Day 77: Mon 03 Jun 24 - Denham (Monkey Mia)

Mon 03 Jun 24 - Denham (Monkey Mia)

12 to 22 Deg C, partly cloudy with light to no wind.

We had an early start today leaving the van for a mere 28km drive to Monkey Mia for the 'Dolphin Experience' which starts at 07:45am daily. We arrived a little early, and after paying our $10/head entrance fees, we waited about 15 minutes with what looked like hundreds of other people, listening to a long list of 'what is illegal' and 'what we should not do'. Bottlenose dolphins have been visiting the beach at Monkey Mia for more than 40 years and the Dolphin experience these days is very strictly controlled. The experience depends on if and when the dolphins actually visit the beach. The record is 25 dolphins visiting at one time, but only up to five female dolphins are offered small amounts of fish up to three times during the morning. Dolphins are fed under strict conditions to ensure they continue to behave and hunt naturally and teach their young hunting and social skills. There were a few dolphins spotted off shore this morning, but with so many people lined up, it's little wonder they weren't keen to come in closer. Eventually, with no dolphin visits, the first experience was called off and everyone dispersed. We walked away a little disappointed, and headed over to the cafe for breakfast and coffee, which was surprisingly were enjoyable. We then set off for a short walk along the beach, and when we turned around to walk back, noticed that a smaller crowd (less than 1/4 of size of the initial crowd) had gathered back at the waters edge in the feeding area. Making our way back quickly, we had no trouble getting a front row (or waters edge) view to watch four dolphins come in close to the shoreline. Watching them so closely interact and move gracefully through the water was a wonderful experience. Apparently the best time to view them is later in the morning when there is less of a crowd. After a bit of a false start, it was a good experience, but I wish I had done it 30-40 years ago when it was less controlled. Having said that, I understand the need for such control measures now due to the massive crowds that come to visit. 

After taking our time and enjoying the scenery at Monkey Mia, we returned to the van at 1230 and had a quiet afternoon. Mid afternoon I went for a bike ride then on return, I packed away the awning and outside furniture, and refuelled the car for our departure tomorrow, ending another three-night stay. 


Early Morning - Monkey Mia


Early Morning - Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia - The initial crowd lined up to see the main attraction.  I did not enjoy this part of the experience 

Monkey Mia - Plenty of other things to look at while the Dolphins stayed away

Monkey Mia - Approaching 

Monkey Mia - Approaching and then leaving just as quickly

Monkey Mia - At least the Pelicans didn't mind

Monkey Mia - At least the Pelicans didn't mind

Monkey Mia - Walk along the beach

Monkey Mia - Walk along the beach


Monkey Mia Dolphin experience


Monkey Mia Dolphin experience

Monkey Mia Dolphin experience

Monkey Mia Dolphin experience

Monkey Mia Dolphin experience


Monkey Mia Dolphin experience

Monkey Mia Dolphin experience


Monkey Mia Dolphin experience

Monkey Mia foreshore

Happy camper despite a false start at Monkey Mia 

Monkey Mia Forshore


Afternoon bike ride - Little lagoon Creek


Afternoon bike ride - Past the Wind Farm

Afternoon bike ride - Past the Wind Farm

Afternoon bike ride - Past the Wind Farm and solar farm, which provides the majority of Denham's power.

Afternoon bike ride - Farewell Denham tomorrow

Afternoon bike ride - Amazing what you find when riding around the back streets of a town

Afternoon bike ride - Amazing what you find when riding around the back streets of a town. Artwork looking a little John Murray like.

Afternoon bike ride - Amazing what you find when riding around the back streets of a town. Artwork looking a little John Murray like.


Our home for three nights at the Blue Dolphin Caravan Park in Denham. Its been a nice and quiet stay.









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