Perth to Monkey Mia and Denham
Head north to
Denham and
Monkey Mia on Australia’s Coral Coast and discover a World Heritage listed region renowned for its unique natural wonders and friendly dolphins. From the fiery-red cliffs of Francois Peron National Park and the ancient
Hamelin Pool stromatolites to amazing marine life encounters, experience it all on the Shark Bay Explorer.
Day 1: Perth to Kalbarri
Approx 590 kilometres
Start your journey early and drive north from Perth along the Brand Highway towards
Geraldton, your first stop on the drive to Denham and Monkey Mia in Australia’s
Shark Bay Region. Take a refreshment stop at one of the many parks or cafes in Geraldton before continuing your journey to
Kalbarri. Check into your accommodation, then take in the sunset views from one of the many coastal walk trails. Or grab a surfboard and head for the renowned surf break, Jacques Point before tucking into a fresh seafood feast for dinner at one of the many local restaurants. After dinner, sit back and relax under the stars at the outdoor cinema.
Overnight: Kalbarri – See
Kalbarri accommodation
Day 2: Kalbarri to Denham
Approx 390 kilometres
On your journey back to the highway, explore
Kalbarri National Park, visiting the picturesque lookouts at Nature's Window,
the Loop and Z-Bend Gorge. Continue north to
Denham, in Australia’s Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Follow the interpretive signage along the Shark Bay World Heritage Drive to the remarkable
Hamelin Pool stromatolites – the oldest living fossils in the world – and the calm, crystal waters of
Shell Beach – a 120km stretch of beach made entirely of millions of tiny shells. Stop at
Eagle Bluff for spectacular ocean views along a 100m walkway, where reef sharks, dugongs and rays are regularly spotted. Continue on to
Denham, check in to your accommodation, enjoy a drink on foreshore and watch the sunset over the ocean.
Overnight: Denham
Day 3: Shark Bay and surrounds
Today, you can choose from a multitude of activities on offer. For some rugged adventure, join a day tour to nearby
Dirk Hartog Island or
Francois Peron National Park. Keen fisherman can try their hand at catching a prized fish off the surrounding beaches or join a fishing charter. Drive out to Peron Homestead, to explore the remarkable history of the area surrounding Denham and Monkey Mia on Australia’s Coral Coast and take a revitalizing dip in the hot tub, fed with natural artesian water. Nearby, Little lagoon is an ideal spot for an afternoon picnic and a refreshing swim. In the late afternoon, head to
Monkey Mia and relax and unwind aboard a relaxing sunset catamaran cruise.
Overnight: Monkey Mia – see
Monkey Mia accommodation
Day 4: Monkey Mia, Australia’s best dolphin encounter
Spend the morning at
Monkey Mia where Australia’s famous bottlenose
dolphins visit the shores daily. The dolphins are fed up to three times each day, which accounts for just one third of their daily diet. The first feeding is at around 7.30am. Enjoy an adventurous camel trek along the spectacular beaches of Shark Bay, or head down to the jetty to join a catamaran tour and visit a local pearl farm to discover the stunning beauty of Shark Bay pearls. Watch out for dolphins, dugongs and turtles in the pristine waters. Spend the afternoon enjoying the facilities of Monkey Mia including the natural spa, filled with warm artesian water. Enjoy dinner on the shores of Monkey Mia and join an astronomy or Indigenous cultural tour before turning in.
Overnight: Monkey Mia
Day 5. Monkey Mia to Geraldton
Approx 380 kilometres
Enjoy a lazy breakfast on the foreshore this morning, before hiring a kayak to explore the surrounding waters or joining a land-based tour to find out about the Indigenous history of Denham, Monkey Mia and Australia’s Shark Bay region. After lunch, start your journey south towards,
Geraldton. Stop by at
Northampton for afternoon tea, and explore the town’s rich colonial heritage. Or why not get in tune with another dimension at
Oakabella Homestead, considered Western Australia’s most haunted house. Continue on to Geraldton for dinner at one of the city’s restaurants.
Overnight: Geraldton
Day 6. Geraldton to Perth
Approx 420 kilometres
This morning, head up to the impressive
HMAS Sydney II Memorial. Commemorating the lives of 645 sailors who died in World War II, it provides sweeping views across
Geraldton and the Indian Ocean. Join a free 30-minute tour of the memorial from 10.30am before continuing your journey along the Indian Ocean Way to
Cervantes to explore the mystical Pinnacles Desert. The road into the Pinnacles is sealed, and there is a car park within walking distance of the limestone structures. After exploring the Pinnacles, head to the Desert Discovery Centre to learn more about these fascinating formations. You can also pick up locally-made handcrafted souvenirs here. Enjoy a swim at Hangover Bay or Cervantes before making the final journey back to Perth.