Last Updated on 22 January 2026 by Ariana Svenson
Monkey Mia is an incredible base for exploring the Shark Bay Heritage Area, but the only accommodation option at the end of the road is the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort. Luckily, it’s fantastic!
Your other option is to stay in Denham. Check out my Shark Bay Accommodation Guide, Denham vs. Monkey Mia, to help you decide whether Denham is a better option for you.
If you’re wondering where to stay, this guide breaks down all the Monkey Mia accommodation options at the RAC Dolphin Resort, including camping, budget rooms, beachfront villas, facilities, and things to know before booking.
Before I planned my first trip to the Shark Bay area I was overwhelmed by the many options at Monkey Mia and was not sure if it would be a good choice for me, and my style of travel. What I didn’t realise at the time was that this resort definitely has something for everyone!
If you haven’t already considered a Western Australia road trip, you should. Monkey Mia features some of the top options, including trips from Perth to Kalbarri and Perth to Ningaloo.
Basing Yourself in Monkey Mia
Monkey Mia is a fantastic place to base yourself on exploring the Shark Bay Heritage Area. The early morning access to dolphin feeding also gives you a special feeling. The wildlife sightings while staying here are absolutely unmatched! You can stay in Monkey Mia as a stand alone holiday or as a stop on a road trip such as this Perth to Exmouth road trip.
While the ranger-led dolphin feeding is a bit of a spectacle with hundreds of people, the famous Monkey Mia dolphins can be around for the rest of the day and you can be alone with them on the beach if you are lucky.
If you want to know more about things to do in Monkey Mia, check out our latest blog post!
You are “right there” for the Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience. You can roll out of bed, grab a coffee and head down to the dolphins.
This means you can see them over multiple days. In my case, there was no dolphin feeding on the first day – the only two dolphins that showed up swam away! This was made up by a wonderful second day with over 10 dolphins hunting up and down the beach.
It’s not just dolphins you can spot; look out for turtles, hammerhead sharks and rays. There are even emus that wander around the resort.
Beyond the dolphins, Monkey Mia is a gateway to Shark Bay, with easy access to boat tours, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. Using Monkey Mia as a base, you can explore the beautiful Francois Peron National Park, the Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool, Denham and the famous Shell Beach, all within a (relatively) short drive away! There are plenty of things to do in Denham, make sure to check out our guide for more inspiration!
However, if you are exploring other parts of the Peron Peninsula, using Monkey Mia as a base would require a lot of backtracking. (Denham is more centrally located.)
Accommodation in Monkey Mia, Shark Bay: The RAC Resort
The Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (also known as the RAC Resort) has plenty of other accommodation options (11 to be exact) that cater to all budgets and travel types. There are caravan and camping areas, backpackers areas with shared facilities, and even some very nice two to three bedroom villas.
It’s a resort experience, which means that everything is contained in one location, including a couple of restaurants, a shop, accommodation and the beach. You normally stay at resorts in places like Bali, Thailand and Fiji, and you rarely have such a resort experience in Western Australia, where most places are close to town. So the Monkey Mia resort is quite unique!
However, staying at a resort is not for everyone, especially those who like a lot of choice and independence.
With palm trees edging beautiful white sands and turquoise waters, Monkey Mia feels like a special place away from it all. Some even call it the best-kept secret in Australia!
Check rates and availability on Booking.com
Check rates and availability on Agoda.com
Facilities
Some of the top Monkey Mia activities are within the resort itself!
Pools and Fun for the Kids
Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort is packed with fantastic facilities. There are three swimming pools surrounded by sunbeds, including a wading pool perfect for kids, although some find it relatively small and crowded. If you enjoy some entertainment on dry land, challenge your friends or family to a giant outdoor chess game, or head to the mini golf course.
Kids will also love the go-kart hire and nature play area. The playground is shaded, too, which is a bonus on those hot WA days! If you love the water, you’ll be spoiled for choice here. You can swim, snorkel, or relax on the beach with direct access to Monkey Mia Beach.
Practical Facilities and Services
The resort has shared laundry facilities, toilets, a camp kitchen, and BBQ areas. Some rooms have private bathrooms and kitchenettes. A spacious recreation room with a TV, games, and a comfy lounge area is also available.
If you’re flying into Monkey Mia Airport (a 15-minute drive away), the resort offers a shuttle service for an additional charge.
Meals and Drinks
You won’t have to go far for great food and drinks at Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort. The Boughshed Restaurant is the resort’s main beachfront restaurant, serving fresh seafood, Aussie classics, and vegetarian options, all with a beautiful oceanfront setting.
There’s the relaxed Monkey bar, which serves pub-style meals and is an excellent spot for sunset drinks. While both high quality options, Monkey Mia does not have offer the wide range of eating options or shopping options available in the nearby town of Denham.
If you plan to cook your own meals, a basic on-site shop (a general store) as well as a gift shop, and two food and drink outlets.
Extra Fun
The Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort and adjacent beach have even more amazing Monkey Mia activities.
If you love being out on the water, kayak, SUP and pedal boat hire are perfect for exploring Shark Bay’s crystal clear waters. Look for turtles, rays, and even the occasional dugong.
Grab a racket and hit the tennis courts, or challenge your friends to a game of beach volleyball… Just be prepared to dive into the sand!
One of the absolute highlights here is the sunset yacht cruise from the Monkey Mia jetty – the perfect activity for couples. Bring your own drinks, find a comfy spot and watch one of the best sunsets in Western Australia.
At night, the adventure doesn’t stop. With almost no light pollution, Monkey Mia is one of the best places in Western Australia for stargazing.
Dolphin Resort Accommodation Options
Let’s dive into the Monkey Mia accommodation options at the resort.
Monkey Mia Camping
While you won’t find free camping in Monkey Mia, you can pitch a tent at the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (for a fee, of course!)The campsite shares facilities with caravanners, including spotless camp kitchens equipped with modern ovens and everything you need for a comfortable stay – all for the lowest nightly price of all the accommodation options at the resort.
Monkey Mia Caravan Park
There are plenty of sites to choose from; all sites are large, with plenty of room to manoeuvre your van. You can opt for powered ensuite sites, powered sites or powered beach sites.
All sites have access to resort facilities, including the camp kitchens, laundries, and recreation areas.
Backpackers: Cheap Accommodation in Monkey Mia
The backpacker rooms are 4 to 8-bed dorms, perfect if you’re looking for a budget option but don’t want to camp. I chose this room type, and the price was exactly the same as what I had paid in Denham the nights prior for an older-style self-contained unit.
However, it has resort-style customer service, which is high and suitable for international clients; that wasn’t really my experience in Denham, which was pretty relaxed.
These rooms include a double bed, bunk bed, small fridge, and table. Bathrooms are across the hall. While there’s no private kitchenette, you can use the communal kitchen and BBQ area.
It’s worth noting if you’re on a budget that it’s more expensive than some options in Denham, plus it gets booked out more quickly, at least based on my experience when booking.
Superior Beach View Room, Garden View and Pool View Room
The superior rooms are studio-style rooms with a king bed and a single bed that sleeps three guests – perfect for small families. If you’re looking for hotels in Monkey Mia, this is the closest option to what you’ll find.
They also have a well-equipped kitchenette with essentials like a microwave. If you can, it’s well worth paying for one of the beach-view rooms! You’ll have fantastic ocean views and unrestricted beach access.
Family Garden View Rooms and Family Studios
If you’re travelling as a family, you can book a family room or another room type. Family rooms open onto the playground and are in a good location for kids. If I return to the Shark Bay area with my kids, I will undoubtedly stay at the Monkey Mia Resort; it ticks all our boxes for a fun, family-friendly place to stay.
Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Villas: Beachfront Accommodation
Beachfront villas are the most luxurious room type available. The villas are light, bright, and spacious. You’ll be just steps away from the beach, where you can see the wild dolphins during peak times. You’ll also see the occasional emu walking past!
You can opt for a 2-bedroom villa sleeping up to three or a 3-bedroom villa sleeping up to 8.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation in Monkey Mia at Dolphin Resort
The Monkey Mia Resort is pet-friendly, but pets must always be kept on a lead and supervised. They are not allowed in all areas, such as kitchens and near the pools. Remember to include your pets in your booking by adding them as guests in the dropdown menu. Make sure you read the full pet policy before making a booking.
The resort has pet-friendly powered and unpowered sites.
A Note About National Park Fees
Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort is located in the Monkey Mia reserve. On entry, you must pay a fee directly to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions, which contributes to the care, welfare management, and conservation of the Monkey Mia dolphins. This is not included in your accommodation fee. You can see the current fees here.
Accommodation Near Monkey Mia
If the resort is fully booked or not quite your style, the closest alternative is Denham, the main town in Shark Bay, 25 minutes away. You’ll find plenty of accommodation options, shops, restaurants, and easy access to the main places to visit in the Shark Bay Heritage Area. Top options include:
- Oceanside Village Shark Bay – Check rates on Booking.com or Agoda.com
- Wildsights Villas – Check rates on Booking.com or Agoda.com
- Heritage Resort Shark Bay – Check rates on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Make sure you read my Denham accommodation guide for details on each of these + more options.
Accommodation in Monkey Mia: Final Words
Monkey Mia is the perfect place to base yourself if you want direct (and out-of-peak times) access to the dolphin and a stunning beachfront setting. I would go as far to say it is one of the best places to visit in Western Australia!
With accommodations ranging from camping and backpacker dorms to 3-bedroom villas, every budget is catered for. With so many facilities at your fingertips, staying at Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort means you can kick back, relax, and enjoy your time on this stunning part of the West Australian coastline.
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