We’d heard Shark Bay was special, but nothing prepared us for just how much Denham and the surrounding area had to offer. From shell-covered beaches to red desert cliffs plunging into turquoise seas — and, of course, those famous dolphins at Monkey Mia — it ended up being quite the surprise.
Here’s how our few days in the Denham area unfolded (with kids in tow), plus some tips to help you plan your own adventure.
Trigger Warning: Flies Are No Joke!
One thing to know before you arrive: the flies in Shark Bay are intense. We’ve never experienced anything like it. Make sure you pack plenty of bug spray and fly nets, and have them ready from the moment you step out of the car — it’s absolutely paramount for a comfortable visit.
Quicklinks:
First Stop: Shell Beach
📍 Shell Beach, Shark Bay Road – 45 min from Denham
This isn’t your typical Aussie beach. Instead of sand, it’s made up of billions of tiny shells, stretching for over 70km. When you first step onto the beach, the shells are broken and a bit rough underfoot, but if you walk further along, you’ll find pristine sections that feel like walking on snow.
The boys loved scooping up handfuls and watching the shells trickle through their fingers. If you get a day with no wind, the water here is crystal clear.
Hot tip: Bring reef shoes if you’ve got sensitive feet — it’s not the softest beach for barefoot walking.
Eagle Bluff Lookout
📍 20 min from Denham
Next stop was Eagle Bluff Lookout, and wow — what a view. A short boardwalk leads you along the cliff edge, with sweeping panoramas over Shark Bay’s turquoise shallows. From above, we spotted several sharks gliding through the water beneath us, which had the kids (and us adults, let’s be honest) absolutely buzzing.
It was pretty windy when we visited, but the walk is short, accessible, and well worth it.
Hot tip: Take binoculars if you have them — it makes wildlife spotting even more exciting for the kids.
A Quick Lookout and Aquarium Visit
We pulled into Whalebone Lookout for a quick photo op before heading to the Ocean Park Aquarium in Denham. The kids thought it was fantastic — there are plenty of fish, sharks, and sea creatures up close — but for us adults it felt a bit crowded and “touristy”.
Still, if you’ve got kids, it’s worth an hour to break up the day.
Cape Peron – Where Desert Meets Sea
📍 Francois Peron National Park – 90 min north of Denham
🚙 4WD access only – sand driving required
Be prepared to air down — the drive to the tip was longer than we anticipated, at around 90 minutes. We found the track okay, but had plenty of people warn us about how often visitors get into trouble and become bogged without proper recovery gear.
That said, don’t let this scare you. If you do just one thing in Shark Bay, make it Cape Peron. The contrast of bright red cliffs against turquoise water is nothing short of magic.
We did the Cape Peron to Skipjack Lookout walk (3.6km return), stopping to watch sharks cruise the shallows and even spotting a stingray. Being able to spot marine life from the cliffs totally captured everyone’s attention, and we spent a good chunk of time here. The views were so surreal it felt like a filter was permanently switched on.
From there, we headed to Bottle Bay, where (of course) the boys got straight back into fishing mode.
Note: We skipped the famous homestead hot tubs this time — a busload of tourists had just arrived — but they’re usually a must-do. Next time!
Big Lagoon – A Stunning Stop on the Way Home
📍 45 min from Denham
On our way out of Cape Peron, we stopped at Big Lagoon, and it was absolutely breathtaking. A short walk from the parking area leads to a lookout over the lagoon, where red cliffs meet clear turquoise waters in classic Shark Bay style.
It looked like a fantastic spot to set up camp if you had the time. The combination of scenery, quiet, and shallow water would make it perfect for families, or anyone wanting a peaceful spot to simply soak it all in.
Hot tip: Even a quick stop here is worth it — the lookout makes for some incredible photos.
Little Lagoon – A Hidden Gem
📍 5 min from Denham
Little Lagoon turned out to be an incredible hidden gem. It’s a shallow, calm, circular lagoon that’s ideal for families. The boys waded, splashed, and played to their hearts’ content.
If you’ve got a kayak or SUP, bring them here — you could easily spend an entire afternoon.
Hot tip: Although we didn’t come across any, stonefish can be found in Little Lagoon. Shuffle your feet to avoid stepping on one.
Monkey Mia – Dolphins & Resort Vibes
📍 25 min drive from Denham
We saved Monkey Mia for our last day, and it was the perfect finale. Known worldwide for its wild dolphin interactions, we timed it just right for the second dolphin feeding session of the morning. The dolphins came close enough for the kids to see every detail — though, in my opinion, it did feel very much like a Sea World–style show.
That said, the best part was simply enjoying the beach and resort vibe for the morning. We all had a turn on the stand-up paddleboard, spotted a turtle from the jetty, and even got lucky when another family let us use their hired pedal boat. The boys thought that was the best thing ever.
We shared hot chips (overpriced, but part of the experience), had emus stroll past our cool cabana, and I even swam with a turtle.
Where We Stayed In Denham
📍 Shark Bay Caravan Park, Denham
Shark Bay Caravan Park turned out to be the perfect base for exploring the area. The boys made fast friends with our grey nomad neighbours — Eli even spent hours drawing and painting with them. This is one of the underrated joys of road-tripping with kids: the spontaneous connections they make along the way.
A bonus for families is the Denham Foreshore playground, just a short stroll from the park. It’s well maintained, has plenty of equipment for kids of all ages, and a lovely shaded area for parents to relax while the kids burn off energy. Our boys couldn’t get enough of it, and it made for a perfect mid-afternoon stop after exploring.
If you’re heading this way with kids, plan for at least four days to take it all in without rushing. Trust us — you’ll want the extra time to sit on a cliff edge and soak it all up.
