While close encounters with bottlenose dolphins, turtles, manta rays and dugongs have been attracting visitors to Shark Bay for years, it’s this World Heritage Area’s pet-friendly accommodation and activities that have made it the people’s choice for a dog-inclusive holiday.
The pet-friendly Shark Bay is proof that holidaying with your dog isn’t hard.
RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort offers pet-friendly options in the caravan and camping precinct. The beaches, restaurants and select tours are pet friendly as well, it’s super easy to have an ocean adventure with Max, Milo and/or Moose.
Here are our top 10 pet-friendly things to do in Shark Bay.
1. Sit back and relax with the family in front of The Boughshed
Looking for something a little closer to home? Just seconds away from the shores of Dolphin Beach, and within the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, you’ll find The Boughshed Restaurant. While dogs aren’t allowed inside, there’s a beautiful grassed pet area just in front – bring a picnic rug, order a drink and while the rest of the day away.
- RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Monkey Mia
- 0 minute drive from RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
2. Have a picnic at Little Lagoon
Once a land-locked salt pan, Little Lagoon is now a beautiful natural pool. The shallow lagoon is a great place to explore with big kids, little kids, and furry ones too. Dogs are allowed off-the-leash here, so let them stretch their legs while you enjoy a lazy afternoon picnicking by the water. Feel like snags? You’ll also find a number of barbecues dotted around this family-friendly site.
- 80 Monkey Mia Road, Denham
- 23 minute drive from RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
3. Take your dog for a beach walk or swim at Netta’s Beach
Rollie will feel right at home at Netta’s Beach, located south of Knight Terrace in Denham. This designated dog beach has a long stretch of white sand and shallow waters ideal for dogs who like a little paddle. You’ll also find Netta’s a popular spot for kitesurfing, so you’ll have plenty to watch on your beach walk.
- Knight Terrace, Denham
- 28 minute drive from RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
4. Give your dog some off lead time
If your dog needs to burn off some energy and you’re looking for an off lead location to take them, check out the designated off lead areas in Shark Bay for your dog. Be sure to follow marked signs and pick up after your dog to ensure these areas remain clean.
5. Tour the Ocean Park Aquarium
The Ocean Park Aquarium is an award-winning, eco-friendly experience that isn’t just for humans. If your dog is on a lead it can join you for a tour of the aquarium, then enjoy lunch or coffee out on the park’s deck. While on tour, you and your puppy can learn about the underwater world from the park’s knowledgeable marine scientists, watch sharks feeding, have a staring competition with a moray eel and meet rescued sea turtles
- 1 Ocean Park Road, Shark Bay
- 34 minute drive from RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
6. Grab a coldie at the Shark Bay Hotel
Located along the foreshore in Denham, the Shark Bay Hotel is regarded as the most westerly hotel in Australia. Come and grab a cold bevvie at this pub, which locals fondly refer to as “The Old Pub”. The pub’s beer garden is a great spot to quench your thirst while enjoying the company of your best friend.
- 43 Knight Terrace, Denham
- 29 minute drive from RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
7. Stand-up paddleboard like a pro
Have you ever tried stand-up paddleboarding? It’s pretty easy once you get the hang of it, and plenty of fun too. The giant boards are big enough to fit two, so hire one from our resort, launch it into the water, and then have a go SUPing with your trusty pooch. The calm, still waters of the bay are the perfect place to practise your balancing skills, and you might just spot some friendly sea creatures along the way.
- 1 Monkey Mia Road, Denham
- 0 minute drive from RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
8. Venture along the Denham Discovery Trail
There’s more to the town of Denham than meets the eye. Embark on the Denham Discovery Trail to discover more about this seaside town. The 2.3km walking trail will take you on a leisurely stroll through town, teaching you about the area’s historical past along the way. Bring your dog on this historical journey leading to sites tied to Shark Bay’s traditional owners, early pioneers, preachers, pastoralists, pearlers and prisoners.
- 63 Knight Terrace, Denham
- 28 minute drive from RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
9. Watch the sunset over dinner and drinks at Denham Waterfront Hotel
Located at Denham’s Heritage Resort, the Denham Waterfront Hotel features a balcony that offers prime views of the blue waters of Shark Bay. Said balcony also allows dogs, making it a great spot to finish your adventurous day. Why not treat yourself to a refreshing cocktail and watch the sunset over Shark Bay?
- 73-75 Knight Terrace, Denham
- 29 minute drive from RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
10. Find The Thong Shack
Denham’s answer to Paris’s Love Locks Bridge, The Thong Shack is a quintessentially Australian sculpture found just three kilometres south of Denham. As the name implies, this coastal shack has been and continues to be, decorated by locals and visitors who have generously donated their thongs to the cause. If you take a closer look you’ll notice some of the donators have even left little notes on their flip flops.
- The Thong Shack, off Shark Bay Road, Denham
- 32 minute drive from RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
