If you’re planning a Shark Bay or Monkey Mia escape with kids, Tasman Holiday Parks – Denham Seaside (formerly Denham Caravan Park) is a brilliant base. Set right on the World Heritage–listed Shark Bay coastline and about 25 minutes’ drive from Monkey Mia, this beachfront caravan park offers big skies, shallow turquoise water and plenty of space for families to unwind. It’s a long haul from Perth – around 9–10 hours’ drive – but breaking the trip in Geraldton for lunch and a run at the foreshore Playground makes it feel much more manageable with kids.
The park itself sprawls over several levels with a mix of powered and unpowered sites, ensuite sites and a range of cabins, chalets and villas. Many sites and cabins have sweeping ocean views, and a handful sit right on the beachfront so you can step straight from your van or tent onto the sand. The trade-off is that it can be very exposed; Denham is famously windy, so families with lighter tents or very young children may be more comfortable a row or two back from the beach where there’s extra shelter from mature shade trees. The ground is quite hard, so come prepared with sturdy pegs and a decent mallet.
Accommodation options work well for a variety of family setups. If you’re towing, you can choose from powered, unpowered, large “big rig” sites and ensuite sites, many of which are pet‑friendly (check conditions when you book). For those who prefer to travel lighter, there are self-contained one- and two-bedroom villas and chalets with kitchens, air conditioning and verandas to enjoy the sea breeze and sunset. It makes it easy to holiday with another family or grandparents – everyone can be close by but still have their own space and bathroom.
Kids are well catered for around the park. There’s a large shaded jumping pillow and Playground, and open grassy areas that are perfect for burning off energy between day trips. You can even request sites near the play area so you can relax at your camp while still keeping an eye on the kids. Older children and teens will love the freedom to explore the beach, try their hand at fishing, or head down to the town jetty for a squid at dusk. There’s a games room for downtime and free Wi‑Fi around the reception and camp kitchen areas if you need to check in with the real world.
Facilities are excellent for longer stays. There are two well-equipped camp kitchens with barbecues, cooking facilities, TVs and seating areas, plus multiple undercover BBQs dotted throughout the park. Four amenity blocks – including unisex ensuites and accessible facilities – help keep queues down even in peak season, and there are four laundries with washers and dryers, which is a lifesaver after a few sandy beach days. There’s a fish-cleaning area for those who get lucky offshore or off the beach, and an on-site kiosk for essentials, ice, gas and local tour information.
One of the biggest drawcards is that there’s no need for a pool: the park has direct access to a long, shallow beach with calm, clear water that’s ideal for paddling, swimming and beachcombing. You can launch kayaks or SUPs straight from the sand, and boards and kayaks can be hired via reception. Do keep an eye on little ones, as much of the coastline is very shallow and inviting, which makes it easy to wander far at low tide.
Around the dunes and scrub you’ll see plenty of birdlife and wildflowers in season – and occasionally snakes, so closed-in shoes and supervision are a must when kids are exploring.
The location within Denham is another big plus for families. A supermarket is just across the road for easy grocery top-ups, and there’s a selection of cafes, a bakery, bottle shop and the old Shark Bay Hotel along the foreshore a short drive or longer walk away. It’s simple to duck into town for an ice cream, pub meal or takeaway after a big day exploring. Monkey Mia and its famous dolphin experiences are an easy morning trip – staff recommend leaving the park around 7am for the first feeding session – and there are plenty of local tours on the water or into Francois Peron National Park that can be organised through the visitor centre.
Even in busier school holiday periods, it’s surprisingly easy to find your own slice of coastline around Denham and Shark Bay. Wander a little further along the beach and you can enjoy long family walks spotting shells, rays in the shallows and those fiery Shark Bay sunsets with hardly anyone else in sight. Between the kid-friendly facilities, the laid-back seaside town, and the incredible natural attractions on its doorstep, Tasman Holiday Parks – Denham Seaside is a fantastic choice for a relaxed family holiday on WA’s stunning Coral Coast.
Tasman Holiday Parks – Denham Seaside
Address: 1 Stella Rowley Drive, Denham WA 6537
Opening hours: Reception daily, approximately 8:00am – 5:00pm (park access 24/7 for guests)
Website: Tasman Holiday Parks – Denham Seaside
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Lorraine is co-owner of Buggybuddys and is a mother to Blake (15) and Lollie (12).
