Shark Bay & Geraldton
May 2022
During our extended stay in Western Australia, we rented an apartment in Rockingham, just south of Perth. During one of our regular visits to our daughter and family in Kalgoorlie, the Covid pandemic was just beginning.
Lockdowns were being introduced throughout the world and borders closed. We decided Western Australia was the safest place for us to settle and we stayed for three years. It was a sensible decision and we continue to enjoy approximately five months of the year there.
In May, 2022 we decided to make a road trip to the Shark Bay World Heritage area, about 500 miles north, booking an apartment in the quiet, sleepy town of Denham.
To break up the long journey, we stayed a couple of nights in Geraldton.
One of our favourite places just outside Denham was Little Lagoon, a wonderful stretch of clear, calm water just five kilometres from Denham.
We made several visits to Monkey Mia Conservation Park about 20 minutes drive from our apartment. For over 50 years since fisherman threw unwanted fish overboard, wild bottlenose dolphins have visited the shallow waters close to the shore almost every day of the year.
Today, the dolphins are fed in accordance with very strict guidelines and under the supervision of the wildlife authorities to ensure they continue to hunt and behave naturally.
The dolphins obviously don't visit Monkey Mia every day just for the small amount of food they receive. They must enjoy the interaction with the Rangers who have named (and recognise) the regular dolphins, and the tourists who turn up every morning. On our first visit we met Piccolo & her calf Pan and Kiya with her calf Jindi.
Dolphins are not the only visitors to Monkey Mia beach:
Ocean Park Aquarium just 10 kms from Denham is well worth a visit. It began (& still is) a rescue, rehab & education centre for marine creatures.
They offer one hour tours with a Marine Biologist . These tours run continuously every day, so no matter what time you arrive between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. you simply join in the next guided tour and experience all Ocean Park has to offer.
Shark feedings are part of every guided tour. The secure observation decks above the open water are the ideal place to witness the terrific power of sharks.
Western Australia has strict regulations and the Aquarium isn't allowed to keep fit & well turtles after caring for them. They must be returned responsibly back to the ocean. Amazing place. We spent much longer there than we thought we would.
In the Oceans Restaurant which overlooks magnificent ocean views, you can enjoy a relaxing drink, snack or meal.
The highlight of our trip was a one-hour flight in a small four-seater aircraft over the stunning Shark Bay area. This flight was a gift from Elaine's family to celebrate a special Birthday. (the number ends with a zero!)
Our approximate flight path:
We also enjoyed a great deal of relaxing time at the superb beaches & lagoons and meeting some of the locals including emus and pelicans. Here are a few snapshots of our memorable trip around Shark Bay:
On our return journey south, we stayed for a week in the town of Geraldton again about half way between Shark Bay and Wanneroo.
It was an enjoyable place to stay. We explored the nearby
beaches (of course!). Our favourite, well sheltered from autumn breezes, was
Medalias Beach:
An interesting attraction on the sea front was the Geraldton Orb, known as "Horizon". Filled with 1,800 litres of water, it turns the world upside down!
Sunday morning was cloudy with light rain showers. So what is the best thing to do on a grey morning in Geraldton?
1. Head for a coffee shop overlooking the Marina. 2. Find window seats with a lovely view. 3. Order coffee, hot chocolate and a huge slice of Caramel Chocolate Malteser Cake. Job done!
On one day we visited Greenough Historic Settlement, about 25 minutes drive from Geraldton. Once a thriving village community in the 19th Century the area has been lovingly restored by the Australian National Trust.
We strolled through the village visiting the schoolroom, two churches, village hall, the jail & courthouse, convent and several residential properties, before enjoying lunch in their Cafe.
In the afternoon we explored the Greenhough Valley and returned to this beautiful, peaceful area a couple of days later to relax by the river and enjoy a picnic. It was a sunny day with a gentle breeze but the area can be extremely windy as you can see!
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