Monkey Mia Resort is often touted as a dreamy postcard that’s just too good to be true, but the truth is, it’s often far more useful for anyone planning a proper WA road trip. I’m Paul Beames, and I’ve spent enough WA track time to have my tyres crying out for mercy – Ive been to Monkey Mia in the scorching heat of summer, the quiet lull of the shoulder season and the nippy mornings of winter. And let me tell you the real story: it’s beautiful, yes, but it’s also bloody busy, sandy, salty and incredibly rewarding as long as you know how to play it smart.
You don’t come here looking for a glassy poolside fantasy, you come because Shark Bay has real character, loads of Country, some proper wildlife and a clarity of water you just can’t find anywhere else. And Monkey Mia Resort is the one place where you can sleep right on the water, wander down in your flip flops and find dolphins cruising the shallows like they own the shop … because they bloody well do.
Where The Resort Sits And Why It Matters
Monkey Mia Resort sits on the eastern side of the Peron Peninsula in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area – a chunk of WA that is protected because of its red sand, the turquoise water, and the wildlife that just shows up wherever it feels like it.
You’re roughly 850 kilometres north of Perth – that’s a 9-10 hour drive depending on how many times you pull over for a cuppa or some fuel, or just to snap a photo of some random emu you see along the way. Don’t even think about looking for a shortcut – there isn’t one. You just hit the Brand Highway, point the car north and keep on going till you get to Geraldton and then Carnarvon, before swinging into Denham and then carrying on those last 20 kilometres to the resort.
The fact that it’s so remote is all part of the charm…and sometimes the challenge – so don’t skimp on the fuel stops and try to rely on patchy reception to bail you out.
Some participants on big overland trips, such as the 8 Day West Coast Tour, say this is the first spot where they begin to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate how far they’ve come.
What You’ll Actually Find When You Arrive
We’re not talking some fancy-schmancy marble-lined resort here – we’re talking about a beachy, laid-back place that lets you just roll out of your beachfront accommodation into the bay and start wandering. At RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, you’ll find all sorts of goodies like:
- Air-conditioned resort rooms, including ocean and garden view rooms
- Self-contained rooms, hotel-style rooms, and a practical family studio
- Resort-style pools, including a big central swimming pool
- The well-loved Monkey Bar for sunset drinks
- The Boughshed Restaurant serves Australian cuisine
- A general store for essentials and a souvenir and gift shop
- Kayak hire and water activities right off the beach
- Complimentary WiFi in key areas
- A tour desk concierge for organising local experiences
- An Electric Vehicle charging station for modern travellers
Loads of people have zipped through here on the 7-Day Perth to Exmouth Road Trip, and without fail, Monkey Mia is the spot that ends up keeping them a little bit longer than they planned.
The Famous Dolphin Experiences: How They Work
The resort is right next to the place where the dolphin encounters take place – this designated dolphin beach where the magic happens every morning. The program is run by Parks and Wildlife WA to ensure the dolphins are well cared for, and the environment remains natural.
Here’s how it all works:
- The dolphins pretty much come and go as they please.
- The rangers run 2 or 3 sessions a day between 7:45 and midday.
- It’s mostly the ladies who take part.
- A few lucky visitors get to feed them fish.
- Lots of people on longer coastal adventures will chuck in the 6-Day Whale Shark Tour further north – the Coral Coast has a way of hooking you with its wildlife
A Handy At-A-Glance Table For Planning
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Monkey Mia Rd, Monkey Mia WA 6537 |
| Nearest Town | Denham (20 km) |
| Distance From Perth | ~850 km |
| Best Seasons | Autumn & winter |
| Accommodation Options | Air-conditioned resort rooms, self-contained rooms, family studio, beachfront accommodation, caravan & camping |
| Facilities | Swimming pool, Monkey Bar, The Boughshed Restaurant, tour desk concierge, kayak hire, general store, gift shop |
| Dolphin Activities | Morning dolphin encounters with wild dolphins |
| Beach Type | Calm bay with gentle snorkelling spots |
Shark Bay averages 3,000 hours of sunshine a year — good news for swimmers, bad news for anyone who forgets sunscreen.
Local Tips That Make Your Stay Run Smoother
Every time I come to Monkey Mia, I think I’ve finally got my routine figured out, but the truth is, every traveller eventually develops their own way of getting by. Here’s my take:
Get There The Day Before If You Can
Arriving late in the morning usually means you’ll be fighting for bins, the loos, and picnic tables. If you can swing it, turning up the day before gives you a much better chance of getting into the dolphin sessions like a local.
Plan For At Least Two Nights
One night is just too rushed. Two nights gives you some breathing room, and three lets you dial down into the Shark Bay pace, which is basically just “don’t rush mate”.
Pack Your Reef Shoes
The water’s sandy, but there are shells everywhere. Trust me, your toes will thank you later.
Be Prepared For Wind
Shark Bay can whip up an easterly in no time and have your hat flying off in the next suburb. Hold onto your gear.
Book Any Boat Trips Well Ahead Of Time
If you’re after seeing dugongs or taking a sunset sail, you can bet the wildlife cruises and eco tours will be sold out on the weekend. Get on the phone and sort it out early.
Seasonal Reality Check (No Spin, Just Truth)
Monkey Mia operates differently at different times of the year, and knowing these basic facts can help you avoid heatstroke by lunchtime.
Summer (Dec-Feb)
Ugh, hot. Brutal. Even the dolphins look like they’re just waiting for some air-con. If you’re a water type of person, then this is probably the best time for you – but if you’re one of those people who melt at the slightest hint of heat, then you might want to steer clear.
Autumn (Mar-May)
My absolute fave – warm days, cooler nights, and fewer mozzies to deal with.
Winter (Jun-Aug)
It’s pretty mild – cool mornings and sunny afternoons are perfect for walking or kayaking
Spring (Sep-Nov)
Windy, but bloody beautiful – the wildflowers inland are gorgeous, and the wildlife in the bay is always active – plus, who doesn’t love a bit of a breeze?
Respect For Country: What Travellers Need To Know
Monkey Mia is on Malgana Country, and the stories, landforms, waters, and wildlife here are part of a significant cultural landscape that extends well beyond the tourist season.
- Stick to the tracks
- Don’t go disturbing the wildlife
- If a ranger tells you to keep your noise down early in the morning, just do it – it carries across the bay
- Don’t be that visitor who doesn’t care…
This place isn’t just a resort, it’s part of someone’s home.
Food, Supplies, And What Not To Expect
Let’s clear up a big misconception right off the bat – Monkey Mia Resort is not a township. People often conflate this with Denham, expecting supermarkets, pharmacies, and a few cafes. But that’s not what you’ll find here.
At the resort, though, you’ll find:
- A restaurant and bar where you can grab a bite and relax
- A small shop with the essentials – nothing more
- A takeaway counter (but that might be seasonal)
If you need a few more items, such as fuel, ice, fresh produce, or basic medical supplies, you’ll need to return to Denham. So pack up like you’re going camping on the beach – which, let’s be honest, is pretty much what you’re doing.
Tourists who come here as part of small-group adventures, like those run by Pinnacles Tours, often appreciatePinnacles Tours the simplicity of it all. Meals whenever you want, beach right on your doorstep and no hassle – that’s what they’re after.
Wildlife You’ll Actually See (Not Just Wishful Thinking)
What can you expect to see while you’re there? Well:
- Monkey Mia dolphins (they’re the local celebrities here! Most of the action happens within the Monkey Mia Conservation Park, where the rangers manage the daily feedings).
- Rays cruising around the shallow waters
- Pelicans hanging out at the jetty
- Turtles hanging out in the deeper snorkelling spots
- Emus wandering past the rooms
- And yes, small reef sharks do show up sometimes in the bay (no need to panic, they’re harmless, though it’s good to know)
Oh, and one more thing – in summer, the flies can be a real nuisance. Don’t forget to bring a head net if you don’t fancy crunching on protein all day.
Accommodation Choices, Made Simple
RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort has got a whole range of accommodation options, and they’re all pretty different – so we’ve broken them down for you:
Ocean and Garden View Rooms
Perfect for couples – air-conditioned, comfortable and right on the beach.
Self-Contained Rooms & Family Studio
Great choice for families who need a bit of space, fridges, and maybe a private cooking area.
Beachfront Accommodation
Go for this if you want to be right on the sand – a bit of a splurge, but perfect for a special occasion.
Caravan & Camping Sites
If you’re towing a caravan or setting up camp, this is the way to go – near all the amenities and a camp kitchen too.
If you’re planning on linking your stay with a 4 Day Monkey Mia Tour from Perth, most of the tour operators say book in for at least two nights so you can hang out, see the dolphin feedings, and get out to explore the Shark Bay World-Heritage Area without feeling rushed.
FAQ
Do the dolphins turn up every day?
They usually do, but let’s be clear – these are wild animals. No promises, ever.
Can we hire kayaks?
Yes – kayak and canoe hire is available from the activity hut near the beach.
Is WiFi free?
Yes, Complimentary WiFi, though it’s a bit patchy reception in some areas.
Is the swimming pool heated?
The main swimming pool is comfortable for year-round swimming, but it’s not heated.
Is Monkey Mia okay for families?
Absolutely – with a family studio, gentle snorkelling spots, the pool and calm water, it’s perfect for kids.
