The World Heritage area of Shark Bay is one of Western Australia’s most stunning coastal regions, bursting with unique landscapes and unforgettable experiences that will leave you in awe. Adventures out here are raw and rugged, with plenty of exhilarating 4WD tracks and beach camping, as well as an abundance of cultural history and wildlife to be discovered.
Located roughly 800 km north of Perth, Shark Bay is accessible by 8.5 hour drive or 2 hour flight. It is also a great addition as part of a Perth to Exmouth roadtrip. Shark Bay is a popular destination in the cooler months from April to October when the weather is perfect for outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re into snorkelling, fishing, 4WDing or beach days, there’s so much to see and do here so we’ve put together a list of the 20 best things to do in Shark Bay.
Overview
- Meet the dolphins at Monkey Mia
- Wander along Shell Beach
- Check out the Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool
- Explore history at the Francois Peron Homestead
- Feast on fresh seafood at the Old Pearler Restaurant
- Experience the wonders of Francois Peron National Park
- Visit the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery Centre
- Walk the Denham Heritage Trail
- Go fishing in Shark Bay
- Journey to Dirk Hartog Island
- Adventure to Steep Point
- Discover the Ocean Park Aquarium
- Scuba dive with Sharks
- Relax at Little Lagoon
- Kayak at Big Lagoon
- Spot marine life at Eagle Bluff
- Join an Indigenous cultural tour
- Go snorkelling in Shark Bay
- Camp on the beach in Francois Peron National Park
- Soar over Shark Bay on a scenic flight
Meet the dolphins at Monkey Mia
Monkey Mia is famous for its friendly dolphins and a trip to see these playful creatures is one of the best things to do in Shark Bay. Feeding sessions run 2-3 times daily and we recommend joining the 7.45am group as this gives you the best chance to see them.
Entry to the Monkey Mia Conservation Park costs around $15 and includes your dolphin experience, which can be booked online here.
While you’re in the Monkey Mia area you can rent kayaks to explore the calm bay, have a bite to eat at their ocean side restaurant The Boughshed or a drink at their Monkey Bar for sunset.
Wander along Shell Beach
Located 30 minutes south of Denham in Shark Bay, Shell Beach is one of only two beaches in the world made up entirely of cockle shells! The beach stretches over 70 km and is the perfect spot to snap some iconic shots.
Check Out the Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool
Hamelin Pool is home to some of the oldest life forms on Earth – stromatolites. These living fossils are best seen at low tide from the boardwalk, which you can find just off the main road on your way up to Shark Bay.
If you’re keen to stretch those legs a bit more after a long drive, pop into the Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station to learn the history of Australia’s communication systems in the 1800’s.
Credits: Tourism Western Australia
Explore history at the Francois Peron Homestead
Drawing on a rich pastoral heritage, the Francois Peron Homestead is an old sheep station turned museum giving you a glimpse into the tough life of the early settlers. There’s even an Artesian hot tub on-site, which is perfect for a soak if you can handle the heat!
The homestead is located at the entrance to Francois Peron National Park and is 2WD accessible. To enter you will need to pay for a Parks Pass with cash on arrival ($17 per vehicle) or you can buy a holiday pass online if you plan on visiting multiple national parks or are entering the park across several days.
Feast on fresh seafood at the Old Pearler Restaurant
The Old Pearler Restaurant in Denham is famous for its fresh seafood, with delicious platters and a modern Australian menu. The building itself is quite unique, being the only restaurant in the world that is made entirely from sea shells.
It’s a cosy spot for dinner and a drink, making it the perfect place if you’re looking for wholesome things to do in Shark Bay.
Experience the wonders of Francois Peron National Park
Francois Peron National Park is the place where the desert meets the sea, with peppered red cliffs dropping off into the gorgeous turquoise water that Western Australia is famous for. The whole park is one big 4WD adventure, with many spots to visit including Skipjack Point, Bottle Bay, Gregories, and more.
Entry costs $17 per vehicle, and we highly recommend spending a couple days exploring the park if you have the time.
If you haven’t got a 4WD don’t worry, Shark Bay Coastal Tours offer a range of tours through the national park, so you can still experience the World Heritage landscapes without the stress.
Visit the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery Centre
Located in town, the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery Centre is a great place to learn about the natural and cultural history of Shark Bay through interactive displays and fascinating exhibits that tell the story of the land.
Entry is around $13, and it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours, especially if you need a break from the sun.
Walk the Denham Heritage Trail
This self-guided walk takes you through the historic town of Denham. You’ll learn about the town’s pearling history, see heritage buildings, and enjoy stunning coastal views. It’s an easy walk and maps are available at the visitor centre.
Go fishing in Shark Bay
With healthy waters rich in marine life, it’s no wonder that fishing is one of the most popular things to do in Shark Bay.
The best fishing spots include the town jetty in Denham, Monkey Mia, Francois Peron National Park and Steep Point. Make sure to check the local fishing regulations as some parts of Shark Bay is considered a protected marine area. If in doubt ask a local or collect a map from the discovery centre.
Journey to Dirk Hartog Island
If you’re up for an adventure, a trip to Dirk Hartog is one of the wildest things to do in Shark Bay. Out here you’ll find untouched nature and rugged wilderness, as well as an interesting piece of European history.
It’s a bit tricky to get to as you’ll need a 4WD to reach Steep Point, followed by a pricey ferry ($680 aud in peak times) or chartered flight. But once there, you can enjoy pristine beaches, go snorkelling, surfing fishing or just. explore the island’s incredible untouched landscape.
Because of the remoteness there’s a bit more planning to do if you are considering a Dirk hartog expeditio. With this in mind we recommend checking out some of the information on the Official Dirk Hartog Island website to make sure you are correctly prepared.
Credits: Tourism Western Australia
Adventure to Steep Point
Steep Point is the westernmost point of mainland Australia and is a haven for 4WD and fishing enthusiasts alike. The rugged track out here is not for the faint-hearted, but the reward is epic ocean views world class fishing and the chance to spot whales migrating along the coast. Again please make sure to bring plenty supplies as the area is remote and has no facilities.
If you’re not keen on tackling the 4WD trek to Steep Point yourself, check out this private Steep Point 4×4 Tour with Shark Bay Eco Tours.
Discover the Ocean Park Aquarium
The Ocean Park Aquarium is a great place to get acquainted with the marine life of Shark Bay. Located just outside Denham, this eco-friendly aquarium runs guided tours where you can see sharks, turtles, and other marine creatures up close. Guided tours cost around $34 for adults, and run continuously from 9am to 3.30pm.
Make sure to grab lunch at their restaurant, which offers amazing ocean views and delicious bites.
Scuba dive with Sharks
If you want to get even closer to the marine life, check out the Aquarium Shark Dive Experience. Suitable for both experienced and new divers, you’ll encounter an exciting range of sharks, all without being caged, making this one of the most thrilling things to do in Shark Bay.
Relax at Little Lagoon
Little Lagoon is the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon on the water, where you can take your pick of swimming, snorkelling and paddle boarding. Located just a short drive from Denham, the lagoon is 2WD accessible and has plenty of shade and BBQ facilities.
SUPs and kayaks can be rented from Shark Bay Beach hire, located in the Little Lagoon car park.
Kayak at Big Lagoon
The colours of Shark Bay all come together at Big Lagoon, which is a tranquil spot full of curious wildlife. Big Lagoon is located in Francois Peron National Park so you will need to pay park entry and have a 4wd if you plan on accessing it yourself. We recommend bringing a kayak or boat and taking in the stunning scenery at your own pace, or joining one of the guided kayak tours available.
Spot marine life at Eagle Bluff
Eagle Bluff offers one of the best views in Shark Bay where you can see sharks swimming in the clear waters, along with dugongs, rays and other marine life from the 400m boardwalk. The lookout is easy to reach by 2WD, and also offers basic camping and a nice snorkel spot.
Sunsets at the lookout are spectacular, making a trip to Eagle Bluff one of the unmissable things to do in Shark Bay.
Join an Indigenous cultural tour
Shark Bay holds a rich cultural history and spiritual significance to the local Aboriginal people, making an Aboriginal cultural tour one of the best things to do in Shark Bay.
Learn about their ancient traditions and connection to land on tour with Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures, who host a range of cultural 4WD, walking and SUP/kayak trips in Shark Bay.
Go snorkelling in Shark Bay
If you want to explore more of what’s under the surface in Shark Bay, then add snorkelling to your list of things to do in Shark Bay. There’s an abundance of marine life here, with the best snorkel spots including Gregories and Little Lagoon in Francois Peron National Park, Monkey Mia Beach, and Louisa Bay on Dirk Hartog Island.
Camp on the beach in Francois Peron National Park
A true 4WD adventure includes some raw, off-grid camping and Francois Peron National Park has you covered with plenty of great campsites to pitch a tent and get back to nature.
All camping is close to the beach, and campsites are located at Gregories, Big Lagoon, Bottle Bay and Herald Bight. Our pick of the bunch is Big Lagoon. There is no booking system, so we recommend snagging a spot early, especially in winter and school holidays. You will need $15 cash per person to pay for camping!
Soar over Shark Bay on a scenic flight
The landscapes and colours of Shark Bay are unparalleled and getting a birds eye view is the best way to truly appreciate all the beauty of this area. Soar over the red cliffs that bleed into the turquoise water, traverse the picturesque salt mines of Useless Loop, and gaze upon the towering Zuytdorp Cliffs aboard a scenic flight over Shark Bay.
Shark Bay Aviation runs a range of different flights across the Shark Bay region, with prices starting at $140 per person.
