Hamelin Pool Stromatolites

Hamelin Pool Stromatolites are living microbial colonies in Hamelin Pool, within the Shark Bay World Heritage Area in Western Australia. Located about 127 km south of Denham, they are among the most diverse and abundant living stromatolites on Earth, thriving in hypersaline waters. Formed by cyanobacteria, these dome-shaped structures offer a rare window into early life on Earth dating back 3.5 billion years and are accessible via a boardwalk and interpretive trail.

Visitors can view living stromatolites in the shallow, clear hypersaline waters of Hamelin Pool from a dedicated timber boardwalk and interpretive walk. The site is an open, arid coastal landscape with white sand, shallow bay and low scrub. Interpretive signs explain the biology and geology. There is no swimming or direct contact with the formations. The adjacent Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station provides a small museum, shop and rest area.