Things to Do in Monkey Mia, Western Australia

Discover the Things to Do in Monkey Mia, Western Australia

Nestled on the Peron Peninsula, Monkey Mia sits within the Shark Bay World Heritage Area and offers visitors a magical blend of wildlife, wonder, and Western Australian charm. Here’s your guide to the top experiences in this unforgettable coastal gem.

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1. Meet the Wild Dolphins

Each morning, between 7:45 am and noon, small pods of wild Indo‑Pacific bottlenose dolphins swim into the shallows, offering visitors the rare opportunity to hand‑feed them under ranger supervision. The controlled feeding—limited to less than 10 % of their daily intake—ensures these dolphins maintain their natural behaviours. Arrive early (or even the night before!) to secure a spot for this iconic encounter.

2. Explore the Francois Peron National Park

Just west of Monkey Mia, Francois Peron delivers dramatic red cliffs, pristine beaches, and sweeping ocean vistas. Drive or take a guided tour along sandy tracks to Skipjack Point, where you’ll see wildlife like emus and kangaroos, and opportunities for snorkelling and birdwatching abound.

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3. Visit Shell Beach & Hamelin Pool

A short drive will take you to Shell Beach—one of only two beaches worldwide comprised entirely of tiny white cockle shells. Nearby, the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve features living stromatolites that date back over 3.5 billion years—Earth’s oldest known lifeforms. These natural wonders offer both stunning photo ops and humbling moments of wonder.

4. Take a Nature Cruise

Book a catamaran or wildlife cruise from the jetty, options like Perfect Nature Cruises or Aristocat II head out into Shark Bay’s turquoise waters. Keep an eye out for turtles, manta rays, dugongs, sea snakes, and even humpback whales in the right season.

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5. Walk the Wulyibidi Yaninyina Trail

For a mix of coastal beauty and cultural insight, follow the Wulyibidi Yaninyina Trail. This scenic route winds through red dunes, acacia shrubland, and beachfront views, with interpretive signage detailing Aboriginal and European history.

6. Stargazing & Beach Relaxation

With virtually no light pollution, Monkey Mia is a stargazer’s paradise. Clear skies almost all year mean star-filled evenings—perfect to unwind with a beachfront picnic or camp-style dinner under the Milky Way.

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7. Discover Aboriginal Culture

Take an Aboriginal-guided tour—Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures offers immersive experiences that introduce traditional land use, local languages, survival skills, and a deeper understanding of Shark Bay’s First Nations connections.

8. Swim, Snorkel & Spot Marine Life

Monkey Mia’s warm, shallow waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Beyond dolphins, you may encounter rays, turtles, dugongs, sharks, and abundant birdlife—pelicans and emus often roam the beach too.

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9. Take a Day Trip or Scenic Drive

Monkey Mia makes a great base for broader adventures: drive the Coral Coast, check out pink lakes near Geraldton, explore Kalbarri’s rugged gorges and Nature’s Window, or island-hop to Dirk Hartog Island for 4WD sand-dune action and remote beach exploration.

Planning Tips

• Getting there: Monkey Mia is 847 km from Perth (nearly a 9-hour drive) or a short flight into Shark Bay Airport, with a 13-minute drive to the resort.

• Best time to visit: Between November and mid-December, when skies are clear and daytime temps range from comfortable 25–30 °C. Summers can soar above 40 °C.

• Where to stay & eat: Choose accommodation at Monkey Mia Resort, RAC Dolphin Resort, or nearby Denham. Don’t miss Beachside Bites at Monkey Bar for casual seaside dining.

Why Monkey Mia Belongs on Your Aussie Bucket List

Monkey Mia isn’t just a place to see dolphins—it’s a portal into ancient life, living culture, and the wild beauty of Western Australia. From feeding dolphins to walking red-dune trails and snorkelling sun-drenched bays, it’s an adventure deeply connected to nature and tradition. Be it a few days or a longer road trip, let this coastal wonder leave its mark on your heart.

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