Things to Do in Shark Bay WA – Monkey Mia, Shell Beach & Visitor Guide

Shark Bay is one of Australia's most remarkable natural destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed region famous for dolphins, dugongs, Shell Beach, red cliffs, marine life and unique coastal landscapes. Located on Western Australia's Coral Coast, Shark Bay offers some of the country's most distinctive wildlife and nature experiences.

This guide highlights the best things to do in Shark Bay WA, including Monkey Mia, Francois Peron National Park, Shell Beach, wildlife cruises, beaches, lookouts and family-friendly attractions.

Quick Answer:

Popular things to do in Shark Bay include visiting Monkey Mia dolphins, exploring Francois Peron National Park, relaxing at Shell Beach, taking wildlife cruises, spotting dugongs and discovering World Heritage-listed coastal landscapes.

Top Attractions in Shark Bay

Monkey Mia Dolphins

Monkey Mia is Shark Bay's most famous attraction and one of Australia's best-known wildlife experiences. Wild bottlenose dolphins regularly visit the shoreline, attracting visitors from around the world.

Shell Beach

Shell Beach is one of the world's most unusual beaches, formed almost entirely from tiny white shells. The beach stretches for kilometres and is one of Shark Bay's signature natural attractions.

Francois Peron National Park

Francois Peron National Park is known for dramatic red cliffs, white beaches, turquoise water and rugged wilderness. It is one of Western Australia's most spectacular coastal national parks.

Denham

Denham is the main town of Shark Bay and serves as the region's visitor hub, providing accommodation, dining, tours and access to surrounding attractions.

Ocean Park Aquarium

Ocean Park Aquarium offers educational experiences focused on the marine life of Shark Bay and Western Australia's coastal environment.

Wildlife Experiences in Shark Bay

  • Monkey Mia dolphins
  • Dugong viewing
  • Sea turtles
  • Rays and fish species
  • Marine wildlife cruises
  • Birdwatching opportunities

Shark Bay supports one of the world's largest dugong populations and is internationally recognised for its marine biodiversity.

Best Beaches and Coastal Areas

  • Shell Beach
  • Monkey Mia Beach
  • Little Lagoon
  • Francois Peron National Park beaches
  • Eagle Bluff coastline
  • Peron Peninsula coastal areas

Family-Friendly Things to Do

  • Watch the Monkey Mia dolphins.
  • Visit Shell Beach.
  • Explore Ocean Park Aquarium.
  • Enjoy Little Lagoon.
  • Take a wildlife cruise.
  • Explore Denham.
  • Visit scenic coastal lookouts.

Best Lookouts and Scenic Stops

  • Eagle Bluff Lookout
  • Peron Homestead area
  • Monkey Mia foreshore
  • Shell Beach viewpoints
  • Denham foreshore
  • Francois Peron coastal lookouts

Best Areas to Explore

  • Monkey Mia
  • Denham
  • Shell Beach
  • Francois Peron National Park
  • Little Lagoon
  • Peron Peninsula
  • Shark Bay coastline

Day Trips Around Shark Bay

Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia is essential for first-time visitors and provides dolphin encounters, beaches and marine experiences.

Francois Peron National Park

A full day can easily be spent exploring beaches, lookouts and wilderness areas throughout the national park.

Shell Beach

Shell Beach is one of the easiest and most rewarding attractions to visit from Denham.

Little Lagoon

Little Lagoon is popular for swimming, kayaking, fishing and family recreation.

Suggested Three-Day Shark Bay Itinerary

Day One

  • Visit Monkey Mia.
  • Watch dolphin interactions.
  • Explore Monkey Mia Beach.
  • Enjoy sunset over Shark Bay.

Day Two

  • Visit Shell Beach.
  • Explore Eagle Bluff.
  • Visit Ocean Park Aquarium.
  • Discover Denham.

Day Three

  • Explore Francois Peron National Park.
  • Visit Little Lagoon.
  • Enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Experience remote coastal scenery.

Related Shark Bay Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Shark Bay best known for?
    Shark Bay is famous for Monkey Mia dolphins, Shell Beach, dugongs, wildlife cruises and its World Heritage status.
  • Is Shark Bay worth visiting?
    Yes. It is one of Australia's most unique coastal and wildlife destinations.
  • How many days should I spend in Shark Bay?
    Three to four days allows time to experience the major attractions and national parks.
  • Can you see dolphins in Shark Bay?
    Yes. Monkey Mia is internationally famous for its wild dolphin encounters.
  • What are the best attractions in Shark Bay?
    Monkey Mia, Shell Beach, Francois Peron National Park, Little Lagoon and Eagle Bluff are among the region's highlights.

This page is provided for general informational purposes only. Attraction availability, wildlife sightings, tour operations, weather, road conditions and park access may change without notice. Always verify current information before travelling.