Things to do in Shark Bay
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Monkey Mia
World-famous for the wild dolphins that turn up in the shallow water for feeding each day, the beach resort of Monkey Mia, 26km northeast of Denham, now tops many travellers’ list of things to do. The morning feeding session (around 7.45am) can get packed, but often the dolphins return for a second feeding later in the morning. Aside from dolphins, the resort offers plenty of other diversions, including Aboriginal heritage walks, sailing, camel trips, diving and stargazing.
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Stromatolites
A lot of places talk about 'stepping back in time', but here, you really are! Stromatolites are, in essence, living fossils. In fact they're a perfect example of the earliest life on earth (one of only two in the world). The water is twice as saline as seawater, making these rock-like outcroppings (sole) kings of the pool. The best time to visit these mind-boggling microorganisms is between June and October.
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Shell Beach
Picture a snow-white beach bordered by azure water stretching to the horizon; just don't imagine walking on it barefoot. Billions of coquina bivalve shells have been washed up by the surf to stunning effect. Make sure you have enough memory in your camera because you're going to want to take umpteen pictures. You could even go for the snow effect - tossing up handfuls of shells into the air!
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Ocean Park
A superb advertisement for ecotourism, Ocean Park offers visitors the chance to experience shark-feeding up close and to hang out with red kangaroos at dawn and dusk. The park, situated in a World Heritage area, is run with the emphasis firmly on renewable energy. The soon-to-be-opened oceanarium promises to be a worthwhile addition.
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Wula Guda Nyinda Aboriginal Cultural Tours
Local Aboriginal guide Darren 'Capes' Capewell leads excellent bushwalks where he shows 'how to let the bush talk to you'. You'll learn some local Malgana language, and identify bush tucker and native medicine. The evening 'Didgeridoo Dreaming' walks are magical. There's also a 'Saltwater Dreaming' kayak tour (three hours; adult/child $90/50).
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Old Pearler Restaurant
Avast, mateys! Built from shell bricks, and feeling downright nautical, this atmospheric haven does fantastic seafood. The exceptional platter features local red emperor, whiting, cray, prawns and squid with nary a chip in sight, as it's all grilled, not fried.
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Francois Peron National Park
Renowned for its dramatic golden cliffs, pristine white-sand beaches, salt lakes and rare marsupial species, this national park, 4km from Denham on Monkey Mia Rd, will reward those with 4WD vehicles and an adventurous spirit.
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Ocean Park
On the way into town, Ocean Park is a locally run aquaculture farm featuring an artificial lagoon where you can observe sharks, turtles, stingrays and fish on guided 45-minute tours. The cafe has panoramic views.
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Shark Bay Scenic Flights
Various scenic flights including 15-minute Monkey Mia flyovers ($55), 40-minute trips over Steep Point and the Zuytdorp Cliffs ($150) and one-way charters to/from the Overlander roadhouse ($120).
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Bough Shed Restaurant
Boasting splendid waterfront views, the Bough Shed offers a tasty selection of seafood and grill items, including Shark Bay snapper, sesame-toasted prawns, Moroccan lamb and vegetarian quesadillas.
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Shark Bay Hotel
While this typical Aussie pub bistro is nothing flash, it’s a decent spot to eat a hearty counter meal and play a few rounds of pool. Rooms (doubles $85) are small, clean and basic.
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Shark Bay Sea Kayaking
This outfit runs five-hour kayak tours, taking in the rugged coastal scenery of Eagle Bluff, Wilson Island and Ticklebelly Flats. Based out of Bay Lodge.
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Blue Lagoon Pearl Farm
Take an eight-minute boat ride from Monkey Mia jetty across to the floating pearl farm to learn how the beautiful black pearls are cultured.
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Monkey Bar
This casual bar serves good counter meals and snacks, and is a popular spot for a round of pool and a few drinks. Open late.
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Power Dive
Offers snorkelling and diving safaris in Francois Peron National Park. Transport from Denham can also be arranged.
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Majestic Tours
Has various full-day 4WD tours, including François Péron National Park and Shell Beach.
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Wildsights
There are 2½-hour cruises on the Shotover catamaran ($69), where you're closer to the action. Also does a full-day 4WD trip to François Peron National Park ($189); there's a discount if you book both trips.
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Sunset Mura Mura Cafe
Bright and cheerful, the Sunset does great brekkies, lunch wraps, calzones and burgers, and for those campers sick of cooking, great takeaway home-cooked meals ready for reheating.
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Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery Centre
One of WA's best museums has engaging, informative displays on Shark Bay's ecosystem and its Indigenous people, early explorers and settlers.
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Shark Bay Coaches & Tours
Half-day bus tours to all key sights, and two-hour quad-bike expeditions to various locations.
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Ocean Park
Superbly located on a headland just before town, this family-run aquaculture farm features an artificial lagoon where you can observe feeding sharks, turtles, stingrays and fish on guided 45-minute tours. The licensed cafe has sensational views. Also on offer are full-day 4WD tours with bushwalks and snorkelling to François Peron ($180) and Steep Point ($350).
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Little Lagoon
This pleasant picnic spot 4km from town has tables and barbecues, and you can walk, drive or cycle here. Don't be surprised if an emu wanders by.
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Capricorn Sea Kayaking
This Perth-based outfit runs several seven-day sea-kayaking trips in Shark Bay between May and September.
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Aussie Off Road Tours
Culture and history feature strongly in these excellent Indigenous-owned and -operated tours including twilight wildlife ($90), full-day François Peron National Park ($189), overnight camping in François Peron ($300) and overnight to Steep Point ($390).
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Aristocat II
Cruise in comfort on this large catamaran, and you might see dugongs, dolphins and loggerhead turtles. Also visits the Blue Lagoon Pearl Farm.
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