Last Updated on 29 March 2026 by Ariana Svenson
Looking for the best things to do in Denham? Look no further! Denham, Australia, is a coastal town that usually flies under the radar, but it 100% deserves a spot on your itinerary.
I like Denham. It has an interesting vibe, kind of an outback town crossed with a seaside village. Sure, you can walk from one end of the town to the other in 20 minutes at a brisk pace. On the other hand, Denham doesn’t really vibe with a brisk pace; an easy, casual stroll feels more in keeping.
When you chat with the locals, you will see that they pride themselves on doing things on their own time, which does seem relaxed.
Surrounded by some of the most unique natural attractions on the planet, you’ll never run out of things to do in Denham. Denham makes a great base for exploring the Shark Bay area – an excellent spot for you if you like towns, meeting the locals, and a holiday town vibe.
There isn’t loads to do, but it’s worth a couple of days at a relaxed pace. Denham’s great strength is that it is a superb base for the greater Shark Bay area.
The Best Time to Visit Denham, Western Australia
April and May deliver a warm, mild weather ideal for swimming, while July cools off a bit to allow for some hiking. October through March can be pretty windy, while cyclone season runs from November to April.
But really, the best time to visit Denham depends on the kind of trip you’re looking for. This guide will show you 16+ things to do in Denham, WA, so you can start planning your next trip to this bit of paradise.
Denham Location
Denham is a tiny outpost in Western Australia, perched on the west coast of the Peron Peninsula.
It’s located about 830km north of Perth, and it’s the westernmost publicly accessible town in the whole country.
The Best Things to Do in Denham
Here’s a map of where Denham is in WA and the top things to do:
There’s no shortage of things to do in Shark Bay. Here are the top things to do in Denham.
1. Discover Denham’s Discovery Trail
Winding for 2.3km along Denham’s foreshore, this self-guided trail showcases interpretive signs and public artworks that explore everything Denham-related.
You can do this trail in just under an hour, but I highly recommend slowing down and stopping to read the plaques.
Don’t miss – Shark Bay Pearling Lugger
This is the Galli-Curci, a Shark Bay Pearling lugger known by locals as the Galla. It was built in 1929 for dredge pearling in Shark Bay and named after the Italian soprano Amelia Galli-Curci, who toured Australia in the 1920s.
The Shark Bay pearling lugger’s distinctive feature was its expansive counter stern, which could tow up to 10 dredges simultaneously. The Galla spent time up and down the coast of WA before returning to Denham in the 1990s.
2. St Andrews Anglican Church
St Andrew’s Anglican Church (also known as St Andrew by the Sea) is a charming little piece of Denham, WA, history with a unique backstory. It’s made from coquina shell blocks quarried from nearby Hamelin Pool.
Built in 1954 thanks to support from a UK-based group called the “League of Help,” this humble church was part of a post-war effort to rebuild churches abroad.
3. Foreshore Beach and Jetties
As Denham is so small, I loved the fact that I could wake up, pour my instant coffee, and be on the foreshore for sunrise within a minute. The Foreshore has a well-maintained path, green grass for picnics, and BBQS ready for that sunset cook-up.
You can also cast a fishing line from one of the two jetties. If you want to take out a boat, there’s a dual-lane ramp, trailer parking, and even fuel on site.
At the other end of the day, soak up the glorious sunsets. I loved the laid-back feel of watching the people on the jetty fishing and having fun. There is a gorgeous vibe around the jetties.
4. Have Fun at the Shipwreck-Themed Playground
Built using salvaged timbers from the old jetty, the Denham Foreshore Playground has a fantastic shipwreck design complete with ropes, a climbing wall, a slide, a nest swing, and even musical elements.
It’s also built with sustainability in mind, using recycled jetty timber to minimise waste.
Also, the playground is fully accessible, so everyone can join in on the fun.
5. Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitor Centre
Directly across from the Playground and jetties is the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitor Centre. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone keen to learn about the region.
As with any area, the Visitor Centre should be your first port of call in town. It has up-to-date information on road conditions, National Park access, and more.
The Living Place introduces you to the area’s natural features, while the Experiencing Place highlights the ongoing nature and wildlife preservation efforts. The Mapping Place shares stories of the Indigenous Malgana people, early European explorers, and settlers through artifacts and narratives.
I allowed just an hour for the Shark Bay Heritage Discovery Centre on my first day in town and only saw about half the amazing displays, so I went back on the final day as well.
6. See the Fate of HMAS Sydney II
Located directly outside the Shark Bay Visitor Centre, this unique monument commemorates the 645 sailors who died when the H.M.A.S. Sydney sank off shore from Shark Bay.
Australia`s greatest maritime tragedy took place in November 1941 off the Western Australian coast when the RAN Cruiser H.M.A.S. Sydney II engaged a German armed raider, Kormoran, with the loss of both ships.
The Fire on the Water exhibit in the Discovery Centre screens every half hour and uses 3d imagery to recall the tragic battle.
7. Spot Wild Emus
These curious, flightless birds are a familiar sight around Denham, Australia, often spotted along the foreshore.
Make sure you also leave time to visit the “Emu Rising” mosaic – a stunning piece of public art that pays homage to the emu’s place in Aboriginal astronomy.
8. Hit the Trails
If you’re keen to get some steps in, there are some scenic trails right on your doorstep:
Boolbardi Walk
Distance: 600m / Time: Approx. 40 minutes
This short and peaceful trail follows the shoreline south from the end of Knight Terrace in Denham, leading you to a remarkable Aboriginal fish trap tucked into a quiet little cape.
Nicholson Point Walk – See Little Lagoon, Denham
Distance: 5km / Time: 1.5–2 hours
This longer trail takes you from Denham out across coastal shrublands, all the way to the beautiful Little Lagoon. Keep an eye out for native birds, wildflowers, and shells scattered along the beach between Nicholson Point and the lagoon mouth. Be careful of the lurking stonefish!
Eagle Bluff Boardwalk
Distance: 300m / Time: Approx. 30 minutes
Just 20km south of Denham, this short trail offers sweeping views over Henri Freycinet Harbour and the chance to spot rays and maybe even a dugong.
(this trail would be best done while exploring outside Denham)
Wulyibidi Yanayina Trail
Distance: 3km loop / Time: 1–1.5 hours
Starting from the Monkey Mia car park, this gentle loop takes you through red sand dunes and coastal bush, past a peaceful bird hide, and along a quiet stretch of beach. It was the most surprising thing that I did in Monkey Mia!
9. Ocean Park Aquarium
Just 10km south of Denham, Ocean Park Aquarium is far from your average tank setup.
It’s an eco-conscious facility with daily feedings and guided tours led by passionate marine enthusiasts.
Ocean Park’s main attraction is their massive 3.5-million-litre Shark Lagoon, where you can dive with the sharks if you’re feeling brave!
10. Scenic flights
A scenic flight is an absolute must if you want to see this corner of Western Australia from a completely different angle.
Shark Bay Aviation runs flights with loads of options to suit your time and budget, such as 20-minute joyrides or 90-minute full-blown adventures. Flights run from Shark Bay Airport.
11. Go on a 4WD Adventure: Dirk Hartog Island, Francois Peron National Park and More!
Denham is the perfect jumping-off point for 4WD adventures through some of Shark Bay’s most spectacular and remote areas.
There are 4 different 4WD tour operators, including:
- Shark Bay Coastal Tours – Small group safaris
- Naturetime 4wd Tours – a road-trip-style experience with a maximum of four guests.
- Wildsights – a long-standing favourite
- Shark Bay Eco Tours – also a fantastic choice for a more flexible and eco-friendly option.
12. Take an Eco-Marine Tour
Here’s a rundown of the best eco and marine tours you can take around Denham
Top picks include
- Shark Bay Eco Tours, offering snorkelling trips and full-day marine safaris;
- Perfect Nature Cruises, which operates from nearby Monkey Mia and runs dolphin-friendly morning, afternoon, and sunset cruises;
- Island Life Adventures, which run scenic boat and 4WD tours to the wild and remote Dirk Hartog Island.
13. Fishing charters
Providing the best fishing charter boat service in the Shark Bay region, “Mac Attack” offers fantastic fishing tours and marine wildlife cruises
Experience the best in fishing charters, customised full-day boat charters and marine wildlife tours with Mac Attack Fishing Charters!
14. Explore Land and Sea, the Wula Gura Nyinda Way
Wula Gura Nyinda means “you come this way,” and that’s exactly what you’ll be doing with Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures.
Run by Darren “Capes” Capewell, a descendant of the Nhanda and Malgana people, these tours are all about sharing stories, knowledge, and connection to the Country.
Head out on bush walks where you’ll forage for native tucker, discover traditional medicines, and hear how Aboriginal people have thrived here for tens of thousands of years.
When the sun sets, the Didgeridoo Dreaming Night Tour takes things to another level, with ancient stories and music under the stars.
15. Kitesurfing in Denham
The windy season usually kicks off in October and rolls through to April, with southwesterly breezes ranging from 15 to 35 knots. The shallow waters and reliable wind make Denham an excellent spot for all kitesurfing skill levels.
Shark Bay Kitesurfing is the go-to if you’re keen to get started or level up your skills.
This local crew is all about promoting the sport, focusing on safety, enjoyment, and respecting the natural environment.
16. See Why Everyone’s Talking About the Famous Thong Shack
Say hello to the Thong Shack, perched on a quiet stretch of beach and decorated with hundreds of well-loved thongs (the footwear kind).
Over the years, travellers have turned this shack into an unofficial shrine, adding their mismatched thongs to the collection, often scribbled with names, dates, or travel messages.
Areas to visit using Denham as a base
Denham is a great base for trips to nearby areas, including:
17. Peron Heritage Precinct
Once a working sheep station, Peron Heritage Precinct is now a time capsule of the area’s pastoral past.
You’ll find old shearing sheds, dusty quarters, and interpretive signs here. It’s all self-guided, and there’s even a rustic artesian hot tub where you can soak your tired feet.
18. Tick off the sights along Shark Bay World Heritage Drive: Hamelin Pool Stromatolites, Shell Beach & Eagle Bluff
The Shark Bay World Heritage Drive is one of the most scenic routes in WA, and a top contender for one of the best places to visit in Western Australia.
Stretching 150 km from the Overlander Roadhouse to Monkey Mia, this drive is filled with fascinating stops like:
- Hamelin Pool Stromatolites: These ancient living fossils might not look flashy, but they’re some of the oldest lifeforms on Earth.
- Shell Beach: A beach made entirely of tiny white shells, stretching for kilometres and stacked up to 10 metres deep. That’s why it’s considered one of the best beaches in Western Australia.
- Eagle Bluff: Stroll the boardwalk and gaze down at the rays and turtles cruising the waters below.
If you plan a stay in Monkey Mia, read our Monkey Mia accommodation guide!
Denham Shops
For your day-to-day needs, Shark Bay Supermarket on Knight Terrace is a handy stop for food and general supplies.
The Blue Lagoon Pearl Shop is also a must-visit. Here, you can browse a wide range of locally sourced pearls.
Red Earth Gallery is a top spot to browse Aboriginal art and regional pieces, while The Little Shop is great for colourful trinkets, keepsakes, and quirky holiday mementos.
The Shark Bay Shopping Centre is the main shopping centre in the area. It has a supermarket, a newsagency, a pharmacy, and a range of specialty stores selling clothing, gifts, and souvenirs. You’ll also find a:
- Hairdresser
- Bakery
- Hardware store
- Gift Shop
- Surf branded clothes shop
- Pearl shop
There’s so much more to discover – have you heard about the Hamelin Pool stromatolites? Check out our guide for all the details.
The Top Cafes and Restaurants in Denham
Here’s where to fill your belly after a day of exploring:
- The Old Pearler Restaurant: It’s the only restaurant in the world built entirely from coquina — a natural limestone made of millions of tiny shells collected from nearby Hamelin Pool. Don’t forget to book in advance!
- Oceans Restaurant: Perched above Shark Bay Marine Park, Oceans Restaurant offers panoramic views from which you might spot dolphins or rays as you eat.
- Shark Bay Hotel: Affectionately known as “the Old Pub,” this is the place for a classic Aussie pub experience. The menu features hearty pub favourites, all served in portions big enough to share.
How to Get to Denham from Perth and Monkey Mia
You have a few ways to reach Denham, Western Australia:
- Drive from Perth: A 9-hour drive (approx. 830 km) via the North West Coastal Highway. It’s 2WD-friendly all the way.
- Fly to Monkey Mia Airport: Quick 2-hour flights with regional express airlines from Perth land just 10 minutes from Denham. Once you arrive, hire a car or hop on a transfer from the airport.
- Bus via Overlander Roadhouse: Catch a long-distance coach from Perth (like Integrity Coach Lines) to Overlander, then grab a local shuttle into Denham or Monkey Mia.
- Perth to Kalbarri road trip: One of the best ways to reach Denham is by road-tripping your way up from Perth, with a stopover in Kalbarri to break things up.
Staying in Denham
Some of the top Shark Bay accommodation options are in Denham. Read our Denham accommodation guide to find your perfect stay.
To help you decide whether Denham or Monkey Mia is the best base for your trip, make sure you read our Denham Vs Monkey Mia guide. If Monkey Mia is a better option for you, read our Monkey Mia accommodation guide.
Final Words
Denham, Australia, is a launchpad for some of the best experiences you’ll ever encounter. Hopefully, you know exactly what to do in Denham, WA, during your visit. This corner of Western Australia is an unforgettable spot you definitely don’t want to miss.
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