Western Australia: Coral Coast

Shark Bay and Monkey Mia

Francois Peron National Park beach © Tourism WA Shark Bay is a double bay shaped like the letter 'W' just over 800 km from Perth. On the Cape Peron Peninsula in the middle of the bay are the small town of Denham and Monkey Mia Resort, about 150 km from the Overlander Roadhouse turn off on the North West Coastal Highway. En route from the highway is Hamelin Pool with its colony of stromatolites.

Greyhound buses run from Perth and there are domestic flights between Perth and Denham/Monkey Mia.

The Monkey Mia Resort, beside the beach where dolphins visit virtually every day, offers a range of accommodation from campsites to motel rooms. However, you don’t have to stay here to see the dolphins (you simply pay a small entry fee) and the small holiday town of Denham, 833 km from Perth and about 25 km away from Monkey Mia, also has a range of camping and caravan sites and motel accommodation.

Beyond Monkey Mia and Denham, on the end of the Francois Peron Peninsula, is the Francois Peron National Park www.naturebase.net(Francois Peron), named after a French naturalist who visited the area in the early 1800s. It was formerly a sheep station and the old homestead is open to the public. It is a lovely park with unspoiled coastal scenery, but you do need a 4WD to access it.

Back on the NW Highway, Carnarvon is the next town of significance, 904 km north of Perth. It is the administrative town of its region and offers a functional stop with several motels, caravan and camp sites if you need to break your journey here.

Back to Western Australia Regions...

Wilderness Australia Specialise in personal and exclusive tailor-made safaris throughout Australia’s diverse environment. Travel at your own speed to places off the beaten tourist track	Sullivans Hotels The Sullivan family operate intimate and charming properties in Perth (4 star) and Sydney (3.5 star). Enjoy a special location, a warm atmosphere and helpful staff.
VIP Backpackers Resorts A group of independently owned backpacker operators who provide quality budget accommodation and substantial travel discounts for independent travellers	Contiki Holidays Contiki is all about hanging out with people your own age - young, passionate 18-35 year olds from all over the planet, all their own unique perspective of fun
Nullarbor Traveller A truly unique experience - this Ultimate Road Journey (Perth to Adelaide or Adelaide to Perth) is an off-the-beaten track adventure for independent travellers.	Coral Princess Cruises Excellence in environmental experience cruising. Cruise the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, Kimberley and Arnhem Land coasts with a multi award winning company
Abbey Beach Resort Set on the beautiful beachfront of Geographe Bay, at the gateway to the Margaret River Wine Region. Has 185 luxury apartments and studio suites and countless facilities	The Perth Mint One of the world's oldest mints still operating from its original premises and one of WA's most historic buildings - now a multi-award winning tourist attraction
East Kimberley Tours Bungle Bungles experts in the Kimberley region of north west WA with a range of 4WD tour options based on a permanent base camp in the Bungles	Gray Line Australia An Australian owned premium sightseeing company with over 75 vehicles. Operate half and full day tours and sightseeing passes in all the major centres in Australia

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A vast array of holiday ideas in Queensland

Shell Beach near Denham, Coral Coast © Tourism WA

DID YOU KNOW ... The Outback town of Birdsville, with a population of around 120, attracts over 5000 visitors for the Birdsville Cup racing carnival held each year in late August/early September.