Shark Bay - Western Australia

We spent some time there about six years ago and the Monket Mia resort at that time was a lot nicer than the Denham caravan park. If the weather is kind the wildflower show is amazing. The two highlights for us were going on a dugong tour with a marine biologist (they are incredible mammals) and a romantic sunset tour across the bay with a bottle of good red, serene music and dolphins swimming alongside our craft whilst watching the most spectacular sunset across the Indian Ocean.

Been there on a fishing trip. Fishing is not bad if you have a boat (But you do need to go a decent way offshore to get the big stuff, also charters up there). Francois Peron Nat Park is worth a look to as well as other sites Monkey Mia (Not a fan of hotel management but. Have my reasons), Shell beach, Steep point.

Did not stay in the caravan park. We rented 2 houses for the week although the main objective was fishing, we spent 2 of the 6 days looking around the Nat Park and Monkey Mia and could of had more, would also drive into Big Lagoon at night sometimes (In the Nat park) To Gidje (Spelling) For small fish, also squid/Octopus for bait.

Most of the placer’s are 4WD only so you will be right.

Defiantly worth a visit.

We have stayed in the caravan park at the end of the main street along the waterfront a couple of times and found it clean and friendly. I would recommend it for sure.

Banjo WA

Monkey Mia is too over-comercialised. In fact I reckon they've ruined it. (Just personal opinion) Only worth a day trip from somewhere else just to have the right to say "I've been there". I prefer Denham myself. Or maybe I shouldn't be advertising that - may be better to keep Denham a secret.

4WD tracks are good. Point Peron is worth the drive

One of the great things about Denham is the Jetty and how it attracts people there at night. People flock around the jetty to go fishing , talk, sit or whatever and it has a great atmosphere. Hopetoun on the South Coast is like that too. There I go again - better keep Hopetoun a secret too.

There is also accomadation at Nanga station. But I haven't stayed there since 1973 - so don't know what it's like now.

Early January is not a good time of the year to go to Shark Bay unless you like temperatures around high thirty's to low forty,s. You will fry out on the water. If you are lucky you may also get the odd cyclone.
March to may is best time of the year
Cheers

Kev

I don't live far from Denham and have been there a few times. 4 or 5 times this year alone.

January..not good. Hot and most days very windy that time of year. Especially from about 10am onward. Fishing on the water very choppy.

You can eleviate the wind problem by staying at Monkey Mia, about 15 km's from Denham. It may cost a little extra (not sure) but you do get better shelter from the breeze and its a nice place. It's also where the dolphins are and other attractions like cruises etc.

Right now is the time to be in Denham/Shark Bay...Although in January accommodation shouldn't be a problem because I don't think many go except those who don't know any better or have no choice.

Good luck

sounds like i might have to change my thoughts on going in January, i am just restricted with the time of year i can go due to holidays

When we travelled their just recently we bypassed Denham and Monkey Mia and camped in the national park. A couple of nights at Big Lagoon and a night at Bottle Bay. Get Jan Hollands Books Priceless camping IN Western Australia and organise to free camp in the spots on the way into Denham.There are 4 spots We stopped at the spots to have a look but of course we were travelling on a weekend but some of the people we spoke to were catching nice fish off the beach and camping in a lovely spots at no cost camping. You are only allowed to camp for 1 night. Eagle Bluff was absolutely magic. The spa at at Heron Homestead was great - a nice welcome as we needed showers and it was overcaste and cool. The warm spa water was loverly to just sit in.
Cheers

Kevin

Was up that way in March and stayed at Nanya Bay. There is a good beach, artesian spa, swimming pool etc.

It is an easy drive from there to Monkey Mia, Denham or any other place you want to go.

Have a look at hamelin pool. Extremely interesting and well worth a visit.

Monkey Mia was great although it is very commercialised. It only cost $6-00 to get in and in this day and age that is very little. Everyone is however playing the rip off the tourist game - especially CALM.

FANTASIC LOVE IT
The Francis Peron National Park is great. Make sure you take the drive up the top.
There are some small cliffs right near the top and if you sit up there and look down into the clear water you can see all types of sea life, turtles, sharks, rays etc etc
Could be a little warm at that time of year but it would still be great.