Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes and wildlife that make it a photographer’s paradise. From its stunning turquoise waters and rugged red cliffs to its unique flora and fauna, Shark Bay provides endless opportunities to capture the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting out, the diversity of scenery and wildlife in Shark Bay will inspire you to create stunning images. Here’s your guide to the best photography spots and tips for capturing the essence of Shark Bay.
1. Francois Peron National Park: Red Cliffs and Turquoise Waters
Francois Peron National Park is one of the most photogenic spots in Shark Bay, known for its contrasting landscapes of vivid red cliffs, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. The colours of this rugged coastline are particularly striking in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight enhances the dramatic contrasts.
Best Spots:
- Skipjack Point: One of the park’s best vantage points, offering sweeping views of the coastline and the chance to photograph marine life such as rays, dolphins, and sharks swimming in the clear waters below.
- Cape Peron: The red sand dunes and rugged cliffs at Cape Peron provide a stunning backdrop for both landscape and wildlife photography.
Photography Tip: Visit during golden hour—the hour after sunrise and before sunset—to capture the vibrant colours of the red cliffs and the soft glow on the water. A polarising filter will help enhance the contrast between the sky and the water.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
2. Shell Beach: A Unique Natural Wonder
Shell Beach is one of only a few beaches in the world made entirely of tiny white cockle shells. Stretching over 70 kilometres, the beach’s dazzling white shells and crystal-clear waters make for beautiful minimalist landscape shots. The shells reflect the sunlight, creating a unique brightness that contrasts with the deep blue of the ocean.
Best Shots:
- Capture the expansive view of Shell Beach stretching toward the horizon for a sense of scale.
- Get close-up shots of the shells to showcase their texture and detail.
Photography Tip: The bright white shells can be tricky to photograph in harsh sunlight, so try shooting during early morning or late afternoon to avoid overexposed highlights. Low-angle shots close to the shells can create a more dramatic perspective.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
3. Eagle Bluff: Aerial Views of Marine Life
Eagle Bluff offers one of the best vantage points in Shark Bay, where you can photograph the stunning aerial views of the shallow waters below. From the elevated boardwalk, you can capture rays, sharks, and turtles swimming in the clear waters, while the expansive landscape offers incredible panoramic shots of Shark Bay’s coastline.
Best Shots:
- Look down into the water to capture marine wildlife as they glide through the shallows.
- Wide-angle shots of the coastline and the patchwork of colours created by the shallow and deeper waters.
Photography Tip: A telephoto lens is essential for capturing detailed shots of marine life from the elevated platform. A polarising filter can reduce glare from the water, allowing you to better see the creatures below.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
4. Monkey Mia: Dolphin Photography
Monkey Mia is world-renowned for its wild dolphin encounters, offering an excellent opportunity to capture dolphins up close as they visit the shore. The shallow waters provide the perfect setting for both action shots of the dolphins in the water and intimate close-ups as they interact with visitors.
Best Shots:
- Action shots of the dolphins as they leap out of the water or play in the shallows.
- Close-up shots of the dolphins’ faces as they approach the shore.
Photography Tip: Dolphins are fast-moving subjects, so using a fast shutter speed (1/500 or higher) will help you freeze their movements. If you’re photographing in low light, increase your ISO to maintain a sharp image.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
5. Hamelin Pool Stromatolites: Ancient Wonders
The Hamelin Pool stromatolites are one of Shark Bay’s most fascinating features. These living fossils are among the oldest forms of life on Earth, providing a rare opportunity for both landscape and macro photography. The raised boardwalk over Hamelin Pool allows for great views of the stromatolites, while the surrounding seascape provides stunning backdrops.
Best Shots:
- Wide-angle shots that capture the stromatolites in the foreground with the clear blue water in the background.
- Close-ups of the intricate patterns and textures of the stromatolites.
Photography Tip: Photograph the stromatolites at low tide, when they are most visible. Use a macro lens to capture the fine details of these ancient structures.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
6. Little Lagoon: Reflections and Serenity
Little Lagoon, located just outside of Denham, is a circular, calm body of water that offers beautiful reflection shots, especially during sunrise and sunset. The stillness of the water creates perfect mirror-like reflections of the sky and surrounding landscape, making it an ideal location for peaceful, minimalist photography.
Best Shots:
- Capture the symmetry of the reflections in the calm water, particularly during the golden hour.
- Use the lagoon’s curved shoreline to create leading lines that guide the viewer’s eye through the image.
Photography Tip: When photographing reflections, position your camera low to the ground to enhance the symmetry between the landscape and its reflection.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
7. Dirk Hartog Island: Remote and Rugged Beauty
For adventurous photographers, Dirk Hartog Island is a remote and rugged destination offering a wealth of opportunities for dramatic landscape and wildlife photography. The island’s windswept cliffs, sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife—including seabirds, turtles, and whales—make it an ideal spot for capturing the wild beauty of Shark Bay.
Best Shots:
- Capture the cliffs plunging into the ocean at locations like Cape Inscription for dramatic seascapes.
- Photograph wildlife, including seabirds and whales, from cliff-top vantage points.
Photography Tip: Dirk Hartog Island is remote, so plan for a full-day trip or longer stay. Golden hour photography works best for the cliffs, and a telephoto lens is essential for capturing distant wildlife.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
8. Big Lagoon: Tranquil Waters and Wildlife
Big Lagoon in Francois Peron National Park is another excellent spot for capturing Shark Bay’s unique landscapes and wildlife. The calm waters of the lagoon provide great opportunities for kayak photography, allowing you to get close to the birdlife and photograph from the water. The contrast between the red sand dunes and turquoise water creates beautiful compositions.
Best Shots:
- Capture the vibrant colours of the lagoon from both water level and elevated viewpoints.
- Wildlife photography, especially birds wading along the shores or dugongs and rays in the water.
Photography Tip: If you’re photographing from a kayak, use a waterproof camera bag and bring a polarising filter to cut glare from the water.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
9. Skipjack Point: Wildlife and Scenic Vistas
Skipjack Point, located within Francois Peron National Park, is an elevated vantage point perfect for wildlife and landscape photography. The point provides panoramic views of the coastline, where you can often spot dolphins, sharks, and rays swimming in the waters below. The rugged cliffs and turquoise waters create a stunning backdrop for dramatic seascapes.
Best Shots:
- Capture wildlife such as sharks and rays swimming close to the shore.
- Wide-angle shots of the coastline, cliffs, and the vibrant contrast between the red sand and blue water.
Photography Tip: A telephoto lens is ideal for wildlife photography here, allowing you to capture marine life in detail from the elevated cliffs.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
10. Sunset at Steep Point
Steep Point, the westernmost point of mainland Australia, offers one of the best locations for sunset photography in Shark Bay. The dramatic cliffs and expansive ocean views make for stunning sunset shots, with the fading light casting a warm glow over the rugged landscape.
Best Shots:
- Capture the sunset over the horizon, with the cliffs in the foreground for added depth.
- Use the silhouette of the cliffs and trees to create dramatic sunset compositions.
Photography Tip: Arrive early to set up your shot and take advantage of the changing light as the sun sets. A tripod will help stabilise your camera for long-exposure shots as the light fades.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Final Thoughts
Shark Bay’s World Heritage landscapes provide a wealth of photographic opportunities, from vibrant coastal scenes to intimate wildlife encounters. Whether you’re capturing the rugged beauty of Francois Peron National Park, the peaceful reflections at Little Lagoon, or the wildlife-rich waters of Monkey Mia, Shark Bay promises an unforgettable experience for photographers. With a mix of dramatic landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and stunning colours, Shark Bay is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to capture the beauty of nature through the lens.