Shark Bay Accommodation Guide 2026: Denham Vs Monkey Mia

Last Updated on 22 January 2026 by Ariana Svenson

If you’re looking for the perfect Shark Bay accommodation option, the chances are you’re trying to decide whether to stay in Denham or Monkey Mia on your trip to the Shark Bay World Heritage area.

During my visit, I split my time between Denham and Monkey Mia, two incredible but very different destinations within the region. This post will give you all the details you need to make the perfect choice.

Both spots have their own unique appeal, so deciding where to stay might depend on what kind of experience you’re after. You may decide to stay somewhere because it has the perfect resort or campsite for your travel group or because the area is near all the sights and attractions you want to visit.

Where to Stay in Shark Bay? Denham Vs Monkey Mia

When I first visited the Shark Bay Heritage Area, one of my main questions was, where is the best place to stay in Shark Bay? Denham or Monkey Mia?

Shark Bay may be one of the best places to visit in Western Australia, but like everything, there are pros and cons to both places, which I will cover in detail below. Spoiler alert… Both places were extremely enjoyable, so whichever area you pick, you are up for an awesome holiday!

Let’s dive into the details so you can plan the perfect Shark Bay and Monkey Mia getaway! Read our guides if you want to know more about things to do in Denham, things to do in Monkey Mia, and things to do in Shark Bay.

Why stay in Denham

I love staying in towns. Denham is a small but buzzing coastal town. You can walk to most places, and it’s a much more immersive experience than staying at a resort, which is, by nature, separated from everyday life.

You’ll have everything you need with two supermarkets, fuel stations and a handful of places to shop for souvenirs + a couple of restaurants and pubs. You also get a bit of contact with the locals as they go about their business.

Pros of Staying in Denham

Denham might not have the glitz of Monkey Mia, but it has a charm and authenticity that make it a fantastic place to stay.

Whether you’re drawn to its relaxed coastal vibe, family-friendly amenities, or convenient location for exploring the region, Denham has plenty to offer.

Here are the highlights of why I loved staying in Denham and why it might be the perfect base for your trip!

The Beautiful Foreshore

I love, love, love the foreshore. Not only does it have great views, but it’s also a great walk with historical signs and artwork. Some accommodation options in Denham, WA, such as Oceanside Village, are directly next to the foreshore.

One of my personal highlights was spotting the Galli-Curci, a historic pearling lugger, while seabirds swooped around and local fishermen gutted their catch. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time.

Perfect for Family Travel

In addition to the good range of family-friendly accommodation in Denham, there’s an excellent adventure playground that will keep them occupied for hours! Add in the town’s chilled-out atmosphere, and it’s a stress-free win.

Plenty of Things to Do

If you stay in Denham, you’ll be near attractions like the Shark Bay Heritage Area Discovery Visitor Centre, an information centre where I spent about 1.5 hours learning about the area.

Don’t miss the Fire on the Water exhibition, an excellent 15-minute 3D film that tells the story of the battle between HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran.

An Excellent Base

Denham makes for a fantastic base if you’re looking to explore the Shark Bay area. From here, you’re just a short drive to Francois Peron National Park and a heap of other nearby attractions.

It’s perfectly positioned to help you make the most of your trip without spending too much time on the road.

Cons of Staying in Denham

While Denham is a fantastic place to stay, it’s not without its drawbacks. If you’re weighing up your options for Shark Bay accommodation, it’s worth knowing the potential downsides. Here’s what I discovered during my visit.

You Will Have to Travel to See the Wild Dolphins

If you want to see dolphins, you’ll have to travel to Monkey Mia, and you might not get to experience the magic of seeing dolphins multiple times daily.

Inconsistent Accommodation and Customer Service

Accommodation is a bit hit-and-miss in Denham. It has varying standards, which I discovered through my experience and some of the people I talked to. The pools also don’t seem to have the same standards as the resort-style pools at Monkey Mia!

A common theme among accommodations in Denham, especially at owner-operated and run cottages, is that they have not been renovated for a while, and customer service is very casual (not friendly and efficient). The first time I called around, there was not good service. To my shock, I was spoken rudely to at least three different places—almost sarcastically. 

If you read reviews about Denham accommodation, it seems that relaxed cleaning standards, subpar customer service, and a limited willingness to help the customer are the norm. 

Also, keep an eye out as many places ask for a 9 am checkout, which isn’t great when you’re on holiday.

My experience booking my accommodation in Denham was distinct from that of nearby Monkey Mia. Monkey Mia employs professional staff trained in customer service.

To find your ideal stay in Denham, make sure you read my guide to the BEST Denham accommodation options.

Why stay in Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia really only has one accommodation option. This is an absolute beachfront resort that offers easy access to dolphin viewing. It’s a unique and hassle-free resort experience—perfect for families.

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 located close to town.

With palm trees edging the white sand and turquoise waters,  the Monkey Mia Resort matches the feeling of being in a special place away from it all. In my opinion, It’s the best beachfront accommodation option in Shark Bay. You have all the facilities you need + the perfect location. Enjoy a cold beer on the beach (which has the purest white sand) and enjoy the sun’s warm rays.

Pros of Staying in Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia is perfect if you’re looking for a resort-style holiday with minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment. Whether it’s the dolphin encounters, the variety of activities, or the seamless experience of having everything at your fingertips, this spot is a standout for anyone visiting Shark Bay.

Unmatched Dolphin Experience

The biggest draw of Monkey Mia is being “right there” for the world-famous Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience.

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.

If you were to travel from Denham to Monkey Mia for this, you would have much less chance of seeing the dolphins, and there may be a lot of waiting involved.

Early morning access to the dolphin feeding also gives you a very special feeling. While the ranger-led dolphin feeding is a bit of a spectacle with hundreds of people, the dolphins can be around for the rest of the day. 

Everything You Need

Monkey Mia is all about convenience. The resort-style setup means everything you need, including restaurants, a shop, and the beach, is within walking distance. It’s a one-stop destination that eliminates the need to plan meals or activities elsewhere.

There are also easy-to-organise and accessible activities right on the beach, like SUPS and kayaking, mini golf, and beautiful lagoon-style pools. You can book tours from the resort, including SUPS and go-kart hire. In addition, the resort has a small playground and mini golf on-site.

Multiple Accommodation Options

I chose a simple room in the backpackers with a shared bathroom. The price was the same as what I had paid in Denham the nights prior for an older-style self-contained unit. Given the resort’s superior facilities and customer service, it was a no-brainer.

Perfect for Families

A resort experience is so easy, and 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.

The resort offers a wide range of accommodation styles, from luxury family bungalows on the beach to backpacker-style accommodation and a large caravan park.

High Standards of Service

One thing that stood out about Monkey Mia was the professionalism of the staff. The customer service was top-notch, catering to international and domestic visitors. This was so different from the more casual approach I encountered in Denham.

Cons of Staying in Monkey Mia

While Monkey Mia is perfect for some, it’s definitely not the perfect fit for everyone. Depending on your travel style and priorities, there are a few drawbacks to consider before booking your stay.

Resorts are Not for Everyone

Staying in a resort isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. If you prefer more independence, a wider variety of dining options, or the chance to learn more about local life. It may also feel too self-contained for you. The resort setup means everything is in one place, which can be a blessing or a limitation.

Limited Dining and Shopping Options

Yes, it’s a resort, and it has everything you need, but the options are limited. You’ll have the choice of two restaurants and a small shop, but it doesn’t offer the variety you’d find in Denham.

If you enjoy having a range of eating options or browsing local shops, Monkey Mia’s offerings might feel a bit restrictive, especially if you plan to stay for an extended period.

A Remote Location

You’ll have everything you need and easy access to dolphin watching, but the resort is right at the end of the road, and it can feel a bit isolated.

Beyond the dolphin viewing area and the resort, there’s not much else immediately nearby. This might be a downside if you like to explore various attractions without too much travel.

Not as Central as Denham

Denham is the best place to stay to explore the surrounding areas. If you stay in Monkey Mia, you’ll be backtracking if you want to explore other areas of the Peron Peninsula.

Not Great for Budget

Although it may be worth it to spend a bit more on resort-style facilities, Monkey Mia is more expensive than some other options in Denham.

Limited Availability

Due to there being just one place to stay in Monkey Mia, availability can run out fast, leaving you no choice but to stay in Denham. It’s a very popular place to stay, but it can be frustrating when planning a last-minute trip. Even if there is availability, you may not be able to get the room type you would have liked.

To find your ideal Monkey Mia stay, make sure you read my guide to the best Monkey Mia accommodation.

Shark Bay Caravan Parks

Camping in the Shark Bay area is a popular option. There are three Caravan Parks in Denham. All of them are pet-friendly and have basic amenities. Options include:

• Blue Dolphin Caravan Park
• Shark Bay Caravan Park
• Denham Seaside Caravan Park (Tasman Holiday Park)
• Hamelin Pool Caravan Park (further south)

There is so much more to discover – have you heard about the Hamelin Pool stromatolites? Check out our guide for all the details.

There are also powered and unpowered sites at the Monkey Mia Resort.

If you haven’t considered a road trip in Western Australia, Shark Bay is an excellent stop. Why not read this Perth to Kalbarri road trip itinerary for inspiration?

Shark Bay Camping

If you want to try camping in Shark Bay, there are four coastal campsites, all of which are located south of Denham. The campsites have no amenities. These include:

• Eagle Bluff
• Fowlers Camp
• Whalebone Bay 
• Goulet Bluff

These sites are only reachable with a two-wheel drive vehicle, and the roads are unsealed. There is a maximum of four cards per camping site.

Bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis, and you must have a permit to book. The permit costs $15 per night per vehicle and covers up to 4 people.

The downside is that you can only get a permit on the day you want to camp, and there are no advanced bookings. Your permit is one night only and lasts 24 hours. If you can’t find a campsite, you may pay for expensive last-minute accommodation.

Permits are paid by card by calling the Shark Bay Discovery Visitor Centre on 0899481590. You will need your vehicle registration number on hand.

Camping in Francois Peron National Park

Outside of Denham and Monkey Mia, camping at Francois Peron National Park is also an option. All campsites are located close to the beaches. Camping areas are located at:

• Big Lagoon
• Gregories
• South Gregories
• Bottle Bay
• Herald Bright

There is no booking system for these campsites as above. The busiest times of the year are during the winter and school holidays. These campsites have slightly more facilities than those at Shark Bay, including picnic areas and pit toilets. However, there is no fresh water, and you will need to take your rubbish with you when you leave.

Final Words

For me, Denham’s vibe and location as a base for exploring Shark Bay outweighed these downsides, but it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. If you’re travelling without kids and looking for an authentic, local experience, Denham might just suit your style. However, when I return with my kids, I’ll be staying at Monkey Mia for its family-friendly resort amenities and dolphin experiences.

Read my full guide to Monkey Mia accommodation.

That said, I’d still recommend a day trip to Denham to explore the foreshore, let the kids loose in the playground, and visit the Discovery Centre. Despite its flaws, Denham has a charm and authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere. Just go in with the right expectations, and you’ll enjoy what this little town has to offer.Read my full guide to Denham accommodation, which includes 9 top-rated options, such as the Heritage Resort Shark Bay and Shark Bay Holiday Cottages. Whether you’re looking for absolute beachfront accommodation or somewhere in the town centre, there are options for everyone.