A complete motoring guide for visitors to one of Australia's natural wonders. The Shark Bay World Heritage Region of Western Australia, home to the famous dolphins of Monkey Mia.
A GUIDE TO DISTANCES AND PREFERRED SERVICE PROVIDERS ALONG THE WAY. This guide is intended for visitors driving to holiday destinations between Perth and Monkey Mia. Distances as shown originate from the Perth Railway Station. This guide is written in the context of northbound travel. Yellow distance indicates one way side trip distances.
Travel via Midland and the Great Northern Hwy. Join the Brand Highway signposted 1 via Muchea. Travel through some of the State's most productive farming and wildflower country.
The Ampol Roadhouse Cataby is open 24 hours for food and fuel. Tel: (096) 512 024. 30 km north of Cataby is the turnoff to Cervantes (left) and the Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) a side trip of 69 km each way.
85km north of the Cervantes turnoff is the town of Eneabba. The Shell Roadhouse Eneabba is open for fuel, food and mechanical repairs until 8.30 pm daily. Tel: (099) 551 183. 22km north of Eneabba look for the sign for Western Flora Wildflower Park. Discount fuel, caravan park and casual accommodation - interesting escorted Wildflower walks during the season. Tel: (099) 552 030. 59 km north of Western Flora - the twin towns of Dongara/Port Denison. Take time to visit this historic town and its sister Port. Tune your car radio to Visitor Information Radio 88FM as you approach Dongara for a guide to the history and services available. Immediately on your right as you enter Dongara are the beautifully restored buildings of The Old East End offering excellent bed and breakfast. Tel: (099) 271 666.
The Dongara Hotel also on Moreton Terrace offers comfortable, air conditioned Motel rooms, pool. Check-ins until 10.00pm or phone ahead on (099) 271 023. The Dongara Tourist Bureau can be found on Waldeck Street.
Tune your car radio to Visitor Information Radio 88FM as you approach The S-Bend for a guide to the local history and services available in Geraldton. The S-Bend Caravan Park and Tourist Stop on your left. Gull discount fuel, food, caravan park and casual accommodation. Tel: (099) 264 072. 5 km past the S-Bend is the unique and historic Greenough Hamlet. Restored by the National Trust is well worth a visit and is open every day to visitors. North of the Hamlet on your left is the turnoff for Greenough River and the Greenough River Resort - offering superb accommodation and meals. Tel: (099) 215 888.
Casual dining to suit everyone's taste can be enjoyed at The Cuisine Connection Food Hall on Durlacher Street (opposite Fire Station). Six food stalls - Chinese, Indian curries, Mexican, Italian, Steaks & salads, Roasts and Drinks, Coffee and Sweets. For 24 hour fuel, travellers supplies and friendly driveway service call at Shell Wonthella Service Station on the North West Coastal Highway bypass. Tel: (099) 212 598. Highway 1 continues north as the North West Coastal Highway through the beautiful undulating farmland of the northern wheatbelt. 50 km north of Geraldton is the historic town of Northampton. Tune again to Visitor Information Radio 88FM for an interesting guide of local services and attractions in Northampton.
Smiffy's Shell Roadhouse on your right as you enter Northampton. Full range of fuels, lubricants and travellers supplies. Home style meals and take-aways, EFTPOS service. Tel: (099) 341 106 - an essential stop. From Northampton via the North West Coastal Highway 1 it is 37 km to the small town of Binnu - a major grain receival point. Tune again to Visitor Information Radio 88FM as you approach Binnu for Kalbarri Tourist information.
Shell Billabong Roadhouse 134 km north of the Kalbarri turnoff. An ideal place to take a break. Open 24 hours for fuel and food. Tel: (099) 425 919. 156 km north from the Kalbarri Road and 23 km south of the Overlander Roadhouse is Butcher's Track and the turnoff to Wooleen Station (144)km - an authentic Australian Sheep Station on the banks of the upper Murchison River, offering Farmstay Accommodation in a gracious National Trust listed Homestead. Station life involvement and guided tours. Tel: (099) 637 973. Tune again to Visitor Information Radio 88FM as you approach The Overlander Roadhouse. Open 24 hours. Turn left at The Overlander for Shark Bay and Monkey Mia via Hamelin - Nanga - Denham. The Shark Bay Way runs north west for 154 km and is the access road to the Shark Bay World Heritage Region. One of the most unique and pristine environments in the World.
29 km from The Overlander is the turnoff to Hamelin Pool (6 km) - site of the World's finest display of Stromatolites. These living fossils are formed by minute Cyanobacteria in the saline shallows of Hamelin Pool. The Stromatolites may be easily seen from a special viewing area maintained by CALM and the Shire of Shark Bay. Before viewing the Stromatolites call at the Old Historic Telegraph Station and view the short video on how Stromatolites are formed. Enjoy the exhibition of memorabilia from the days when the Telegraph Station was vital communication link with the remote north of the State. Meals and cold drinks are available. Tel: (099) 425 905. 85 km from The Overlander is the turnoff to Nanga Bay Holiday Village (3km). Still a working Sheep Station offering Motel, Chalet, Caravan and Camping accommodation with pool, spa, mini mart, restaurant. A proper boat ramp, fuel and animal park. Tel (099) 483 992. 5 km north of the Nanga turnoff is the famous Shell Beach situated on the northern side of the Peron Peninsula. Stretching for many kilometres the beach is made up entirely of countless tiny white seashells, in some places as much as 10 metres deep. 45 km past the Shell Beach is the town of Denham - main town and administration centre of the Shark Bay Shire. Tune again to Visitor Information Radio 88FM for local Tourist Information. Denham has a Silver Chain Nursing Post. Tel: (099) 481 213 and is visited regularly by the Flying Doctor. The Shark Bay Tourist Centre is situated on the Knight Terrace beach front. Open every day for advice on local tours and cruises. Tel: (099) 481 253.
Tune again to Visitor Information Radio 88FM as you approach Monkey Mia. Monkey Mia - home of the World famous Dolphins who for almost 30 years have been visiting the beach every day to interact with visitors. The Department of Conservation and Land Management in association with the Shire of Shark Bay manage a Dolphin Information Centre staffed by Rangers who care for the day-to-day well being of the dolphins. Visit the centre to learn Dolphin etiquette and view the informative video (Park entry fee $5 per person). Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort situated right on the famous Dolphin Beach. The resort offers a full range of visitor accommodation including Motel style Garden Villas, Park Homes, Canvas Condos, Caravan park, camping and backpackers. A fully licensed Restaurant, Pool, Tennis, Spa. Evening nature talks by the Resort's Resident Naturalist are free and open to all. Cruise the calm waters of the bay aboard the magnificent 18 metre (60ft) sailing Catamaran "SHOTOVER". Rendezvous with the dolphins and other marine life in the wild or enjoy a sunset cruise from as little a $24 per person. First sailing from the Resort 10.00am every day. Tel: (099) 481 481. Visit a working Pearl Farm - daily excursions by glass bottom boat depart from the Resort every day at 10.00 am. The Bough Shed Restaurant on the beach at the Monkey Mia Dolphin resort is open to all visitors. Relax in a superb open-to-the-air setting. Breakfast served from 7.00 am. Lunch, snacks and cappuccino served all day. Local seafood a speciality, cocktail bar open in the evenings. The superb candlelight dinners are prepared by International Chefs.Tel: (099) 481 320. The Monkey Mia Store and Mini Mart. Everything you need - food, fuel, drinks and holiday wear. Tel: (099) 481 320. Relax and enjoy your stay at Monkey Mia. Please contact the Resort's Guest Relations Staff for assistance with your holiday planning, local touring and a list of activities.
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Leave the Brand Highway and take the Town Centre loop.
Visit The Coffee Tree on Moreton Terrace for traditional
home-made English breakfast, lunch, teas and coffee. Tel: (099)
271 400.
The State's principal coastal town and port city,
Geraldton is an ideal stopover point on the
journey north - the Geraldton Tourist Bureau
can be located at the Bill Sewell Centre on
Chapman Road Tel: (099) 213 999.
13 km north of the Kalbarri Road is the Galena Bridge crossing the Murchison River, excellent
rest area and picnic spot. The road passes through the
northern extremes of the wheat belt and enters the
pastoral region of the upper Murchison.
The Shark Bay World Heritage area is managed by the
Department of Conservation and Land Management
(CALM). Printed interpretive material may be obtained from
the Shire Office, the Shark Bay Tourist Information Centre or
from the CALM office in Denham.
The road from Denham to Monkey Mia is
well signposted (opposite the Information
Bay). Good sealed road. On the left is Little
Lagoon - popular picnic and swimming spot.
Further on is the entry to the 
Monkey Mia Home Page