Monkey Mia on the eastern coast of Shark Bay, Western Australia is a world famous destination for its friendly dolphins, turquoise waters and marine life. But just how big is Monkey Mia? While it’s not a big town, it’s a massive place to explore in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
This article will give you the low down on the size of Monkey Mia Reserve, the main attractions and why lucky visitors love to come here for dolphin experiences and nature adventures.
If you’re coming from Perth, many Perth tours include a stop at Monkey Mia so you can see the amazing beach dolphins and wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
How large is Monkey Mia?
Monkey Mia itself is a small coastal resort area not a big town or city. The main tourist hub, including Monkey Mia Beach and the Dolphin Interaction area is only a few square kilometers. But the surrounding National Park, Marine Park and conservation areas make it feel like a huge place.
The Shark Bay region where Monkey Mia is located is approximately 23,000 square kilometers with white beaches, coral reefs and shallow waters that support an incredible array of native wildlife and marine animals.
If you want to explore beyond Monkey Mia, a Monkey Mia tour will often include Francois Peron National Park, Dirk Hartog Island and other iconic sites in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
Monkey Mia Hotspots
1. Monkey Mia Beach & Dolphin Interaction Area
The heart of Monkey Mia is the Dolphin Interaction Zone where wild bottlenose dolphins have been coming for decades. This includes:
- RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, the main accommodation in the area.
- A visitor centre run by the Parks and Wildlife where rangers ensure visitors follow strict rules for dolphin behaviour.
- The shallow waters where wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins often visit, providing an unbelievable experience for visitors.
Many Monkey Mia tours offer early morning dolphin experiences, giving visitors the chance to see these amazing creatures up close and learn about conservation.
2. Shark Bay Marine Park
- The Shark Bay Marine Park covers 748,725 hectares, it’s one of the biggest marine parks in WA.
- Home to tiger sharks, manta rays, dugongs, and hundreds of fish and coral species.
- Has boat cruises, wildlife cruises, and water skiing and snorkeling in pristine waters.
If you like unique landscapes, a Pinnacles National Park tour is another great combination with Monkey Mia. Located along WA’s coral coast, the Pinnacles is a desert experience like no other, with ancient limestone formations.
3. Francois Peron National Park & Dirk Hartog Island
- 4WD heaven with white shells, coquina shells, and red sand cliffs.
- Dirk Hartog Island, a 19th-century historical site, is for adventure seekers who want to get off the beaten track.
If you’re doing a Monkey Mia tour, consider adding Francois Peron National Park to your adventure and experience Western Australia’s wilderness.
4. Shark Bay World Heritage Area
- A UNESCO area with 3,500-million-year-old stromatolites, some of the oldest stromatolites on Earth.
- Home to unique ecosystems, brackish water, and artesian water that support special species.
- Traditional custodians, Malgana Aboriginal people, and Parks and Wildlife Service protect this top trip destination.
How Does Monkey Mia Compare to Other Places?
- Denham, the closest town, is a 6.5 square kilometre town just a 1 minute drive (25km) from Monkey Mia.
- Steep Point, the western most point of Australia, is part of Shark Bay Aviation’s scenic flights.
- Kalbarri National Park, a few hours away, is another base of operations for nature lovers.
Monkey Mia itself is small but its connection to Shark Bay World Heritage, marine life, and air-breathing life makes it feel bigger. Many Pinnacles Tours from Perth also go to Kalbarri and Shark Bay so it’s a great way to see Western Australia’s diverse landscapes.
Travel Information
Where to Stay?
Monkey Mia has accommodation options:
- RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort – beachfront with blue waters.
- Accommodation for film crews, budget travellers and luxury seekers.
- Accommodation prices vary depending on the season and booking period.
Getting There
- Shark Bay Airport is the closest airport, easy to get to Monkey Mia.
- Boat tours, pearling boats and 4 day packages available.
- Perth tours often include packages that cover Monkey Mia, Pinnacles and other highlights of the Australian coastline.
Final Thoughts
Although Monkey Mia is not a big town, its amazing creatures, beautiful beaches and connection to life on Earth make it a must see on the Australian coast. The dolphins, boat noises and boat social interaction will make your visit unforgettable.
Looking for a Monkey Mia tour? There are plenty of options to choose from including Pinnacles Tours which combine the best of Western Australia’s coastal and desert landscapes. Whether you’re looking for adventure, conservation or cultural experiences Monkey Mia is a small but massively significant part of Western Australia.
FAQs
How big is Monkey Mia?
Monkey Mia itself is a small coastal resort area within the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, just a few square kilometers. But the Shark Bay region is approximately 23,000 square kilometers including Shark Bay Marine Park, Francois Peron National Park and Dirk Hartog Island.
How do I get to Monkey Mia?
Visitors can self drive, book a Monkey Mia tour or fly into Shark Bay Airport.
What makes Monkey Mia famous?
Monkey Mia is famous for its wild bottlenose dolphins which come in regularly at the beach for dolphin interaction experiences. The area is also famous for its clear waters, marine life and cultural heritage linked to the Malgana Aboriginal people.
When is the best time to visit Monkey Mia?
Best time to visit is during the cooler months May to October when the weather is mild and marine life is most active. But lucky visitors can see bottlenose dolphins year round with daily dolphin visits at the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.
Can I visit Monkey Mia on a day trip?
Yes! Many Monkey Mia tours offer day trip options from Denham or Shark Bay Airport. But if you’re coming from Perth it’s best to stay overnight at RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort or another local accommodation provider.
