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Stromatolites are able to survive in the area because Hamelin Pool's water is twice as saline as normal sea water and seagrasses and many other forms of life cannot survive there.
The stromatolites are one of the most important features of the Shark Bay World Heritage area. They look like rocky lumps strewn around the beach but are actually built by living organisms too small for the human eye to see. Within the structures are communities of diverse inhabitants with population densities of 3000 million individuals per square metre! The organisms use sediment and organic material to build stromatolites up to 1.5 metres high - up to 10 million times their size. Because they grow very slowly, a metre-high stromatolite could be about 2000 million years old.
When the Shark Bay stromatolites were discovered by scientists in 1956, they were the first growing examples ever recorded of structures, found fossilised in very old rocks, that had puzzled geologists for more than a century. The living microbes that built the stromatolites are similar to those found in 3500 million year old rocks, which are the earliest record of life on Earth.
A wooden boardwalk at Hamelin Pool allows people to view the stromatolites without damaging them. It incorporates informative panels that give visitors a fascinating insight into the formation and lifestyle of the stromatolites and is a good way to find out about the beginnings of life of Earth.
Find out more about Hamlin pool nature reserve. http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/national_parks/hamelin_pool_mnr.html
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Where is it?:
105 kilometres from Denham or 35 kilometres from the Overlander Roadhouse.
Travelling time:
The reserve is about an hour's drive from Denham and 30 minutes from the Overlander Roadhouse.
Access:
Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve protects 1,270 square kilometres, but the main visitor site is a tiny proportion of this area. The access road, the tearooms, and most of the land adjacent to the visitor site is part of Hamelin Station, including the historic Hamelin Pool telegraph station.
Facilities:
The marine nature reserve is a day use area only. Accommodation is available elsewhere in the World Heritage Area, such as at Denham, Monkey Mia or Nanga. There is an interesting museum and tearooms at the adjacent Hamelin station. Souvenirs and other merchandise can be purchased here and there are faculties for camping.
Best season:
The best time to visit is between June and October, when winds are generally lightest and the temperature is in the mid-20s. Temperatures can be extremely hot in the summer months.
What to see and do:
Walk the stromatolite boardwalk and learn about the beginnings of life on Earth. The visitor site is adjacent to the historic Hamelin Pool telegraph station, which is now a Museum.
Please take care when visiting these areas
The great outdoors is now becoming an important part of the Australian way of life and this is emphasised by the sales of recreational products such as 4WD vehicles, campers, mountain bikes and trail bikes. A general desire to escape the everyday humdrum, has resulted in a major increase in numbers of people participating in outdoor activities.
Our aim is to educate all who use our outdoor environment for recreational activities to Tread Lightly! and to leave no trace. We do this in cooperative arrangements to provide brochures, posters etc; restoration projects; education; amongst other things to convey our message to the general public and future generations of outdoor recreationalists. We need your support to continue this work. www.treadlightlyaustralia.com.au |