Top Things to Do in Shark Bay

There’s no better way to experience Shark Bay than from the water aboard Perfect Nature Cruises. Hop aboard a wildlife cruise and explore the calm, clear shallows teeming with marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for dugongs, dolphins, rays and turtles - or sail into golden hour for a sunset you won’t forget. Did you know - the 10,000 (approximate) population in Shark Bay makes up 10% of the world population!

An experience that put Shark Bay on the global map. For more than 50 years, wild bottlenose dolphins have been visiting the shores of Monkey Mia almost daily, offering a rare and magical wildlife moment. Rangers from Parks and Wildlife WA carefully manage the interaction to ensure it’s respectful and sustainable. And it’s all included in your park entry fee.

Adventure calls in this rugged coastal park where fiery red dunes tumble into aqua lagoons - a colour clash you need to see to believe. With a high clearance 4WD and a sense of adventure, you’ll find endless ways to explore. Navigate deep sandy tracks that lead to remote bays, dramatic cliffside lookouts, and hidden spots teeming with birdlife and marine creatures. Keep your camera ready - you never know when a goanna, thorny devil, or eagle might cross your path. Experience all the 4WD adventures on a tour with Shark Bay Eco Tours.

No sand here - just billions of tiny cockle shells! One of only a few places like it in the world, Shell Beach stretches for over 70km and dazzles with its stark white shoreline and clear, salty shallows. It’s a natural wonder and a Shark Bay must-see.

WA’s largest island and one of its most remote treasures, Dirk Hartog Island is the kind of place that feels worlds away - because it is. Rich in biodiversity and steeped in history, this remote paradise is part of one of Australia’s most ambitious ecological restoration projects. It’s also where the first recorded European landing took place in 1616, marking a major moment in Australia’s story.

Whether you join a day trip with Island Life Adventures or staying overnight, you’ll experience jaw-dropping landscapes, thrilling 4WD action, and that incredible feeling of being completely off-grid. And to top it off? Settle in with a sundowner at the Inscription Bar, watching Australia’s last sunset light up the Indian Ocean. Magic.

Perched high above the bay, this boardwalk lookout offers sweeping coastal views - and a great chance to spot marine life from above. Dugongs, stingrays, turtles, and even sharks glide through the shallows below. Visit around sunset for an extra dose of magic.

Part marine rescue centre, part interactive experience - Ocean Park is a locally run, eco-conscious aquarium just outside Denham. Join a guided tour to meet local marine creatures and catch WA’s largest shark-feeding display in the Shark Lagoon. A brilliant mix of education, conservation and fun.

Just a few minutes from Denham, Little Lagoon is a shallow, circular bay that’s perfect for a swim, paddle or picnic. Free BBQs and calm waters make this a favourite for families - or anyone keen to relax with a view.

Travelling with kids? The epic playground along Denham’s foreshore is a winner for families. With its prime waterfront position and nearby picnic facilities, it’s the perfect stop for a relaxed afternoon.

These ancient microbial formations are among the world’s oldest living fossils, offering a rare glimpse into Earth’s early life. Though currently closed to visitors, they remain a key part of Shark Bay’s World Heritage story - and worth learning about at the Discovery Centre. *(Temporarily Closed)

Learn about Shark Bay through the eyes of its First Nations custodians. Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures share traditional knowledge, bush tucker, sea stories, and the deep spiritual connection to this land and sea Country.