Monkey Mia: More Than Just Dolphins (Your Ultimate Guide)

The first time we visited Monkey Mia, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I heard there were dolphins, but I wasn’t expecting all the other things. When you arrive at Monkey Mia, you’ll be met with an impressive entrance, then a short walk to the beach where, if you get the timing right, you’ll see a family of dolphins.

We chose to stay in Denham, as it was more cost-effective, but the caravan sites and beachfront accommodation at Monkey Mia are something else.

Our fav resources for Monkey Mia

– Book your accommodation with Booking.com
-Thinking of hiring a campervan? Check out Star RV
-Stock up your caravan essentials with Caravan RV Camping

This is what you need to know when visiting Monkey Mia, on the Coral Coast of Western Australia.

Why Monkey Mia Should Be on Your Bucket List

The Main Attraction: The Dolphin Experience

The story of Monkey Mia’s dolphins is one of trust and connection. It all started around the 1960s when local fishermen began sharing their catch with the bottlenose dolphins that followed their boats.

Over the years, this developed into a daily ritual that resulted in the dolphins finding their way to Monkey Mia each day.

The rangers carefully manage how much the dolphins are fed each day. Because of this, there is only a short period of time that you can witness the dolphin feeding. You’ll find the rangers pick a few lucky visitors from the crowd to help with the feeding, but for most of us, you’ll be able to watch from the shallows.

Our Tip: The dolphin feedings happen between 7:45 am and 12 noon. We got there at 8.30am, but had already missed the feeding. It is up to the dolphins when they come to Monkey Mia, so if they get there at 7.45, they’ll be fed then. Due to managing the food consumption, they won’t be fed again – so, our tip is to get there early.

More than Dolphins: A Wildlife Wonderland

Monkey Mia is way more than its famous dolphins. There is no way you can’t jump on the calm water on a kayak! Keep your eyes peeled for:

Dugongs: Shark Bay is home to one of the world’s largest populations of these gentle “sea cows.”
Turtles, sharks, and rays: We spotted many turtles right from the jetty! Sharks and Stingrays have also been spotted around the area.
Emus on the beach: (and the roads!) We spotted them everywhere! The kids loved spotting them; it’s something unique to the area.

Ocean vs Landscape

While the beaches are amazing, you don’t have to go far to see the low-lying desert-like shrubs that offer something else.

This unique environment is a key reason why Shark Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Area, recognised for its outstanding natural beauty and ecological significance.

Just up the road from Monkey Mia is Francois Peron National Park, and I highly recommend visiting while you’re in the area. More on that later… 🙂

Planning Your Monkey Mia Adventure: The Essentials

When to Go: A Seasonal Breakdown

Summer (Dec-Feb): The water is warm and perfect for swimming, but be prepared for extreme temperatures. The school holidays between Dec-Jan can be very busy. If you’re planning on visiting during this time, then book ahead!
Autumn (Mar-May): This is the “sweet spot” with pleasant, sunny days and cooler nights.
Winter (Jun-Aug): This is peak season for wildlife viewing, with cooler, more comfortable temperatures.
Spring (Sep-Nov): The landscape comes alive with wildflowers, and it’s a great time for birdwatching.

How to Get There

Getting to Monkey Mia is easy; make it a one-off trip or part of a longer adventure around Western Australia.

Driving from Perth:

The road trip from Perth to Monkey Mia is an adventure in itself, taking around 9-10 hours. If you have the time, I highly recommend you stop at Jurien Bay and Kalbarri.

If you need to hire a car, we always use Discover Cars

Alternatively, grab yourself a motorhome so you can have the real adventure… with all the creature comforts.

Hire a luxury campervan with StarRV

Here is a suggested itinerary for Perth to Exmouth:

The Perfect Perth to Exmouth Road Trip: A 14-Day Coral Coast Adventure

Flying:

The closest airport is Shark Bay Airport (MJK), located near Denham. From there, it’s a short drive to Monkey Mia. Rex offers return flights to Perth.

Where to Stay: Accommodation for Every Budget

Resort Living:

The RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort is the most convenient option, located right on the beach where the dolphin encounters happen. It offers a range of accommodation, from campsites to beachfront villas.

Book your stay here at the only accommodation at Monkey Mia.

Denham as a Home Base:

The nearby town of Denham, a short 25-minute drive away, is a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for more of a town feel. Here you’ll find a wider range of accommodation, plus amenities like a supermarket, post office, and classic Aussie pubs. It’s a great base if you want more dining options and a bit of local life.

Wildsights Villas, Denham

📍 8 Durlacher Street, 6537 Denham

If you’re looking for accommodation that is only 50 metres from the beach, with a fully equipped kitchen, aircon and neat amenities.

Book your stay at a highly rated Villa in Denham. These villas sell out fast, so book ahead today

Bay Lodge, Denham

📍113 Knight Tce, Denham

How about direct beachfrontage for your accommodation? With a kitchenette, including a microwave, fridge and oven, you can either choose between swimming in the ocean metres away or the swimming pool on-site.

Book your beachfront accommodation at Bay Lodge here today!

Low-cost campsites:

Check out Whale Bone campsite, which is about 20km south of Denham. Click here for more details on Explore Parks WA. Fees are $10 per person, per night. There are no toilets or facilities, but you do get an awesome view and beachfront access! You can drive a caravan to the campsites.

Us at the Whalebone campsite near Monkey Mia

You can only stay one night to be fair to others, but it’s a great stopover on the way to Denham, it is only about 40 minutes to Monkey Mia if you choose to go for the day.

The Best Things to Do in and Around Monkey Mia

There is a range of activities to do in and around Monkey Mia. Here are some of our top activities that we did with the kids.

Dolphin Watching

Be there by 7:45 am for the first feeding and the rangers’ informative talk.
Follow the guidelines from the rangers

Other Monkey Mia activities

Hire a kayak and head out on the water.
Swim in the water right from the beaches
Jump in the swimming pools in the resort
Sit back and watch the wildlife… the emus will walk right past!
Grab a bite to eat or drink at the restaurant or bar
Want a guide pointing everything out? Book a Shark Bay wildlife cruise or scenic tour through Viator

Francois Peron National Park

Located between Monkey Mia and Denham, Francois Peron National Park is a place you need to visit. If you have a 4wd and the right gear, you’ll be able to explore the entire park. There are camping spots in the remote areas of the Park just waiting to be explored!

If you don’t have a 4wd, or are not confident with 4wdriving, you can still get to the homestead, which has… hot springs! It also has lots of historical information and old shearing sheds. The road into the homestead is marked for a 2wd, however, it would pay to check at the information centre at Denham before you visit to get the latest updates – the road in can be quite sandy and corrugated.

Little Lagoon

Visit Little Lagoon, grab a picnic and sit and watch the scenery. You can also visit the creek section of Little Lagoon, which is really beautiful.

Our Tip: Be careful of the Stonefish in the area. They are fish that look like stones and sit on the sand. They are very hard to see. If you step on one, it has poisonous spikes on its back. It can be deadly, or at least very painful. We didn’t let our kids swim in the area, as they don’t understand the dangers. Check at the information centre for the latest info.

Monkey Mia Tips:

What to Pack: Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, a reusable water bottle, and your camera are non-negotiables. Consider bringing a light jacket for the evenings, even in summer.
Book in Advance: Accommodation and tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak season (winter and school holidays).
Park & Resort Entry Fees: It’s important to know that the Monkey Mia Reserve, where the resort and dolphin experience are located, is a conservation park. You’ll need to pay a park entry fee to get in, and you pay it on arrival to the entry to the resort.
Respect the Wildlife: Remember that you are a visitor in their home. Keep a safe distance, don’t feed any animals, and take all your rubbish with you.
Don’t forget to Look Up: The lack of light pollution in Shark Bay makes for some of the most incredible stargazing you’ll ever experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is Monkey Mia so famous?

Monkey Mia is world-famous for being one of the most reliable places to see wild bottlenose dolphins. For over 50 years, dolphins have been visiting the shoreline almost daily, creating something special.

Are there dolphins at Monkey Mia?

Yes! The dolphins are the main attraction. A pod of wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins regularly visits the shallows of the beach to interact with people and be fed a small amount of fish by the park rangers.

What is the best month to go to Monkey Mia?

While you can visit year-round, the “best” time depends on your preference. Autumn (March-May) offers beautiful, mild weather. Winter (June-August) is peak season for wildlife viewing and comfortable for exploring. For the warmest swimming weather, visit in Summer (December-February).

Is Monkey Mia worth the drive from Perth?

Absolutely! It’s a long drive, but the unique wildlife encounters and stunning scenery make it more than worthwhile.

Our Thoughts

Monkey Mia is one of those places you just need to go and see for yourself. It has a bit of everything for everyone in the family.

The dolphins were amazing, but we didn’t expect to hang around Monkey Mia for 2 full days. There was so much to do, so much relaxing to be had, and just a great spot.