Feral goats at Francois Peron National Park Robert Frew
A small group of feral goats gathers at the edge of a shallow inlet within François Peron National Park on Western Australia's Shark Bay peninsula. Some animals stand alert on the sandy shoreline while others rest or drink near the water's edge, creating a scene that highlights the adaptability of this introduced species in Australia's arid coastal environments. The contrast between the pale sand, calm water and rugged coastal terrain reflects the unique landscape of the park, where red dunes, white beaches and turquoise bays combine to create one of Western Australia's most distinctive natural settings.
François Peron National Park forms part of the internationally significant Shark Bay World Heritage Area, renowned for its exceptional marine environments, diverse wildlife and striking coastal scenery. The park is home to dugongs, dolphins, turtles, rays and numerous bird species, while extensive conservation programs work to protect native ecosystems from the impacts of introduced animals such as goats, sheep and feral cats.
Known as Wulyibidi in the Malgana language, the Peron Peninsula forms part of the traditional Country of the Malgana people, whose connection to this coastal landscape extends back thousands of years.

