Francois Peron National Park

Whilst on the Aristocat boat cruise we met a family from Bayswater (just near home) and arranged to explore the Francois Peron National Park together. With our tyres deflated and 4WD engaged we enjoyed a full day of travelling along the soft tracks and awesome coast line. First up was Big Lagoon which was a popular boating and fishing spot. Further north we visited Cattle Well where the kids increased their shell collection, this time gaining some great oyster shells. There are some nice camping areas around too, including South Gregories and Gregories.

Big Lagoon

South Gregories Beach

Gregories Beach

At the tip of the National Park is Cape Peron. With vibrant contrasting colours this place provided a great backdrop for photos. The kids ran up and down the hills whilst Michelle went over to take a closer look at a huge bird colony. Before we headed back we looked out from Skipjack point where we finally had our first siting of 2 dugongs. They don’t stay above water long enough to capture them for a photo. Several dolphins swimming past offered more entertainment. It is estimated that 10% (approx 14,000) of the world’s dugong population thrive in the Shark Bay Marine Park.

Hayley & Evan walking along Cape Peron

The bird colonies before they were disturbed by us

The 6 kids at the top of the sand cliff

Cape Peron is really spectacular

A view from Skipjack Point where we sited the dugongs

Before leaving the Denham area we toured out with the van to see the Stromatolites (living limestone) at Hamelin Pool which were built by living microbes (cyanobacteria) over the years. Some are known to be about 2,000 years old.It was also the place where Coquina Shells were once quarried& used to make bricks. There are a couple of buildings in Denham (pub & church – you could not get more opposite) that were built from these shell bricks.

Stromatolites



The quarry of Coquina Shells