Western Australia has some of the most incredible natural wonders on the planet, and two of the most family-friendly destinations are Shark Bay and Exmouth. Whether you’re exploring the Coral Coast, swimming in the turquoise waters of Coral Bay or being up close and personal with whale sharks and wild dolphins, both Shark Bay and Exmouth have endless adventures for families. From pristine National Parks to manta rays and bottlenose dolphins, this guide will help you find the best activities for a family holiday to remember. Snorkelling the waters of Shark Bay and the coral reefs of Exmouth is an adventure your family will never forget along Western Australia’s Coral Coast.
Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience – Shark Bay
One of the top family options in Shark Bay is the Monkey Mia Tours. Every morning wild dolphins, including the famous bottlenose dolphins, swim up to the shores of Monkey Mia for a magical experience where families can watch these intelligent animals interact with humans. It’s educational too with marine biologists sharing their knowledge about their behaviour and habitat. Western Australians and visitors love this unique activity so it’s a must for families who want to get up close to the wildlife.
Top Tip: Stay at the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort to be right in the thick of it. Kids will love the daily dolphin encounters, and parents can relax knowing they’re on one of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia.
Shell Beach – Shark Bay
Located in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Shell Beach is one of only a few places in the world made entirely of shells. This is a family day out of heaven where kids can gaze at millions of tiny white cockle shells. The calm waters make this beach safe for younger children to splash and paddle in so that you can relax on the stunning beaches of the Coral Coast.
Nearby visit Hamelin Pool and introduce your family to the ancient stromatolites – living fossils that have been around for over 3.5 billion years! Take a stroll along the boardwalk and imagine the ancient world as you view these incredible formations.
Ocean Park Aquarium – Shark Bay
Shark Bay is full of learning opportunities and the Ocean Park Aquarium is a must for families interested in the marine environment. The aquarium showcases the underwater ecosystems of Shark Bay, including tropical fish, sea turtles and even sharks. Interactive tours with marine biologists allow kids to see how manta rays and other marine animals are cared for. If you want to teach your kids about the wonders of the ocean this is a must stop.
Francois Peron National Park – Shark Bay
Another great family spot in Shark Bay is Francois Peron National Park. Perfect for a day of hiking, wildlife spotting and shallow water swimming. Bottle Bay is a great place for the whole family to swim. Drive along Shark Bay Road to Cape Peron where the red cliffs meet the bay and you’ll have great family photo opportunities.
For the more adventurous, Steep Point (the westernmost point of Australia) is worth the rough road. Families can fish, camp and enjoy the views over the Indian Ocean.
Turquoise Bay – Exmouth
Along the Ningaloo Reef, Turquoise Bay is one of the best places in Exmouth for families to get into the underwater world. Snorkeling here is perfect for beginners as the shallow water allows you to float over the coral reefs and see the tropical fish. The kids will love spotting turtles and rays just a few meters from shore and the calm water is a safe place for younger swimmers to enjoy the day.
Pro Tip: The drift in the “drift” section of Turquoise Bay makes it a fun and easy snorkeling experience for first timers.
Whale Shark Tours – Exmouth
If you’re in Exmouth between March and July, you can experience one of Western Australia’s most famous wildlife adventures: swimming with whale sharks. Exmouth and Coral Bay are two of the best places in the world to snorkel with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Many tour operators in Exmouth offer family-friendly tours, but children must be at least 8-10 years old to participate in the swim. Seeing these magnificent creatures glide through the turquoise waters of the Ningaloo Marine Park is an experience your family will never forget.
For younger children or those not ready to swim with whale sharks, consider a glass-bottom boat tour to see the coral reefs and marine life without getting wet.
Cape Range National Park – Exmouth
Families who want to experience Western Australia’s wild side should head to Cape Range National Park in Exmouth. Gorges, limestone cliffs, incredible wildlife, hiking trails and secluded beaches, this National Park has it all. A family favourite is the boat tour through Yardie Creek Gorge, where you’ll see rock wallabies, bird life and natural formations.
Pack a picnic and visit the beaches of the park where the kids can swim and the parents can enjoy the WA coast. Many families also stay at Yardie Homestead Caravan Park which is close to the National Park and Ningaloo Reef.
Coral Bay – Exmouth
You can’t go to Exmouth without visiting Coral Bay, the family friendly town. Coral Bay is along the Coral Coast and part of the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park so it’s a great place to snorkel, swim and get up close to marine life. Families can swim with manta rays, see coral reefs and chill on the beaches. Coral Bay is also the perfect base for families who want to go on boat tours to see the reef’s amazing wildlife – sea turtles to tropical fish.
If you’re staying longer the town has several caravan parks perfect for family road trips so you can go at your own pace.
Dirk Hartog Island – Shark Bay
Families looking for an off the beaten path adventure will love visiting Dirk Hartog Island, a remote spot full of history and beauty. Accessible by boat or 4WD, Dirk Hartog Island is great for camping, fishing and white sandy beaches. It’s also a great place to teach your kids about WA’s history as it’s the site of the first recorded European landing on Australian soil in 1616 by Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog.
Come to Shark Bay and Exmouth for your next family adventure, and you’ll experience the best of WA’s natural wonders and make memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Shark Bay and Exmouth?
April to October is the best time to visit Shark Bay and Exmouth. Whalesharks in Exmouth and perfect weather for snorkeling and exploring WA’s National Parks.
Are there family friendly accommodation in Shark Bay and Exmouth?
Yes, both destinations have plenty of family friendly accommodation, RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, caravan parks in Coral Bay and 2 bedroom villas near Ningaloo Reef.
Do I need to book tours in advance for activities in Shark Bay and Exmouth?
Book popular tours like Monkey Mia Tour and manta ray encounters with verified operators like Autopia Tours in advance especially during peak season.
Is it safe for kids to swim at Coral Bay and Turquoise Bay?
Yes. Both Coral Bay and Turquoise Bay have calm water and are perfect for young swimmers, especially in the shallow areas.
What wildlife will we see on our Shark Bay and Exmouth trip?
WA’s Coral Coast is home to an abundance of marine life – wild dolphins, whalesharks, manta rays, tropical fish and sea turtles. You’ll also see land animals like rock wallabies in Cape Range National Park.