Monkey Mia is the perfect destination for marine lovers, with its long sandy beaches and boating adventures.
For almost 40 years, Indo-Pacific dolphins have been swimming close to shore in Shark Bay. Over time, rangers developed a friendly relationship with these beautiful animals, and now visitors are invited to watch on at the Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience as they feed the dolphins and talk about their conservation. Lucky onlookers may even be selected to feed these friendly animals themselves.
Excitingly, the first pearls to be discovered in Western Australia were found in Shark Bay in the 1850s. Today, cultured pearls are grown and cultivated close to Monkey Mia. With Blue Lagoon Tours, you can visit a working pearl farm while learning about the history of pearling in the region. Take in the beautiful Cape Rose Cliffs, and even purchase pearls and pearl jewellery made in Shark Bay.
For more up-close animal encounters in Monkey Mia, you can head to Ocean Park Aquarium on the shores of Shark Bay, which is home to 28 species of shark, as well as stingrays and tropical fish. Marine scientists host guided tours and feedings throughout the day, while the oceanfront restaurant is a great place for a light morning tea or delicious lunch.
Perfect Nature Cruises is the only licenced tour group in the area. On board an 18 meter catamaran, visitors will be taken out into the open waters to look for dugongs, dolphins and other marine species. Each boat is fitted with various lookouts and vantage points for spotting whales and turtles in the crystal clear waters. The tours are BYO, and on board catering facilities make each journey a relaxing experience. For lasting memories, join a sunset tour and watch as the changing colours of the sky reflect on the water. Let the sounds of nature surround you, and breathe in the fresh ocean air.
Just off the coast of Monkey Mia is Dirk Hartog Island – a heritage-listed oasis with lush greenery and breathtaking views. Join a day tour for 4WD trails past blow holes and lookouts, a visit to the marine sanctuary and time to kayak and SUP on the beach. Dirk Hartog Island is known to have one of the best sunsets in the country, which you can take in from the top of a 600-foot cliff. The luxury Island Lodge provides beachside rooms for those wanting to stay overnight, while Eco-Villas and private camp sites are also available if you would prefer a more secluded experience. Bring your own 4WD, which can be transported to the island via an island barge, for the ultimate off-road experience. You can cross the rugged terrain, spot native flora and fauna, and relax on secluded beaches, all at your own pace.
Monkey Mia also has three popular walking tracks of varying difficulties. The Wulyibindi Yanayina Trail starts from the middle of town, winding through the red sand dunes and past the coastline. It’s the ideal way to see the landscape of Monkey Mia, and only takes about an hour to complete.
A 20-minute drive from town, Francois Peron National Park is a stunning combination of red desert cliffs and clear blue waters. Swimming, snorkelling and canoeing are always popular, due to the abundance of marine life that can be spotted nearby such as turtles, manta rays, dugongs and dolphins. Beachside camping is also an option for those who would like to stay longer. Once the site of a pastoral station, the Person Homestead Precinct remains as a small museum and historic site where visitors can discover what it would have been like to work the land. Visitors can also enjoy a dip in the homestead artesian bore.
To read about the best tours and experiences in Monkey Mia, click here.
