Monkey Mia and Shark Bay (Catharrugudu)

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The origin of Monkey Mia’s name is not really known. Some derive it from the schooner Monkey which supposedly anchored in Shark Bay in 1834 and the Aboriginal word mia for “house” or “home”, hence “Home of the Monkey”. But it is not sure that the Monkey ever anchored here! Another theory tells us that a pearling boat once had a monkey aboard as a mascot. Do you know another theory?

The Aboriginal name for the Shark Bay region is Catharrugudu, meaning ‘Two Bays’.

Shark Bay is actually no place on its own, but a region on the west coast of Australia. It comprises the town Denham and the tourist resort Monkey Mia as well as the Cape Péron National Park.

Population: depends on tourist season. Distance from Perth: 856 kms.

Monkey Mia and Shark Bay. Enjoy a sunset aboard one of the yachts.

Places to visit

Denham

From Denham you can explore an ancient Aboriginal fish trap or follow the Lagoon Point Walk Trail to Little Lagoon.

Denham

Cape Péron National Park

Learn why Birridas can get very expensive and read about the three phases of “Project Eden” which protects local fauna.

Cape Péron National Park

Shell Beach Conservation Park

The Shell Beach Conservation Park not only offers a beach with no sand but also small stromatolites.

Shell Beach Conservation Park

Monkey Mia Resort

While everyone hustles to the dolphins I can offer a beautiful alternative which leads you back 1,000 years into Aboriginal history.

Monkey Mia Resort

Duyfken replica

This Dutch ship replica anchored in Denham in 2000 on her way from Fremantle to Brisbane.

Duyfken replica