Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Australia’s most stunning and ecologically significant destinations. Whether you’re drawn to its rich marine life, ancient geological formations, or the pristine beaches, Shark Bay offers a diverse range of activities to suit every traveller. Here are the top 10 things to do in Shark Bay, from exploring its wildlife-rich waters to uncovering the secrets of its unique landscapes.1. Visit Monkey Mia and Meet the DolphinsA trip to Shark Bay isn’t complete without visiting Monkey Mia, world-famous for its daily dolphin interactions. For over 50 years, wild bottlenose dolphins have been visiting the shores of Monkey Mia to interact with humans. Visitors can witness these intelligent animals up close during the morning feeding sessions, managed by rangers to ensure the dolphins maintain their natural behaviours. It’s one of the most ethical and enjoyable wildlife encounters in Australia.Tip: Get there early to secure a good spot and take part in the feeding program. Feeding times typically occur between 7:45 am and noon.Image © Tourism Western Australia2. Explore the Hamelin Pool StromatolitesOne of the most fascinating sites in Shark Bay is the Hamelin Pool stromatolites, Earth’s oldest living organisms. These rock-like structures, formed by ancient cyanobacteria, provide a glimpse into the planet’s primordial past, dating back over 3.5 billion years. Visitors can walk along the boardwalk above these incredible formations and learn about their significance in Earth’s history.

Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is not only renowned for its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife but also for its commitment to sustainability. Exploring Shark Bay through eco-tours allows visitors to enjoy its natural beauty while ensuring the preservation of its fragile ecosystems. Whether you’re looking to interact with marine life, experience untouched landscapes, or learn about conservation efforts, Shark Bay’s eco-tours offer the perfect way to discover this extraordinary region. Here’s a guide to the best eco-tours that provide sustainable ways to explore Shark Bay.1. Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience: Ethical Wildlife EncountersThe Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience is one of Shark Bay’s most iconic eco-tourism activities. Famous for its wild dolphin interactions, Monkey Mia offers a responsible and educational way to encounter dolphins in their natural habitat. The dolphins have been visiting the shores of Monkey Mia for decades, creating one of the world’s most trusted wildlife experiences.This tour is strictly regulated to ensure the dolphins’ welfare. Visitors can witness the dolphins swimming close to shore during the controlled feeding sessions in the mornings. Park rangers oversee the experience, ensuring that the dolphins are not overfed and remain independent hunters. The limited feeding times ensure that the dolphins continue their natural behaviours while offering visitors a memorable and ethical encounter.Image © Tourism Western Australia2. Dugong Spotting Tours: Exploring Shark Bay’s Seagrass MeadowsShark Bay is home to the world’s largest population of dugongs, with over 10,000 dugongs grazing in the region’s extensive seagrass meadows. Dugong spotting tours are one of the best ways to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat, all while learning about the conservation efforts protecting them.

The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is a spectacular destination, but it’s also surrounded by several other unique attractions that make for great day trips. Whether you’re seeking coastal beauty, sand dune adventures, or encounters with wildlife, the region around the Pinnacles offers a variety of experiences to enhance your visit. Here’s a guide to the best nearby attractions you can explore on a day trip from the Pinnacles Desert.1. CervantesDistance from the Pinnacles: 20 km / 15-minute driveLocated just a short drive from the Pinnacles Desert, Cervantes is a small coastal town known for its stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and laid-back atmosphere. The town is a perfect spot to unwind after exploring the desert, with plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or relax by the ocean.Things to Do in Cervantes:Visit Lake Thetis: One of only a few places in the world where you can see living stromatolites, ancient microbial life forms that are some of the Earth’s oldest. A short boardwalk trail surrounds the lake, offering views of these fascinating structures.Enjoy Fresh Seafood: Cervantes is famous for its rock lobster, also known as crayfish. Head to Lobster Shack, a popular seafood restaurant, for a fresh lobster meal and a tour of the local lobster processing facility.Relax at Thirsty Point Lookout: This peaceful beach offers soft sand and clear waters, making it a great spot for swimming or picnicking.Best for: Seafood lovers, nature enthusiasts, and beachgoers.Image © Tourism Western Australia

The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is a must-see destination for families visiting Western Australia, but the surrounding areas also offer plenty of family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking to explore wildlife, enjoy beautiful beaches, or experience a bit of adventure, there are many options to keep kids and adults entertained. Here’s a guide to the best family-friendly activities near the Pinnacles.1. Explore the Pinnacles DesertThe Pinnacles Desert itself is a fascinating spot for families to explore. Kids will love walking among the towering limestone formations that dot the desert, while parents can enjoy the surreal beauty of the landscape. The Pinnacles are easily accessible, and families can explore them by foot or by car along the 4-kilometer driving loop. There are plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and learn about the geological history of the Pinnacles.Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre: Don’t miss the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre, where kids can learn about how the Pinnacles were formed and the unique flora and fauna of the region. The interactive displays make it both fun and educational.Best for: Families with kids who love outdoor exploration and geology.Tip: Visit during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the midday heat.Image © Tourism Western Australia

Ningaloo Reef is not only a paradise for adventure seekers but also an ideal destination for families looking to connect with nature and enjoy a variety of fun, family-friendly activities. From snorkeling with marine life to exploring national parks and discovering hidden beaches, Ningaloo offers endless opportunities for families to bond and create unforgettable memories. Here’s your guide to the best family-friendly activities in Ningaloo, offering something for everyone, from toddlers to teens.1. Snorkeling at Turquoise BayOne of the most iconic spots in Ningaloo, Turquoise Bay, is perfect for a family day out. With its crystal-clear, calm waters and shallow coral gardens, it offers an ideal environment for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Kids can wade into the water and snorkel right off the beach, exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, rays, and even sea turtles.The Bay Loop is particularly family-friendly, with gentle waters that allow kids to safely swim and snorkel. For older children and teens, the Drift Snorkel provides an exciting experience, where they can let the current carry them over the reef. However, younger children should stick to the calmer waters of the Bay Loop.Why it’s great for families: Shallow, calm waters perfect for kids, easy access to snorkeling directly from the beach, and abundant marine life.Best for: Families with children of all ages, especially those new to snorkeling.

The Ningaloo Reef is a snorkeling paradise, offering one of the most accessible and vibrant coral reef ecosystems in the world. Stretching over 300 kilometers along the coast of Western Australia, Ningaloo’s clear, shallow waters are teeming with marine life, making it a dream destination for snorkelers of all levels. Whether you’re swimming alongside whale sharks, spotting colorful corals, or encountering sea turtles, Ningaloo Reef promises an unforgettable underwater adventure. Here’s your snorkeler’s guide to exploring the best spots, tips, and what to expect on this stunning reef.Image © Tourism Western Australia Humpback Whales off the Dampier Peninsula Coast 122566 4Why Snorkel at Ningaloo Reef?Unlike many other famous reefs, Ningaloo’s coral is located just off the shore, meaning you don’t need a boat to access its underwater beauty. The reef’s proximity to the coast allows snorkelers to wade directly from the beach into a thriving marine ecosystem. The warm, calm waters and rich biodiversity make Ningaloo an ideal spot for snorkelers looking for an immersive, yet easily accessible experience.With more than 500 species of fish, 300 species of coral, and a variety of marine megafauna like whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles, Ningaloo offers a snorkeling experience like no other.Best Time to Snorkel at Ningaloo ReefSnorkeling is possible year-round at Ningaloo Reef, but the best conditions are during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this time, the water is clear, the weather is calm, and the ocean temperatures are comfortable, making for excellent snorkeling visibility.