With good roads and scenic views wherever you go, getting around Shark Bay is part of the fun.
Although Shark Bay is a small region by Australian standards, it's actually the same size as The Bahamas or Jamaica. But don't worry, with one road in and one road out it's very difficult to get lost! Shark Bay is the name of the region, with Denham as its township. Monkey Mia is part of Shark Bay, located 26 kilometres from Denham and is home to the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.
There are no train services in Shark Bay, so travellers arriving by air rely on coaches, tour operators and car-hire to get to and from our natural landmarks.
Guided tours offer a comfortable and relaxing way of seeing the region with many local tour companies offering 4WD tours, boat tours and scenic flights around Shark Bay. They provide extensive year round multi-day itineraries for budget, deluxe and luxury travellers.
Flights
Driving
Public Transport
Transport in Shark Bay
Flights
Many airlines fly to Western Australia and prices vary considerably, so it pays to shop around for a flight. A list of International Airlines and Domestic Airlines can be found on the Perth Airport website. Consider the length of the flight and any mandatory stopovers. Start by contacting the major airlines or your local Aussie Specialist at the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitor Centre.
Getting to Perth Airport
Perth airport is located 12km from Perth CBD. For information on how to get to Perth Airport, please visit the Perth Airport website.
Getting from Perth to Shark Bay
Regional Express Airlines operates 12 weekly services between Perth and Monkey Mia/Denham Airport. Bookings can be made via REX online, by calling 13 17 13 or via the Shark Bay Discovery and Visitor Centre. Please select Monkey Mia as the destination airport. Regional Express Airlines operates from Terminal 2 at Perth Airport.
Airport Transfers
Shark Bay Coaches offers airport transfers to Denham, and also tours around the region including trips to Monkey Mia. All trips can be booked through the Shark Bay Discovery and Visitor Centre. RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort offers airport transfers to their guests and can be booked directly with the resort on 08 9948 1320.
Driving - Perth to Shark Bay by Car
The drive from Perth to Shark Bay is between 8 and 9 hours or 800 kilometres depending on your final destination.
The directions are simple: either take National route 1 to Shark Bay Road or take State Route 60 and National Route 1 to Shark Bay Road.
Please note that if you wish to hire a vehicle to enable self-drive access to Steep Point and the Francois Peron National Park an all-wheel drive will not be suitable. Access to these areas is via high clearance 4WD only and we recommended you check with your hire company to see if access to these areas is acceptable within your hire agreement.
For the latest on road conditions in Shark Bay - click here.
Public Transport - By Coach
Catch the bus with Integrity Coach Lines to the Overlander Roadhouse, located on the North West Coastal Highway. Transport to and from Denham or Monkey Mia can be provided by Shark Bay Coaches. This service can be pre-booked by calling 0429 110 104 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Transport in Shark Bay
Shark Bay Car Hire offer manual and automatic vehicle options and can be booked direct on 0474556296.
Wicked Campers have 4WD vehicles available for hire. The vehicles seat 5 and include a roof top tent, please note that camping equipment is not included in the hire.
Shark Bay Coaches offer tours around the region including trips to Monkey Mia. All trips can be booked through the Shark Bay Discovery and Visitor Centre.
Image credit: Tourism Western Australia