Monkey Mia is the perfect destination for marine lovers, with its long sandy beaches and boating adventures.
Animals abound
For more than 50 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.
The best time to see dolphins is during the morning viewing experience, although they sometimes return in the afternoon to hunt fish in the shallows. Only a select group of mature females are offered fish, and if they visit more than three times they are not fed again for that day.
Perfect Nature Cruises is the only licensed tour group in the Monkey Mia Reserve. On board an 18 meter catamaran, visitors will be taken out into the open waters to look for dugongs, dolphins and other marine species. All cruises have been certified by Ecotourism Australia, meaning you can rest assured that your fun experience has minimal impact on the natural landscape and its inhabitants.
Each boat is fitted with various lookouts and vantage points for spotting whales and turtles in the crystal clear waters. You will also find a saltwater boom-net spa perfect for taking a dip, and a fully-licensed indoor bar.
For lasting memories, join a Sunset Cruise and watch as the changing colours of the sky reflect on the water. This 1.5 hour experience takes you gliding across the ocean with no commentary to interrupt the peace, and the option to bring your own snacks and drinks. But if it’s wildlife encounters you’re after, the morning Marine Life Cruise is your best chance at meeting dugongs, dolphins, turtles and manta rays. Thanks to special licensing to interact with marine life in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the boat can stop at any moment for even better wildlife viewing opportunities.
If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground but still crave up-close animal encounters, you can head to Ocean Park Aquarium on the shores of Shark Bay. This popular spot is home to 28 species of shark, as well as stingrays and tropical fish. Each day, marine scientists host guided tours and feedings for every tank in the aquarium, so guests can learn about the incredible animals found in Shark Bay. If you work up an appetite, the oceanfront restaurant is a great place for a light morning tea or delicious lunch. Dine on an ocean platter with prawns, scallops, squid, whiting and octopus, or opt for whiting tacos with slaw, homemade dill tartare sauce and crispy chips. The licensed bar serves local beer and wine, as well as tea, coffee and iced drinks.
Culture and curiosity
Just off the coast of Monkey Mia is Dirk Hartog Island – a heritage-listed oasis with lush greenery and breathtaking views. The luxury Island Lodge runs day tours 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 lodge also provides beachside rooms for those wanting to stay overnight, while Eco-Villas and private camp sites are 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.
Or, if you’d prefer a day trip to Dirk Hartog, Island Life Adventures run tours departing from Denham near Monkey Mia. After morning tea with coffee and freshly-baked cakes, you will tour the island’s Old Sharing Shed, take a 4WD ride to the blowholes, and indulge in a gourmet lunch featuring local produce and spirits.
For those hoping to learn more about the area’s Traditional Owners, Wula Gura Nyinda run cultural tours to all the major landmarks. In Denham, 20 minutes from Monkey Mia, you can join a Didgeridoo Dreaming experience and relax by a campfire under the stars while listening to didgeridoo meditation. After enjoying fresh seafood and bush tucker, your Indigenous guide will share knowledge about the local Aboriginal culture and history. You will discover the Dreamtime stories of Gutharraguda (the traditional name for Shark Bay meaning ‘two waters’) and spot kangaroos and echidnas all around you.
Or, join a Hamelin Pool Stromatolites Tour, where you will be picked up from your Monkey Mia accommodation and drives to the world famous Hamelin Pool area. It is home to the most diverse and richest examples of stromatolites in the world. These fossils are examples of life on the planet before dinosaurs, between 3.5 billion to 700 million years ago. Your Indigenous guide will share why local Aboriginal people have a strong connection to this saltwater land, and point out native animals such as turtles, sharks, fish and dugongs. The tour also includes a barbecue lunch, and the chance to go snorkelling and swimming at Shell Beach.
Walk through wonders
Monkey Mia 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. Keep an eye out for native birds as you walk, including the rare Western Grasswren, Zebra Finch and Crested Bellbird.
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 and enjoy a dip in the homestead’s artesian bore.
To experience the best views of the park, take the 1.5 kilometre Wanamalu Walk Trail along the cliff edge between Cape Peron and Skipjack Point. Red sand cliffs extend in both directions on this trail, making for unbeatable photo opportunities.
To read about the best tours and experiences in Monkey Mia, click here.
Rex flies to Monkey Mia. Head to the Rex website or check out the route map below for more details.
