If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience, look no further than Monkey Mia. This coastal destination in **Western Australia** is famous for its friendly and wild dolphins, who visit the shore every day to interact with visitors. But that's not all. Monkey Mia is also part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, which boasts a rich and diverse marine life, including dugongs, turtles, rays, and sharks. You can also explore the ancient and fascinating stromatolites, the stunning Shell Beach, and the historic Dirk Hartog Island. Whether you want to relax on the beach, cruise on the water, or snorkel in the coral, Monkey Mia has something for everyone.
In this article, we will give you all the information you need to plan your perfect Monkey Mia trip, including how to get there, where to stay, what to do, what to eat, and what to pack. Read on and discover why Monkey Mia is one of Australia's most amazing destinations.
How to get to Monkey Mia
Monkey Mia is located on the eastern coast of the Peron Peninsula, about 850 kilometres (530 miles) north of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. There are several ways to get to Monkey Mia, depending on your budget, time, and preference.
- By car:
Driving is the most flexible and scenic option, as you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and stop at other attractions along the way, such as the Pinnacles Desert, the Kalbarri National Park, and the Carnarvon Gorge. The drive from Perth to Monkey Mia takes about 10 hours, so you may want to split it into two or more days. You will need a reliable and comfortable car, as some roads are rough and remote. You can rent a car from Perth or other major towns, such as Geraldton or Carnarvon.
- By bus:
Taking a bus is the most affordable and convenient option, as you don't have to worry about driving or parking. There are regular bus services from Perth to Monkey Mia, operated by Integrity Coach Lines and Greyhound Australia. The bus journey takes about 12 hours, and you can choose from different schedules and stops. You can also book a guided tour that includes the bus transport, accommodation, and activities in Monkey Mia and Shark Bay.
- By flight:
Flying is the fastest and easiest option, as you can save time and hassle. There are daily flights from Perth to Shark Bay Airport, operated by Regional Express Airlines. The flight takes about 2 hours, and you can enjoy the aerial views of the coast and the bay. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus or a taxi to Monkey Mia, which is about 25 minutes away. You can also rent a car from the airport if you want to explore the area on your own.
The best time to visit Monkey Mia is between May and October, when the weather is mild and sunny, and the water is calm and clear. The average temperature is around 25°C (77°F), and the rainfall is minimal. This is also the peak season for tourism, so you may want to book your accommodation and activities in advance. If you prefer a quieter and cheaper time, you can visit between November and April, when the weather is hotter and more humid, and the water is warmer and more choppy. The average temperature is around 35°C (95°F), and the rainfall is higher. This is also the low season for tourism, so you may find some discounts and deals. However, you should also be aware of the cyclone season, which runs from November to March, and can bring strong winds, heavy rains, and flooding.
Where to stay in Monkey Mia
The best place to stay in Monkey Mia is the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, the only accommodation option within the Monkey Mia Reserve. This resort offers a range of accommodation options, from beachfront rooms and villas, to garden cabins and dormitories, to camping and caravan sites.
The resort also features a variety of facilities and amenities, such as a restaurant, a bar, a cafe, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a volleyball court, a playground, a gift shop, and a laundry. The resort also provides direct access to the beach, where you can meet the dolphins and join other activities. You can book your accommodation online or by phone, and you can also choose from different packages and deals that include meals, tours, and cruises. The resort is very popular and often fully booked, so you should make your reservation as early as possible.
If you are looking for other accommodation options near Monkey Mia, you can check out the following places:
Oceanside Village:
This is a self-contained accommodation option in Denham, the nearest town to Monkey Mia, about 25 kilometres (16 miles) away. This place offers spacious and comfortable apartments, with fully equipped kitchens, private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The place also has a swimming pool, a barbecue area, and a playground. You can book your apartment online or by phone, and you can also enjoy the views of the ocean and the sunset from your balcony or patio.
Heritage Resort Shark Bay:
This is a hotel accommodation option in Denham, about 26 kilometres (16 miles) away from Monkey Mia. This place offers modern and stylish rooms and suites, with private bathrooms, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The place also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a conference room. You can book your room online or by phone, and you can also take advantage of the complimentary breakfast, parking, and shuttle service to Monkey Mia.
Shark Bay Caravan Park:
This is a camping and caravan accommodation option in Denham, about 27 kilometres (17 miles) away from Monkey Mia. This place offers powered and unpowered sites, as well as cabins and chalets, with shared bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry facilities. The place also has a camp kitchen, a barbecue area, a swimming pool, a playground, and a kiosk. You can book your site or cabin online or by phone, and you can also enjoy the friendly and relaxed atmosphere of the park.
What to do in Monkey Mia
Monkey Mia is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers, as it offers a range of activities and experiences that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable. Here are some of the things you can do in Monkey Mia:
- Meet Monkey Mia's friendly dolphins:
This is the main attraction and the highlight of Monkey Mia, as you can get up close and personal with the wild bottlenose dolphins that visit the shore every day. These dolphins have been coming to Monkey Mia for over 40 years, and they have developed a trusting and playful relationship with humans. You can watch them from the beach, or join the dolphin experience, where you can learn more about them from the rangers and volunteers, and even have a chance to feed them.
The dolphin experience is free and open to everyone, and it happens up to three times a day, between 7:30 am and 12 pm, depending on the dolphins' mood and behaviour. However, you should also follow some guidelines and tips to ensure the safety and well-being of the dolphins and yourself, such as:
- Do not touch, chase, or swim with the dolphins, as this may stress or harm them.
- Do not feed or offer anything to the dolphins, except when instructed by the rangers or volunteers.
- Do not make loud noises or sudden movements, as this may scare or disturb the dolphins.
- Do not use flash photography or drones, as this may annoy or blind the dolphins.
- Do not wear sunscreen, insect repellent, or jewellery, as this may pollute or injure the dolphins.
- Spot dugongs from a cruise:
Another amazing wildlife experience in Monkey Mia is to spot the dugongs, the gentle and graceful marine mammals that are also known as sea cows. Dugongs are related to manatees, and they feed on the seagrass that grows in the shallow and warm waters of Shark Bay. Shark Bay is home to the largest and most stable population of dugongs in the world, with over 10,000 individuals. You can see them from the shore, or join a wildlife cruise, where you can get a better view of them from a boat.
There are several operators that offer wildlife cruises in Monkey Mia, such as Perfect Nature Cruises, Monkey Mia Wildsights, and Shotover Wildlife Cruises. These cruises usually last for 2 to 3 hours, and they also include other marine life, such as turtles, rays, sharks, and fish. You can book your cruise online or at the resort, and you can also enjoy the commentary, the snacks, and the drinks provided on board.
- See one of the world's oldest lifeforms:
If you are interested in the history and evolution of life on Earth, you should not miss the opportunity to see one of the world's oldest lifeforms, the stromatolites. Stromatolites are rock-like structures that are formed by the growth and activity of cyanobacteria, the ancient and simple organisms that are also known as blue-green algae. Cyanobacteria are among the first living things to appear on Earth, about 3.5 billion years ago, and they are responsible for producing most of the oxygen in the atmosphere. Stromatolites are the fossilised evidence of their existence and they are very rare and fragile.
You can find some of the best examples of stromatolites at Hamelin Pool, a saline and hypersaline lake that is part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Hamelin Pool has over 100 different types of stromatolites, some of which are over 2,000 years old. You can view and learn more about them from the Hamelin Pool Stromatolite Boardwalk, a 200-metre (656-foot) walkway that extends over the water and allows you to see the stromatolites without disturbing them. You can also visit the Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station, a historic building that was once part of the communication network between Perth and the rest of the world. Hamelin Pool is about 110 kilometres (68 miles) south of Monkey Mia, and you can get there by car or by bus.
Visit the beach built by shells:
Another natural wonder that you can see in Shark Bay is the Shell Beach, a stunning and unique beach that is made entirely of shells. Shell Beach is one of only two places in the world where this phenomenon occurs, and it is the result of the high salinity and low predation in the bay. The shells belong to a species of cockle, a small and white bivalve mollusc that thrives in the salty water.
The cockles have accumulated on the beach for thousands of years, forming a layer that is up to 10 metres (33 feet) thick and 60 kilometres (37 miles) long. You can walk, swim, or sunbathe on the beach, and enjoy the contrast between the white shells, the turquoise water, and the blue sky. You can also collect some shells as souvenirs, but only in small quantities and from the surface. Shell Beach is about 45 kilometres (28 miles) south of Monkey Mia, and you can get there by car or by bus.
Take a full day marine safari:
If you want to experience the ultimate adventure and excitement in Monkey Mia, you should not miss the opportunity to take a full day marine safari. This is a guided tour that takes you to the most spectacular and remote places in Shark Bay, where you can see and interact with a variety of wildlife and scenery. You will board a sailing catamaran that will take you to Steep Point, the westernmost point of mainland Australia, where you can admire the dramatic cliffs and the powerful waves.
You will also visit Dirk Hartog Island, the largest and most historic island in Shark Bay, where you can explore the national park, the eco-lodge, and the historic sites. You will also have the chance to snorkel in the coral reefs and lagoons, where you can see colourful fish, coral, and other marine life. You will also enjoy a delicious lunch and refreshments on board, as well as the commentary and stories from your friendly and knowledgeable crew. You can book your marine safari online or at the resort, and you can also choose from different options and prices, depending on the season and availability. The marine safari usually lasts for 8 to 9 hours, and it departs from Monkey Mia at 8 am and returns at 4 or 5 pm. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.
Explore historic Dirk Hartog Island:
Another place that you can visit in Shark Bay is Dirk Hartog Island, the largest and most historic island in the bay. Dirk Hartog Island is named after the Dutch explorer who landed there in 1616, making it the first recorded European landing in Australia. He left behind a pewter plate with his name and date, which is now displayed in a museum in Amsterdam. You can also see a replica of the plate at Cape Inscription, the northern tip of the island, where he anchored his ship. Dirk Hartog Island has a rich and varied history, as it was also used as a sheep station, a whaling station, and a fishing base.
You can learn more about the island’s history and culture at the Dirk Hartog Island Eco Lodge, a former homestead that has been converted into a comfortable and eco-friendly accommodation option. You can also enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of the island, as it is part of the Shark Bay Marine Park and the Dirk Hartog Island National Park. You can see diverse and endemic flora and fauna, such as the black-flanked rock-wallaby, the banded hare-wallaby, the western spiny-tailed skink, and the Dirk Hartog Island daisy.
You can also explore the stunning and rugged landscapes, such as the Turtle Bay, the Herald Heights, and the Surf Point. You can get to Dirk Hartog Island by boat, by plane, or by four-wheel drive, depending on your preference and budget. You can also book a day trip or a longer stay, depending on your availability and interest. Dirk Hartog Island is a place where you can experience the history, nature, and adventure of Shark Bay.
What to eat and drink in Monkey Mia
Monkey Mia may be a remote and isolated destination, but it does not mean that you have to compromise on your food and drink options. There are several places where you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal or a refreshing and relaxing drink in Monkey Mia, such as:
The Boughshed Restaurant:
This is the main restaurant in the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, and it offers a variety of dishes and cuisines, from local seafood and Australian classics, to Asian and Mediterranean specialties. The restaurant also caters to different dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal. You can also enjoy the views of the beach and the bay from the restaurant, as well as the live music and entertainment on some nights. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you can also book a table online or by phone.
The Monkey Bar:
This is the main bar in the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, and it offers a selection of drinks and snacks, from beers and wines, to cocktails and mocktails, to pizzas and burgers. You can also enjoy the views of the pool and the garden from the bar, as well as the games and activities on some nights. The bar is open from 11 am to 10 pm, and you can also order your drinks and snacks online or by phone.
The Blue Monkey Cafe:
This is a cafe and takeaway option in the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, and it offers a range of coffee and tea, as well as sandwiches, salads, wraps, and pastries. You can also enjoy the views of the beach and the bay from the cafe, as well as the free Wi-Fi and the newspapers. The cafe is open from 7 am to 3 pm, and you can also order your coffee and food online or by phone.
If you are looking for other dining options near Monkey Mia, you can check out the following places:
Shark Bay Hotel:
This is a hotel and pub option in Denham, about 25 kilometres (16 miles) away from Monkey Mia. This place offers a variety of dishes and drinks, from seafood and steak, to pizza and pasta, to beer and cider. You can also enjoy the views of the ocean and the jetty from the place, as well as the live music and entertainment on some nights. The place is open for lunch and dinner, and you can also book a table online or by phone.
Old Pearler Restaurant:
This is a restaurant and cafe option in Denham, about 26 kilometres (16 miles) away from Monkey Mia. This place offers a range of dishes and drinks, from breakfast and brunch, to lunch and dinner, to coffee and cake. You can also enjoy the views of the bay and the town from the place, as well as the unique and historic building that is made of shells. The place is open from 7 am to 9 pm, and you can also book a table online or by phone.
The Little Lagoon Cafe:
This is a cafe and takeaway option in Denham, about 27 kilometres (17 miles) away from Monkey Mia. This place offers a variety of coffee and tea, as well as smoothies, juices, milkshakes, and ice creams. You can also enjoy the views of the lagoon and the park from the place, as well as the friendly and cosy atmosphere. The place is open from 8 am to 4 pm, and you can also order your drinks and snacks online or by phone.
What to pack and prepare for Monkey Mia
Before you head to Monkey Mia, you should also make sure that you pack and prepare everything you need for your trip. Here are some essentials and recommendations that will help you enjoy your Monkey Mia experience:
Clothing:
You should pack light and comfortable clothing that is suitable for the warm and sunny weather, such as shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and sandals. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses, and a jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings and mornings. You should also pack swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes if you plan to swim or snorkel in the water.
Sunscreen:
You should apply sunscreen generously and frequently, as the sun can be very strong and harsh in Monkey Mia, especially during the summer months. You should choose a sunscreen that has a high SPF (sun protection factor) and is water-resistant. You should also avoid using sunscreen that contains oxybenzone or octinoxate, as these chemicals can harm the coral and the marine life.
Water:
You should drink plenty of water, as the climate can be very dry and hot in Monkey Mia, and you can easily get dehydrated. You should bring your own reusable water bottle, and refill it at the resort or the town. You should also avoid drinking tap water, as it may not be safe or tasty. You can buy bottled water, or use a water filter or purifier if you prefer.
Insect repellent:
You should use insect repellent, as there may be some mosquitoes and flies in Monkey Mia, especially during the wet season and at dawn and dusk. You should choose an insect repellent that is effective and safe, and that does not contain DEET or picaridin, as these chemicals can also harm the coral and the marine life.
Camera:
You should bring a camera, as you will want to capture the amazing and memorable moments and sights in Monkey Mia. You should choose a camera that is durable and waterproof, and that has a good zoom and battery life. You should also bring a memory card, a charger, and a case or bag for your camera. You should also respect the wildlife and the environment, and follow the rules and guidelines for photography and videography in Monkey Mia.
Cash:
You should bring some cash, as some places and services in Monkey Mia may not accept credit cards or electronic payments. You should also bring some coins, as you may need them for the parking meters, the laundry machines, or the vending machines. You can exchange your money or withdraw cash at the airport, the resort, or the town.
Monkey Mia is a destination that will surprise and delight you with its natural beauty, wildlife, and history. You can meet the friendly and wild dolphins, spot the gentle and graceful dugongs, see the ancient and fascinating stromatolites, visit the stunning and unique Shell Beach, take a full day marine safari, and explore the historic Dirk Hartog Island.
You can also enjoy the food and drink options, the accommodation options, and the activities and events in Monkey Mia and Shark Bay. You can also prepare and pack everything you need for your trip, and check the COVID-19 updates and restrictions before you travel. Monkey Mia is a place where you can experience the best of Australia, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Don’t wait any longer, and book your Monkey Mia trip today. You can contact us for more information and assistance, and we will be happy to help you plan your perfect Monkey Mia holiday.
