Shark Bay/Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia in Western Australia is known as the place where dolphins approach the shore to fraternize with the crowds, but there are other attractions in the area.

A few miles south is Shell Beach, comprised of billions of crushed shells. And farther along is Hamelin Pool, where hypersalinization (it’s twice as salty as seawater) has contributed to the formation of strange, domed stromatolites; they are known as “living fossils” because these cyanobacteria formations are probably as old as any form of life on Earth.

Denham, the main town in the region, has a number of restaurants which, in season, reportedly offer the cheapest lobster you’ll find anywhere in Australia. In addition, fishing off the rugged coast is legendary.

For info on West Australia Tourism, log on to www.westernaustralia.net or www.monkeymia.com.au.

For info on travel to Australia, visit www.australia.com or call 800/333-0262 for a vacation planning kit.