Western Australia · Attraction
Hamelin Pool Stromatolites
Earth's oldest living organisms
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
The stromatolites at Hamelin Pool are living descendants of microbial communities that first appeared around 3.5 billion years ago, making them among the oldest life forms on Earth. Found in the hypersaline waters of Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve, they are recognised as the most diverse and abundant examples of living marine stromatolites in the world, and are a central reason Shark Bay received UNESCO World Heritage listing in 1991.
Stromatolites are layered rock-like structures built by communities of cyanobacteria, the same microbes that first oxygenated Earth's atmosphere. At Hamelin Pool, the water is twice as salty as normal seawater, a condition that discourages the grazing animals that would otherwise eat the microbial mats. This allows stromatolites to grow undisturbed in formations that mirror those from billions of years ago.
Visitors can view the stromatolites from the shore along interpretive trails. Signage explains the biology and geological significance of the formations. Boating, swimming, and snorkelling within 300 metres of the stromatolites are prohibited to protect them.
Hamelin Pool is located 100 kilometres south-east of Denham, roughly 35 kilometres from the Overlander Roadhouse. Nearby facilities include the Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station, a historic building with a small museum and cafe. Entry to the reserve is free.
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