Denham
Town
Population 609
On the middle peninsula of Shark Bay, Denham is the most westerly town in Australia. Dirk Hartog, the Dutch navigator, landed on an island at the bay's entrance in 1616, the first known European to land on the continent. Centuries later, in 1858, Captain H. M. Denham surveyed the area and a town bearing his name was established. The Shark Bay region was once known for its pearling and fishing, and the streets of Denham were literally paved with pearl shells. In the 1960s, however, the local roads board poured bitumen over the pearl shells, and so destroyed what could have been a unique tourist attraction. Fortunately, several buildings made from coquina shell block still stand in the town. Today Shark Bay is renowned for the wild dolphins that come inshore at Monkey Mia (pronounced 'my-a'). As a World Heritage area, it also protects dugongs, humpback whales, green and loggerhead turtles, important seagrass feeding grounds and a colony of stromatolites, the world's oldest living fossils.
Visitor Information
Knight Tce; (08) 9948 1590 or 1300 135 887
Nearby national parks
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Francois Peron National Park and Shark Bay Marine Park
Francois Peron National Park, situated on the northernmost tip of the Peron Peninsula, offers a 4WD wilderness area edged by a coastline of...more -
Kalbarri National Park
Kalbarri National Park is famous for its spectacular scenery, which features rugged coastal cliffs and towering river gorges, and its...more
Nearby towns
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Carnarvon
Carnarvon is a large coastal town at the mouth of the Gascoyne River. The river and the fertile red earth surrounding it are crucial to...more -
Gascoyne Junction
Lying at the junction of the Lyons and Gascoyne rivers, Gascoyne Junction is a small administration centre for the pastoral industry. Sheep...more -
Kalbarri
Kalbarri lies at the mouth of the Murchison River, flanked by Kalbarri National Park. Established in 1951, the town is a popular holiday...more
In Town
Shell block buildings: St Andrews Anglican Church, cnr Hughes and Brockman sts, and the Old Pearlers Restaurant, cnr Knight Tce and Durlacher St, were both built from coquina shell block. Town Bluff: popular walk for beachcombers; from town along beach to bluff. Pioneer Park: contains the stone on which Captain Denham carved his name in 1858; Hughes St.
Nearby
Monkey Mia The daily shore visits by the wild bottlenose dolphins at Monkey Mia are a world-famous phenomenon. The dolphins swim into the shallows, providing a unique opportunity for humans to make contact with them. It began in the 1960s when a local woman started feeding the dolphins that followed her husband's fishing boat to the shoreline. Feeding still occurs, although now it is carefully monitored by rangers to ensure that the dolphins maintain their hunting and survival skills. Visiting times, and the number of dolphins, vary. For a total marine encounter, dugong-watching cruises can also be arranged from here. 26 km NE.
Dirk Hartog Island The state's largest and most historically significant island, named after Dutchman Dirk Hartog who landed here in 1616 – 154 years before Captain Cook. Hartog left behind an inscribed pewter plate, which was removed in 1697 by his countryman Willem de Vlamingh and replaced with another plate. The original was returned to Holland; Vlamingh's plate is now housed in the Maritime Museum in Fremantle. Flights and cruises depart daily; bookings at visitor centre. 30 km W.
Hamelin Pool stromatolites The shores of Hamelin Pool are dotted with stromatolites, the world's largest and oldest living fossils. These colonies of micro-organisms resemble the oldest and simplest forms of life on earth, dated at around 3.5 million years old. The Hamelin Pool stromatolites are relatively new colonies however, about 3000 years old. They thrive here because of the extreme salinity of the water, the occurrence of calcium bicarbonate and the limited water circulation. Visitors can view these extraordinary life forms from a boardwalk. Close by is the Flint Cliff Telegraph Station and Post Office Museum (1884) with a history of the region. 88 km SE.Dugongs The Shark Bay World Heritage Area has the largest seagrass meadows in the world, covering about 4000 sq km. These meadows are home to around 10 000 dugongs, 10% of the world's remaining population. An endangered species, the dugong is nature's only vegetarian sea mammal. Also known as a sea cow, the dugong can live for up to 70 years and grow up to 3 m long. Tours are available offering visitors a unique opportunity to see dugongs in the wild. Contact visitor centre for details.Little Lagoon: ideal fishing and picnic spot; 3 km N. Francois Peron National Park: Peron Homestead with its 'hot tub' of artesian water; 4WD access only; 7 km N. Ocean Park: marine park with aquarium and touch pool; 9 km S. Eagle Bluff: habitat of sea eagle and a good viewing spot for sharks and stingrays; 20 km S. Blue Lagoon Pearl Farm: working platform where black pearls are harvested; Monkey Mia; 26 km NE. Shell Beach: 120 km of unique coastline comprising countless tiny coquina shells; 45 km SE. Steep Point: western-most point on mainland with spectacular scenery; 4WD access only; 260 km W. Zuytdorp Cliffs: extend from beneath Shark Bay region south to Kalbarri; 4WD access only. Tours: boat trips and charter flights to historic Dirk Hartog Island, catamaran cruises, safaris and coach tours; contact visitor centre for details.
Fishing spots near town
Shark Bay 1 km
The drive north to Shark Bay takes about ten hours from Perth, but the fishing lure is so strong here that many an east-coast angler has driven across from Sydney or Melbourne. Most anglers head for the old pearling town... Find out moreSteep Point 43 km
One of the most highly regarded destinations for land-based gamefishing is Steep Point. Anglers fishing here catch huge mackerel, trevally, tuna and even sailfish from the rugged cliffs. It is a specialised sport... Find out moreQuobba 160 km
The 80 km Quobba coastline, which incorporates Quobba Station, is a mecca for land-based game anglers. However, the rock-fishing can be dangerous and should not be attempted without seeking local knowledge. The... Find out moreKalbarri 205 km
The Murchison River at Kalbarri, about six hours’ drive north of Perth, produces a variety of fish including bream to 52 cm. ‘We also catch small mulloway in the river, yellowfin whiting, blue manna and green... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Indigenous tour - Shark Bay area 1 km
To discover the rich cultural heritage of the Shark Bay area, visitors can embark on an award-winning Wula Guda Nyinda morning, afternoon or night tour. There are creation stories, bush-tucker tastings and demonstrations... Find out moreDolphin-feeding 23 km
Almost without fail, the famous wild bottlenose dolphins visit the beach in front of the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort several times a day, yearround. Under the watchful gaze of national parks rangers, who provide a... Find out moreIndigenous tours - Carnarvon and Burrup Peninsula 116 km
With an Outback Coast Safaris Aboriginal heritage or dreaming tour you can learn about the Indigenous culture of the Gascoyne region. You will sample bush tucker and bush medicine, watch your guide hunting for lunch, and... Find out moreCanoeing the Murchison River 208 km
A couple of companies offer canoe safaris down the Murchison River, with transport by 4WD. Try Kalbarri Adventure Tours or Kalbarri Boat Hire and Canoe Safaris, which also hires out canoes and paddleboats.... Find out moreSnorkelling in Kalbarri National Park 210 km
Near Kalbarri there are several top snorkelling spots, including the protected Blue Holes, Red Bluff and Chinamans Beach.... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
Overlooking Dolphin Bay, diners are in for a treat at the Boughshed Restaurant as they sample the menu’s fresh seafood, beef and vegetarian options. Wherever possible local produce is sourced, and the wholesome... Find out more
Campsites around town
Big Lagoon camping area 18 km
Big Lagoon camping area is 19 km north of the Monky Mia Rd junction, 4 km north-east of Denham. It’s gas/fuel stove only and you need to bring in your own drinking water to this camp with basic facilities on the... Find out moreEagle Bluff camping area 19 km
With 4 sites for 1-night stays only, among coastal vegetation on the foreshore, visitors will find a fine spot for birdwatching here, along with fishing and snorkelling. Bring in your own drinking water and a gas/fuel... Find out moreFowlers Camp camping area 22 km
There are no facilities provided here, but it’s a good spot for beach fishing. You need to bring in a gas/fuel stove and drinking water. The camping area is on Fowlers Camp Rd, off Shark Bay Rd, 22 km south-east... Find out moreMonkey Mia Dolphin Resort 23 km
The Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort located on Monkey Mia Road, 25 km north east of Denham. The complex includes a resort, a lodge, caravan and camping facilities, with some sites have a beachfront location. Visitors here will... Find out moreWhalebone Bay camping area 25 km
There are 4 sites dispersed among coastal vegetation close to the beach at this camping area on Whalebone Rd, off Shark Bay Rd, 25 km southeast of Denham. Stays are limited to 1 night only. It is gas/fuel stove only and... Find out moreHerald Bight camping area 34 km
Herald Bight camping area is 27 km north of the Monkey Mia Rd junction, 4 km north-east of Denham. In a coastal setting, with basic facilities, camping here is gas/fuel stove only and you need to come equipped with... Find out moreGoulet Bluff camping area 36 km
Goulet Bluff camping area is off Goulet Bluff Rd from Shark Bay Rd, 36 km south-east of Denham. The small area has 4 sites dispersed among the coastal vegetation on the foreshore. Stays are limited to 1 night only. A... Find out moreSouth Gregories camping area 39 km
Off the main park road, 39 km north of the Monkey Mia Rd junction and 4 km north-east of Denham, this camping area has basic facilities on the foreshore. Bring along a gas/fuel stove and your own drinking water.... Find out moreGregories camping area 41 km
Facilities are coastal but basic at Gregories camping area, and you need to bring drinking water and a gas/fuel stove. The camping area is 39 km north of the Monkey Mia Rd junction, 4 km north-east of Denham.... Find out moreBottle Bay camping area 42 km
Bring drinking water to this gas/fuel stove camping area, 39 km north of the Monkey Mia Rd junction, 4 km north-east of Denham. Facilities are basic.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Blue Dolphin Caravan Park and Holiday Village 1 km
This is a smaller park with good tourist facilities. It is close to the heart of Denham and there is a supermarket right next door. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreDenham Seaside Tourist Village 1 km
Our favourite place to stay in the area, this well-managed park is located at the end of the main street and has a fabulous panoramic view over the sparkling calm waters of Shark Bay. We recommend this spot to anyone... Find out moreMonkey Mia Dolphin Resort 23 km
Some come to soak up the winter sun, others to catch fish but most to see the famous Monkey Mia dolphins. There are a limited number of powered van sites and these diminish each time additional accommodation is... Find out moreMarloo Retiree/Senior Tourist Caravan Park 118 km
This park specifically caters for retirees and seniors, without any facilities for children. There are lawn camping sites and very good amenities. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreWintersun Caravan and Tourist Park 119 km
Wintersun is a quality park with good amenities and a wide range of facilities, including a lawn bowling green. It is a convenient base for exploring the greater Carnarvon region or simply to relax. Pets are allowed upon... Find out moreCapricorn Holiday Park 119 km
Capricorn is conveniently located at the junction of Highway One and Robinson Street, the main access road to town. This is a convenient park for an overnight stop or an extended stay to explore the area. Bookings are... Find out moreMurchison Caravan Park 207 km
This family-operated park is across the road from the water and is located in the heart of Kalbarri. It is a good quality tourist park. Pets are allowed outside school holidays. Bookings are required in school holidays... Find out moreKalbarri Tudor Holiday Park 208 km
This is a good quality park in an exciting seaside location. The park, not on the beach, is about 1 km from the centre of town. Bookings required in peak periods.... Find out moreMinilya Bridge Roadhouse Caravan Park 238 km
At the rear of the Minilya Roadhouse is a small neat caravan park with good facilities including TV cables to powered sites. It is a great spot for an overnight stop. Furthermore, the roadhouse serves quality meals.... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Situated on the shores of Shark Bay and conveniently located close to the town centre, the Denham Villas are well equipped and simply decorated. The villas have two bedrooms, a separate living area, air-conditioning and... Find out more
The Heritage Resort Shark Bay has well-appointed suites, which include all the usual hotel facilities but with the added bonus of magnificent views and gorgeous sunsets. The main attraction is the dolphins but fishing,... Find out more
The Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort complex includes a resort, a lodge, caravan and camping facilities, and some sites have a beachfront location. In the resort, many of the self-contained villas and hotel rooms have either a... Find out more
Shark Bay Views Bed & Breakfast
With your own private entrance, you can be sure you will be the only guests at the Shark Bay Views Bed and Breakfast. The simple accommodation is ideally suited to a couple or a single traveller, and includes either a... Find out moreEco-friendly places to stay around town
Riverside Sanctuary, Ajana 243 km
More than ten years ago, the owners of this sheep and wheat farm, inland from Kalbarri, noticed the environmental degradation on their property from many years of soil tillage compounded by erosion and compaction from... Find out moreRest areas around town
Edaggee Rest Area 74 km
81 km S of Carnarvon (L) or 43 km N of Wooramel (R) Large area just off the highway in the bush. Limited shade. GPS: S25 27.558 E114 03.502... Find out moreScenic Lookout Rest Area 77 km
25 km S of Wooramel (R) or 51 km N of Overlander (L) Open area well off the highway on top of a small plateau. GPS: S25 59.138 E114 17.899... Find out moreBillabong Park Area 146 km
Opposite the roadhouse Large area just off the highway in the scrub. Limited shade. GPS: S26 48.989 E114 36.893 ... Find out more