One handy guide with absolutely everything you need to plan your trip to Shark Bay.
Where’s Shark Bay?
You’ll find this dreamy region 820km north of Perth. Shark Bay is the most Westerly point in the whole of Australia. It covers 22,009sq/km (this makes it around the same size as Belize, larger than Fiji and twice the size of Jamaica).
Is Shark Bay worth visiting?
Hard yes! Shark Bay is one of only 227 natural UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world, meaning it’s a protected little cocoon teeming with natural wonders considered to have ‘outstanding universal value’ for all humans. It’s also home to the biggest and juiciest seagrass beds in the world, which lures plenty of super cute (and endangered) dugongs to munch on it.
There are only 100,000 dugongs left in the world and around 11,000 of them live right here in Shark Bay.
So, if you want to witness an adorable sea cow mermaid dive into pristine waters, Shark Bay is your best bet. There are also five other species of endangered mammals here and a colony of stromatolites (the oldest life forms on earth).
What are the best things to do in Shark Bay?
- Stop in at Shell Beach, which is made of trillions of tiny shells that measure 10m deep in parts. The waters here are shallow and super salty, meaning you’ll float well if you dare to swim (just check first for any paper cuts). When it comes to taking THAT famous insta shot, be sure to close your eyes when you launch your shells in the air and prepare to be picking them out your hair for days. You’ll find this other-worldly spot just off Shark Bay Road, 84km from the North-West Coastal Highway.
- Stroll along the boardwalk at Eagle Bluff, 20km south of Denham. Set on a towering cliff overlooking a huge expanse of ocean and two limestone islands, this is the primo place to view osprey or sea eagles in flight, see rays, turtles and sharks sauntering by or potentially even a dugong arriving to chow down on seagrass meadows. If you can get here at sunset, you won’t regret it.
- Spend a few days in charming Denham, the population centre of Shark Bay, to enjoy mesmerising sunsets, bombies off the jetty, shark feedings at Ocean Park Aquarium, coffee at The Little Shop, wild berry pie at the Shark Bay bakery and dinner at the Old Pearler restaurant, which is the only restaurant in the world built entirely from coquina shells.
- Spend a day or two at Monkey Mia, on the eastern coast of the Peninsula, where you can see dolphins being hand-fed on the shoreline, enjoy a boujee cocktail at the RAC Monkey Mia Resort, and go dugong spotting – and have a boom net spa – on the seas aboard The Aristocat.
- Organise a day trip to Francois Peron National Park, where fiery red landscapes meet baby blue seas. You’ll need a 4WD to enter – if you don’t have one, we recommend booking a half or full day tour with Shark Bay Coastal Tours or Wyla Gura Nyinda.
- Spend a morning at Little Lagoon. Located 5km out of Denham, this is a magic spot with clear, calm waters. Swim, fish or BBQ up a bacon and egg roll as you watch the sunrise. Little Lagoon is mostly 2WD accessible but do follow the signs for more information. Keen hikers can walk the 5km Lagoon Point walk trail from Denham (it’ll take you around 1.5 hours each way).
How many days do I need in Shark Bay?
We recommend a week here, but four days will give you enough time for a highlight reel.
How long does it take to get to Shark Bay?
A Rex Airlines flight will get you here in around two hours, but you WILL need to hire a car on arrival (there are no, we repeat, NO Ubers or taxis in Shark Bay). Hire a car through Shark Bay Car Hire, which has pick up and return available at Shark Bay Airport and Monkey Mia Resort.
Integrity Coach Lines offers a coach service that leaves from the Beaufort St Tourist Bus Stop in Perth and can drop you at either Monkey Mia or the Overlander Roadhouse (you’ll need to book a shuttle to Shark Bay from there). Again, you will need a hire car when you arrive so be sure to arrange one through Shark Bay Car Hire.
The best way to get to Shark Bay is to drive your own set of wheels down. This will take around nine hours. See our Best Coral Coast Roadtrip for more details on where to stop along the way or our Guide to Country Driving in WA for tips on how to stay safe on regional roads. If you’re flying in from overseas, hire a car in Perth.
Hot tip: If you want a taste of Shark Bay van life, hire a van from Camplify.
When is the best time to visit Shark Bay?
We recommend: April, May, September.
Dreamy warm days with gentle breezes.
Warm, dry and windy: October, November
Lots of sunshine but plenty of gusty winds, too.
Mild and sunny with cold nights: June, July, August
Expect temps in the mid-20s, chilly nights and crisp mornings.
Bloody hot – be warned: Dec, Jan, Feb
Searing heat and more wind to ruin your best beach hair. Not the finest combo.
Will I get mobile coverage in Shark Bay?
You’ll get Telstra coverage in the built up areas but it’s inconsistent elsewhere. Prepare for little to no signal when exploring places like Francois Peron National Park and Dirk Hartog Island.
Where should I stay in Shark Bay?
Our pick for tent dwellers/van lifers in Denham is a Powered Seaview Site at Denham Seaside Holiday Park. You’ll need to book early to secure one but the billion-dollar views are worth every bit of militant pre-planning. You can also book an Oceanfront villa if camping isn’t your jam.
There’s only one place to stay in Monkey Mia, and that’s at RAC Monkey Mia Resort. Some love it. It wasn’t our favourite place (it’s overrun with emus and very touristy), but worth a night’s visit (and a cocktail). The sunsets are pretty sweet, too.
As for camping without facilities, Eagle Bluff, Fowler’s Camp, Whalebone and Goulet Bluff can be accessed by two-wheel drive via unsealed roads. These campsites allow four people per vehicle, for stays of one night only. Bookings are first come, best dressed and are managed by the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitor Centre .
If you do have 4WD access, you can’t beat a night or two camping in Francois Peron National Park. All sites are near the beach. There are some pit toilets and barbecues in the park but no services or fresh water, so come prepared.
Can I take my dog to Shark Bay?
You can find dog friendly caravan parks, beaches and attractions in Shark Bay but you won’t be able to take your beloved pooch inside any of Shark Bay’s national parks. The best place for an off-leash gallivant is at Little Lagoon.
Where can I find a decent coffee in Shark Bay?
Head to The Little Shop on Knight Terrace or Coffee Mia, the coffee cart stationed at Little Lagoon for a good cup o’ Joe.
*We pay where we stay and only recommend the special places. Deep Dive is put together with love and lived experience, to help you explore the beautiful state of WA and the world outside of it. If you found this article useful, consider buying us a coffee to help us survive!
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