🏝️ Why Shark Bay Deserves a Spot on Every Adventurer’s Bucket List
When people search for things to do in Shark Bay, they often don’t realise just how much this place offers. We’re talking red dirt tracks that lead to turquoise water, sea turtles surfacing near your boat, dolphins feeding metres from the shore, and snapper hitting baits while you camp under a blanket of stars.
Shark Bay isn’t a tourist trap. It’s a wild, untouched region where the land meets the sea in the most dramatic and beautiful ways. Whether you’re a seasoned fisher, 4WD nut, travelling family, or first-timer chasing a taste of the outdoors — there’s something here for you.
🎣 Local’s List: Best Things to Do in Shark Bay
1. Hire a Boat from Monkey Mia Boat Hire and Explore Freely
This is the number one way to see Shark Bay right. Hiring your own boat lets you skip the tour crowds and get out on your own terms.
At Monkey Mia Boat Hire, we’ve got:
– A 6m fully equipped offshore vessel (Bulawayo Buoy) for fishing missions and outer reef exploring
– A 4m tinny (All Aboard) for relaxed inshore days with the kids
With a boat, you can fish the channels for bluebone and snapper, cruise up to Big Lagoon, or chase pelagics off Dirk Hartog. Or just anchor up, throw out a line, and soak up the peace.
The real magic? Finding your own slice of paradise. Shark Bay is full of secluded beaches where you can pull in for lunch with no one else in sight. It feels like your own private island. Bring a snorkel and mask, cast a line, or just kick back under the awning with a cold drink. It’s one of those things to do in Shark Bay that turns a good day into an unforgettable one.
Pro tip: Ask us for a few local spots where the fish bite and the tourists don’t go. We’ve got you covered.
2. Catch a Feed – Land or Sea
Fishing is more than a pastime in Shark Bay — it’s part of life. Some of the best things to do in Shark Bay revolve around casting a line. Land-based hot spots like the Denham Jetty, Eagle Bluff, and the turnoff tracks in Francois Peron offer a crack at whiting, flathead, and squid.
Prefer deeper waters? Launch from Denham or Monkey Mia and head to known drop-offs and reef edges for pink snapper, coral trout, mackerel, and cod. Pack a throw net too — mullet and prawns are about in the right season.
3. Camp at Francois Peron National Park
One of the best things to do in Shark Bay for camping lovers. Drive through red sand and soft tracks, then emerge at rugged cliffs or sandy bays with no one else in sight. Big Lagoon is great for kayaking and launching a tinny. Skipjack Point offers insane wildlife viewing (bring binoculars).
Set up camp, light a fire, and cook your catch over the coals. Watch the stars. Hear the ocean. This is the kind of camping that leaves a mark.
4WD access only. Parks Pass required.
4. Meet the Dolphins at Monkey Mia
No Shark Bay trip is complete without visiting the world-famous Monkey Mia dolphins. These wild bottlenose dolphins swim right into shore each morning, and the rangers manage the interactions to protect the animals. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Shark Bay for families with kids.
5. Wildlife Spotting – Dugongs, Rays, Emus, and More
You don’t need a tour guide to see wildlife out here. From your boat or the shore, you’ll spot:
– Dugongs grazing the seagrass beds
– Turtles paddling near the surface
– Eagle rays cruising the shallows
– Emus strutting through the sand dunes
– Sea snakes, reef sharks, and even the occasional sea eagle overhead
It’s like your own David Attenborough episode — only real and in front of you.
6. Stay Local at Shark Bay Caravan Park
After a full day fishing or exploring, you’ll want somewhere clean and comfy to rest. Shark Bay Caravan Park is close to the water, family-friendly, and a great base for day trips.
They’ve got powered sites, cabins, and BBQ areas to cook up that day’s catch.
7. Visit Hamelin Pool’s Stromatolites
Want to see the world’s oldest living life forms? These ancient stromatolites are over 3.5 billion years old. Boardwalk access and signage explain the story — perfect for a rest stop when driving in or out.
8. Ocean Park Aquarium – Family Favourite
For a rainy day or windier afternoon, check out Ocean Park. It’s a marine education centre with shark feeding, interactive tours, and beautiful views over the ocean. It’s also one of the best things to do in Shark Bay with younger kids or teens who want to learn more about the reef system they’ve just fished in.
🚤 Ready for a Big Fish Big Adventure?
There’s no shortage of epic things to do in Shark Bay — but if we had to choose one, it’d be getting out on the water with your own boat. We’ll show you how to launch, where to go, and how to get the most out of your day.
Visit Monkey Mia Boat Hire Shark Bay: https://monkeymiaboathire.com
Call: 0487 421 690
Email: [email protected]
