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Monkey Mia is located in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, about 900 kilometers from Perth, the capital of Western Australia. A must-do here is to watch dolphins in the sea next to the Monkey Mia Lodge.
The dolphins here are world-famous for their near-daily visits to the shore to interact with people. Up to seven wild bottlenose dolphins regularly visit the beach in the mornings, swimming up and down the coastline within arm's reach of the crowds, making Monkey Mia one of the best places in Australia to watch dolphins.
Specially trained rangers oversee the interactive area, hand-feeding the dolphins for a select few. While morning dolphin viewing is a must, keep an eye out for other times of the day near the bay, where the dolphins often leap into the air and playfully feed.
The best time to travel is from October to April
3 hours
To enter the park, you need to pay a dolphin protection fee: AUD 8.5 for adults on weekdays, AUD 3.2 for children aged 6-15, AUD 6.4 for high school students, and AUD 17 for a family (2 adults + 2 children).
Holiday prices are AUD 13 for adults, AUD 5.4 for children aged 6-15, AUD 10.8 for high school students, and AUD 32 for families (2 adults + 2 children).
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Monkey Mia is located within Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is renowned for its wild dolphin interactions. The area has a rich history, with indigenous people having lived there for thousands of years, and European explorers arriving in the 17th century. The dolphins have been interacting with humans for decades, creating a unique and important conservation and cultural site.
Monkey Mia is located about 850 km north of Perth, Western Australia. It is accessible by car or coach from Perth, and there are no public metro or bus services. The most common way to reach Monkey Mia is by car, with the drive taking around 9-10 hours from Perth.
Monkey Mia is open year-round. The best time to visit is between April and September when the weather is cooler and the dolphin sightings are frequent. Dolphins are typically fed in the mornings, with the best interaction time being between 7:30 AM and 12:00 PM.
Entry to Monkey Mia’s resort area is free, but there is a fee for interacting with the dolphins. The fee for dolphin interactions is approximately $15 AUD per person, and tickets can be purchased on-site or online in advance through the official Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort website.
While it is not always necessary to book tickets in advance, it is recommended during peak seasons (school holidays and summer months). Booking online a few days in advance is advised to guarantee a spot for the dolphin experience.
To fully experience Monkey Mia, a visit of 1-2 days is ideal. This allows you to interact with dolphins, explore the area, and enjoy local attractions like the nearby Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery Centre.
Guided tours are available, particularly for the Dolphin Interaction Program and surrounding areas. Tours are typically offered in English, but some operators may provide services in other languages upon request.
Start your day early by visiting the Monkey Mia Dolphin Interaction program to meet the dolphins. Afterward, take a walk along the beach, then head to the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery Centre to learn more about the area's wildlife. In the afternoon, explore the nearby national parks or take a scenic boat tour.
Monkey Mia is primarily a daytime destination, with no scheduled night visits or light shows. However, you can enjoy stargazing at night in the clear skies of the region. Special tours such as evening dolphin watching are sometimes offered during peak seasons.
Monkey Mia can be crowded during peak tourist seasons, such as school holidays (December to January) and long weekends. The least crowded times to visit are during the off-season months (March to November), especially on weekdays.
Monkey Mia offers basic facilities such as toilets, picnic areas, water refill stations, and a café. There is a small shop selling souvenirs and essential items. More extensive services are available at nearby Denham.
Monkey Mia is generally accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. The main areas, including the dolphin interaction zone and the resort facilities, are wheelchair accessible. However, some of the more rugged trails in surrounding parks may not be suitable for all visitors.
Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted at Monkey Mia, including for tickets, food, and souvenirs. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash as backup, particularly for small transactions.
Vegetarian options are available at most restaurants and cafes, but vegan and halal options may be more limited. It’s recommended to check with staff in advance if you have dietary requirements.
Yes, there are souvenir shops at Monkey Mia and in nearby Denham. Typical souvenirs include dolphin-themed items, Aboriginal artwork, locally made jewelry, and marine life-inspired crafts.
