Last Updated on 9 May 2025 by Ariana Svenson
When it comes to great coastal spots in Western Australia, Monkey Mia needs to be on your bucket list.
There is one word that is synonymous with Monkey Mia, and that’s dolphins! That’s right; whenever you search for Monkey Mia or even mention it to a travelling friend, dolphins are going to be part of the conversation. However, the overwhelming focus on the dolphins means that people don’t realise that there are so many things to do in Monkey Mia that are not dolphin-related.
It is also a resort, meaning a place of sand, salt, and relaxation. If you can afford the time in your itinerary, why not spend some time exploring Monkey Mia?
I intend to head north again this winter, this time with my kiddos in tow. I will allow time to rise for sunsets, take a sunset cruise, and relax in the pool.
Where is Monkey Mia Located?
Monkey Mia is on WA’s Coral Coast, about 850km north of Perth. It’s one of the top places to visit in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
Monkey Mia is about a 25-minute drive from Denham, the main hub for supplies and cafes. For an overview of the area, read our guide to the top things to do in Denham.
And there’s so much more to discover – have you heard about the Hamelin Pool stromatolites? Check out our guide for all the details.
Do I Need to Pay to Enter Monkey Mia?
You need to pay to enter Monkey Mia Conservation Park. A daily entry fee applies:
- $15 for adults
- $5 for children
Passes from other Shark Bay parks won’t work here. Family tickets for two adults and two kids are also available for $35.
If you’re staying in Monkey Mia, you can opt for a holiday permit that covers you for four weeks. Prices are here.
Monkey Mia Dolphins
Dolphins have been visiting the beach since the 1960s, when the fishermen of Monkey Mia began sharing their catch with some local dolphins. Over the years, more and more dolphins have started visiting!
Every morning, a group of wild dolphins comes close to shore, and the volunteer feeders meet them with a bucket of fish. A few lucky visitors get randomly picked from the crowd to help feed them, but you’re not allowed to touch or swim with the friendly dolphins. The experience is one of the very best things to do in Shark Bay.
If you want the best chance to spot the Monkey Mia Australia dolphins, make sure you’re at the beach for the first feeding session of the day, which is around 7:30 AM Just a heads-up, though, this session is also the busiest.
Just remember, dolphin sightings are never guaranteed…
Hot Tips for Feeding the Dolphins + Having an Amazing Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience
- Arrive early: Dolphin feedings usually take place between 7:45 AM and 12:00 PM. During this window, the dolphins visit Monkey Mia beach a few times, and the first visit is usually the most crowded.
- Listen to the rangers: The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) rangers strictly supervise the interactions. Pay close attention to their instructions and follow them carefully for your safety and the well-being of the dolphins.
- Stay on the boardwalk until invited: You’ll gather on the boardwalk for the initial briefing. You should enter the beach area only when the rangers give the go-ahead.
- Stay behind the line: When on the beach, stay behind the designated line unless you’re specifically chosen to feed a dolphin. This helps maintain a safe distance for both humans and dolphins.
- Don’t touch the dolphins: As tempting as it might be, don’t touch them. This protects them from potential diseases and ensures their natural behaviour isn’t disrupted.
- No swimming or approaching dolphins outside the feeding area: It’s illegal to approach dolphins in the water outside of the supervised feeding experience. If a dolphin comes close to you while swimming, don’t move and let it pass.
- Don’t use sunscreen or lotions if entering the water: These can harm the dolphins.
- Only feed when instructed: Never attempt to feed the dolphins unless a ranger specifically invites you to do so. Feeding them outside of this program can negatively impact their hunting habits and the ecosystem.
- Be patient: Dolphin visits don’t have a schedule; they arrive when they want. There might be days when fewer dolphins visit, or they might not appear at all, but this is rare.
- Respect the environment: Don’t leave any rubbish on the beach or in the water. Plastic is particularly dangerous to marine life.
My Thoughts on Monkey Mia
I was prepared for an underwhelming experience, but it was pretty cool – I’d definitely rate it as worth doing.
On my first morning in Monkey Mia, there were about 300 people on the jetty. Finally, the rangers said people could move onto the beach for feeding. The dolphins then swam away. Oops! And it confirmed what the nay-sayers had said.
On the second day, a pod of 10 dolphins came in and proceeded to hunt around the jetty area, quite oblivious to the 200-odd people gathered on the shore. Kudos to the Ranger/commentator who delivered interesting facts and tidbits on dolphins for over an hour.
Finally, the mature females who took food from the volunteers indicated that they were ready to eat.
While it sounded a bit more casual in the past, these days, dolphins are only fed according to strict guidelines and under the supervision of Rangers to ensure they continue to hunt and behave naturally. Only certain females are offered fish; if they visit more than three times or after 12 noon, they will not be fed.
So, while the dolphin feeding was a bit of a false start, the overall experience was great… Better still, I went for a walk, and when I returned, there were still dolphins playing in the shallows (and only a handful of people). It felt much more intimate and special.
More Amazing Things to do in the Monkey Mia Reserve, WA
Wondering what to do in Monkey Mia aside from dolphin sightings? Here are a few more amazing activities in Monkey Mia and nearby that you won’t want to miss.
Here’s a map of the top things to do in Monkey Mia
Visit the Monkey Mia Conservation Park Dolphin Information Centre
The information centre is a great place to visit if you want to discover even more about the dolphins you’ve seen on the Monkey Mia shoreline.
You’ll find fascinating displays about dolphin behaviour and conservation efforts. Entry is included in your park fee.
The Wulyibidi Yanayina Trail
While I enjoyed the early morning dolphin feeding, my favourite experience in Monkey Mia was the short loop walk that departs from the Dolphin Interpretation Centre.
This 3km walk winds through the red sand dunes, giving you an up-close look. You’ll find informative signs about the park’s conservation efforts and Shark Bay’s cultural history along the way.
The trail is a relaxed walk, taking around 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.
Enjoy the Monkey Mia Resort Restaurant + Other Options
If you’re hanging around Monkey Mia tourist attractions while waiting for the next dolphin feeding, why not treat yourself to a lazy brunch or a relaxed meal? Here’s a quick list of the best spots to check out:
Spend More Time on Monkey Mia Beach
Relax on the sand, swim in the shallow waters and enjoy the views!
But if you’re feeling a bit more active, here are some excellent beach activities you can jump into:
Go Snorkelling
Monkey Mia is a sweet little spot for beginner snorkellers.
The calm, shallow waters make it easy to start exploring; you might even spot sting rays and turtles!
Conditions are usually pretty mellow, but it’s worth checking the weather because tides and visibility can change.
Summer is the best time to go snorkelling, but if you’re visiting in winter, be sure to pack a wetsuit to keep you warm.
You can hire snorkels and other things you may need at the shop at the resort.
Swimming in Monkey Mia
The moment I flew into Shark Bay and saw the turquoise water, I wanted to plunge right in. Swimming is permitted (outside the dolphin interaction area).
Monkey Mia’s water was only knee deep … until very far out near the seaweed beds. I submerged myself and promised I’d return for some proper swims.
If you’re in the water and happen to see a dolphin, you must stay at least 30 metres away to avoid disturbing them. It’s actually against the law to touch or chase them.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Beyond the feeding sessions, you can also hire a kayak or paddleboard from Monkey Mia Resort and head out into the bay.
Paddling along the shoreline gives you a unique view of the beach and the dune. You can stick close to the beach or paddle out a bit further for a quiet slice of paradise.
Boat Trips and Sunset Cruises
Plenty of boat charters operate from Monkey Mia to see dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, turtles and other marine species.
If you’re after a relaxing way to end the day, a sunset cruise from Monkey Mia jetty is where it’s at. You’ll cruise along the Peron Peninsula while the sky puts on a colourful sunset show of pinks, golds, and purples across the water.
Make sure to keep an eye on the water, though, because there’s a good chance you’ll also spot dolphins, dugongs, turtles, and manta rays along the way.
Most cruises are BYO for drinks and snacks, while others have a licensed bar. Honestly, going on a sunset cruise is one of the best ways to wrap up your time in Shark Bay.
Why is the Area Called Monkey Mia?
The name “Monkey Mia” has a couple of different theories behind it.
The “Mia” part comes from an Aboriginal word meaning “home” or “resting place”.
As for “Monkey”, there are a few possibilities. One theory suggests it comes from a ship called “Monkey” that visited the area in 1834 while searching for the wreck of the Zuytdorp.
Another story points to the Malaysian pearl farmers who worked in the region in the 1850s, who supposedly had pet monkeys. And then there’s the idea that “Monkey” was a slang term for sheep used by early pastoralists, who used the bay to load and unload their flocks.
Things to Do in Monkey Mia for Kids
The shallow beach is a great place for young children to paddle along the shore. There are also many amazing shells. If you wish to admire their colours, remember to leave them when you go home.
The main things to do in Monkey Mia for kids are based around the beach and Monkey Mia Resort – the perfect place to base yourself if you opt for accommodation in Monkey Mia. Top activities (aside from the dolphins, of course) include:
- Mini Golf: The resort’s mini golf course is a great place to have light-hearted fun.
- Swimming Pools: Two outdoor pools, perfect for a lazy afternoon dip. The pools have a resort-style vibe, surrounded by palm trees, shade spots, and grassy lounging areas. There’s even a separate wading pool just for the little ones!
- Playground: Sides and swings, and a big shade cloth overhead.
- Go Kart Hire: Why not hire go-karts at Monkey Mia reception for some fun on wheels?
When to Visit Monkey Mia
The best month to visit Monkey Mia depends on what you’re after.
Early summer (December to February) is ideal for the beach because of warm ocean temperatures and clear skies, though it’s peak season with higher prices and crowds. Autumn (March to May) is perfect for exploring the area and more walking-based activities as it starts to cool down, with the water still warm enough for a dip.
Winter (June to August) is a fantastic time for spotting wildlife, but be prepared for chilly mornings and evenings. Lastly, spring (September to November) has pleasant temperatures all around.
https://www.getyourguide.com/perth-l385/perth-to-exmouth-with-monkey-mia-ningaloo-reef-t956429/?partner_id=AVVARNS&utm_medium=online_publisherHow to Get to Monkey Mia
Getting to Monkey Mia is part of the adventure. It’s one of the more scenic road trips from Perth, giving you a solid 850 km (about 9 hours) drive along WA’s Coral Coast.
If you’re coming from Geraldton, Monkey Mia is about 400 km away or a 4-5 hour drive. For those coming from Coral Bay or Exmouth, it’s about 300 km south.
How do you get to Monkey Mia from Perth?
If you follow the scenic Brand Highway and the North West Coastal Highway, Monkey Mia is about a 9-hour (850 km) road trip.
If you don’t want to drive, you can fly from Perth to Shark Bay Airport (MJK). Also known as Monkey Mia Airport, it’s about 20 minutes away from Mon with connecting transfers available.
Alternatively, you can hop on a long-distance coach, which offers a more relaxed (but longer) journey.
Things to Do Near Monkey Mia
Monkey Mia has so many amazing things to do nearby, from beautiful beaches to national parks and must-visit attractions:
Explore Francois Peron National Park
It’s perfect for a 4WD adventure, a bit of bushwalking, and wildlife spotting. Don’t miss epic views from lookouts like Cape Peron and Skipjack Point.
Visit the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitor Centre
Located in nearby Denham, it’s a great place to learn why Shark Bay is so special. Here, you can dive into the region’s natural and cultural history: from its unique marine life and geological wonders to the fascinating stories of the Malgana people.
See the Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool
On the way to and from Monkey Mia you should check out Hamelin Pool, where you can see the world’s oldest living organisms: the stromatolites.
These weird, rock-like structures were made by ancient cyanobacteria and offer a glimpse into Earth’s early days. Don’t go off the beach, and avoid disturbing the fragile ecosystem.
Shell Beach
A 40-minute drive south of Monkey Mia brings you to Shell Beach, a completely unique stretch of sand made entirely of tiny white shells. It’s actually one of the top beaches to visit in Western Australia.
Monkey Mia Accommodation Options
The only option in Monkey Mia is the RAC Monkey Mia Resort. You can read all about this and base yourself in Monkey Mia in our Monkey Mia accommodation Guide.
Nearby, Denham is also a great place to base yourself for exploring Monkey Mia. Read our Shark Bay Accommodation Guide: Denham Vs Monkey Mia and Denham Accommodation Guide to help you decide which is best for you.
Final Words
Monkey Mia is a must-visit destination in the Shark Bay Heritage Area, especially if you love the idea of dolphin encounters. Aside from dolphins, there are many other amazing things to do in Monkey Mia that you should also add to your itinerary!
Monkey Mia is a slice of WA magic that’s hard to beat… No rushing, no stress, just simple, unforgettable moments. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip and maximise your time in Monkey Mia!
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