20 Best Beaches in the World
By • Last UpdatedShell Beach, Shark Bay, Western Australia
Nestled at the edge of the continent and part of the Shark Bay UNESCO World Heritage site, Shell Beach is a stunning expanse where countless white cockleshells stretch for miles, reaching depths of up to 30 feet in certain areas. Visitors are encouraged to take nothing but pictures during their stay. Don’t miss the Old Pearler Restaurant, a unique establishment built entirely from shells sourced from this very beach.
Located 45 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of Denham, Shell Beach lies in the Shark Bay region of Western Australia. The beach, found on the northeastern side of the Taillefer Isthmus along L’Haridon Bight, features a remarkable shell cover that extends for 60 kilometers (37 miles) to a depth of 7 to 10 meters (23 to 33 feet). It stands as one of only two beaches in the world composed entirely of shells.
The beach earned its name due to the abundant shells of the cockle species Fragum erugatum. The seawater in L’Haridon Bight is characterized by high salinity, a result of the region’s geomorphology and local climate. This elevated salinity has enabled the cockle population to thrive, as their natural predators have not adapted to the environment.
The shells have formed a limestone known as coquina. Prior to Shark Bay’s designation as a World Heritage Site, this coquina was mined and utilized in the construction of several buildings in Denham.