Looking at the site where the Princess Theatre stands today, it is actually the second building. The first was Astley’s Amphitheatre, which was also built in 1854. It was actually named after the magnificent Astley Royal Amphitheatre, which is located near Westminster Bridge, London.  Astley’s had a unique structure with a central ring for equestrian type of entertainment performances, along with a stage at one end for dramatic activities. It was in 1857, that this amphitheatre was renovated, and the Princess theatre was opened along with the opening of the Opera House as well.

There is a very beautiful Victorian feel to the theatre which was created and renovated by the best of architects and artists. The building when completed was known to have the world’s first retractable or sliding kind of roof and ceiling. Also, the stage lighting was done in an impeccable manner, and was quite impressive. From time to time, the owners of the theatre of changed, and each of them have renovated and reopened it with great performances or dramas. In this respect, the Princess Theatre is known to have its audience some of the finest dramas and other kinds of performances.

Over the years, there have been some ghost stories developing about the Princess Theatre. In 1888, one of the performers of a play had died during the middle of it, and since then many claim to have seen a ghostly figure in an evening dress in the theatre. For many years, the third-row seat in the dress circle of the theatre had been kept vacant in the artist’s honour.

Now, the theatre is used for many international musical productions. Some of the finest entertainment and performing companies come here with their shows. The Princess Theatre, Melbourne has an amazingly large seating capacity of 1488, which clearly indicates the level and magnitude of the kind of performances that happen here, and how the response from the audience is to such shows. People going to Melbourne always make it a point to visit this beautiful building, which for years has stood unbeatable and undisputed in its magnificence.

Administration
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park will manage the Great Barrier Reef and define the activities that can be done and that cannot be done on the Great Barrier Reef. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is formed by the government of Australia. It is managed with the partnership of government of Queensland. They had taken some measures like zoning, permits, incentives, and sustainable development. In July 2004, they implemented new zoning law as a part of conservation of Marine Park. Using Marxan software, rezoning was implemented for systematic conservation. With the implementation of new laws, marine life conservation has greatly improved.

Human Use
It is proved from evidences that Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait islander peoples inhabited that area from the past 40,000 years and 10,000 years respectively. The great barrier reef became famous because of the exploration of James Cook. Great Barrier Reef Committee was established in 1922 for doing research on the reef. Queensland Museum consists of archaeological excavations since 1983. The reef is also rich in culture and spirituality.

Tourism
Great Barrier Reef is very popular destination for tourism. Whitsundays and Cairns attract maximum tourists. Because of its biodiversity, warm waters, clean waters, floating guest facilities, this place attracts many scuba divers. There is also a boat service to the reefs along the Queensland coast. You can find many islands converted into resorts. Australia earns huge revenue from the tourism industry of the Great Barrier Reef. Though they get maximum revenues, Australian government is restricting tourism to protect marine life and conserve the endangered species.

Boats available in the great barrier reef are of different sizes that include dinghies, super yachts, glass bottomed boats, and underwater observatories.

Fun Activities and Adventures
It is the great place to enjoy outdoor activities. You can go for snorkeling and diving. Because of its water quality, such activities are encouraged there. Australian government is striving hard for the ecologically sustainable tourism. They impose duty fee for doing research of the Great Barrier Reef. Government is implementing new laws and policies on cruises to protect and preserve its marine life.

Fishing Industry
Since Great Barrier Reef is inhabited with vast marine life, fishing industry has improved greatly. The Queensland government appointed 2000 employees for this industry. The government will get AU$1 billion revenue from the fishing industry.

Environmental Issues
Because of climate change, there is a threat to Great Barrier Coral reef. Due to pollution and increasing temperatures, marine life is at a great danger. Overgrazing, over use of pesticides, and fertilizers run into the water damaging its quality. It is also destroying marine population.

Location of Shark Bay
Shark bay is located on the extreme west coast of Australia, and 800km away from north of Perth. Lying between 24 and 27 degrees south of equator, shark bay consist islands, large and shallow embayment, and a 1500km long coastline.

History of Shark Bay
Evidences of cave shelters and shell mittens around Peron peninsula show the traces of Australian aboriginals. In October 1916, it was found that Dutch Sea Captain Dirk Hartog was landed at Cape Inscription on the island. European traces are found. Captain James Cook set out on voyage of discovery to the Pacific and Australia’s eastern shores. This place is rich in cultural heritage with the people of indigenous Malgana, Nhanda and Yingkarta, Dutch traders, French explorers, and English entrepreneurs.

Interesting Attractions
National Parks: Friday Island, Bernier Island, Dorre Islands, Charlie Island, Small Islands, Koks Island, Francois Peron National Park, Shark Bay Marine Park, Shell Beach Conservation Park, Zuytdorp Nature Reserve, Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve, Monkey Mia Reserve, Hamelin Pool/East Faure Island High-Low Water Mark.

Natural Life
The natural life is at its best in the place and feast to the people visiting the place.
Dolphins: At Monkey Mia, we find huge population of dolphins coming to the shore and entertain tourists.
Dugongs: Dugongs are aquatic herbivorous animals with forelimbs modified as flippers and no hind limbs. They are about 10,000 in number.
Stromatolites: They are in the shape of algae and represent the life forms of some 3500 million years ago. They are found abundant at Hamelin Pool.
Whales: Wales are estimated to 2000 to 3000. Due to exploitation, whales’ number is decreased to a large extent.
Denham Port: Huge shark population is found at Denham. It is actually a pearling port.

Accommodations
You find many places to stay within reasonable price. Bay lodge economy beachfront, Billabong homestead hotel motel, Blue dolphin caravan park and holiday village, camping in shire of shark bay, and Tradewinds seafront apartments.

Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit is winter and spring. You can experience winds lighter and temperature ranges to 20C degrees. The summer months are extremely hot. You can visit June to October.
Fun Activities: You can enjoy Boating, diving, snorkeling, and watching marine life, fishing, windsurfing, and swimming are popular. Travel industry and tourism services offers variety of services that include adventures and fun filled entertainment. You can enjoy the outdoor life in a best possible way.

How to Travel
Airlines: You can travel through Western airlines and SkyWest airlines that run regularly from Perth to Denham – Shark bay.
Roadways: Private bus charters, hire cars, and taxi service are also available.
You can consult travel agents and tourist bureaus for further information on the travel services from Perth.