A peninsula off WA’s Coral Coast, Francois Person National Park boasts exceptional scenery with striking colours from the deep ochre red cliffs, to the white beaches and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It is the traditional land of the Malgana people, and in recent history has been used as pastoral land. You can reach this picturesque National Park via a 2-hour flight into Denham-Monkey Mia Airport or take the drive along the rest of WA’s breathtaking coastline – arriving at the peninsula approximately 9 hours north of Perth. You can also join one of the many tours that include visitation to the park!
Western Travel Bug conducts a 4-day tour starting in Perth with 2 days in the Shark Bay area, while Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures operate half and full-day tours with experienced First Nations guides around the park and its oceanic surrounds.
Due to its unique geography within Shark Bay, the National Park is full of land and sea-based tours and attractions, including opportunities to swim with and learn about local wild dolphins, you could also see the peninsula from a chartered flight with Shark Bay aviation, or absorb the scenery from land with a Nature Time 4WD tour.
While the national park is accessible all year round with plenty of summer activities, the Shark Bay region comes alive between July-October, with the annual whale migration, wildflowers, and serene oceans. Enjoy a dip in the hot tub at the historical Peron Heritage Precinct or take a walk to the lookout points of Cape Peron & Skipjack point where you will be rewarded with stunning views, and you may be lucky enough to see the local wildlife.
Please note that much of the Shark Bay region is only accessible by 4WD and that pets are not to enter the national park.
Region: Coral Coast
Nearest town: Denham, 10.4km
Established: 1993
Area: 525.9km2
Highlights: Skipjack Point Lookout, Peron Homestead, Big Lagoon, Little Lagoon, Bottle Bay
Experiences: Swimming, Snorkelling, Boating, Canoeing/ Kayaking, Diving, Camping, Fishing, 4WDing, Walking, Hiking