monkey mia
Photo Wildplaces

The mid-west coast of Western Australia is an eco-tourist's wonderland. In fact, Shark Bay, approximately 800 km north of Perth, is the only place in Australia to meet all four World Heritage natural criteria. If you are excited by the prospect of coming into close contact with dolphins, manta rays or humpback whales, or if you wish to dive around a relatively untouched coral reef, then look no further than the mid-west coast. Also look out for the beautiful display of Western Australia's famous wildflowers in the North West Cape area in winter and early spring.

Monkey Mia, 26 km from Denham in Shark Bay, is famous for the friendly dolphins which have been visiting this part of Shark Bay to mingle with equally curious humans for about thirty years. They generally come in close to shore every day in winter, but less frequently in summer. It is sometimes possible to pat and feed the dolphins but to ensure their protecion it is important to take instruction from the Rangers. It costs $5 to enter Monkey Mia National Park.