vs Monkey Mia to help make your decision. You could also opt for a WA station stay. There are a couple of options closer to Hamelin Pool, including:
Staying at the Hamelin Pool Caravan Park
Due to its proximity to the beach and swimming pool, budget accommodation is ideal for camping or caravanning.
Facilities include clean toilets and hot water showers using bore water (guests must bring drinking water). However, the’ dongas’ (accommodation units) and camp kitchen have less-than-stellar reviews!
Gladstone Wilderness Camping
The stunning Gladstone Bay Campground is about a 40-minute drive north of Hamelin Pool. It’s a pretty idyllic place offering 3km of pristine coastline, a historic jetty, crystal clear waters, and plenty of marine life. Facilities include toilets, an artisan camp shower, and a BBQ area with a pizza oven!
Hamelin Pool FAQ
Can you swim in Hamelin Pool?
Swimming is not permitted at the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve. The area is protected due to the delicate nature of the algal mats and stromatolites. Head to Shell Beach instead for a swim!
Can you fish at Hamelin Pool?
Most of Shark Bay is part of the Shark Bay Marine Park, with specific areas where line fishing is restricted. These include the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve and several sanctuary zones.
Are dogs allowed at Hamelin Pool?
Dogs aren’t allowed in the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve (including the stromatolite car park and boardwalk areas), but you can bring your dog on a leash to the Hamelin Pool Caravan Park and Telegraph Station.
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