Description

This point of interest offers nice scenery, wildlife viewing and walking tracks. No camping or overnight parking allowed. The vibrant red dunes contrast with the white sandy near coastal area and host a diversity of plants, with an impressive flowering display in spring. Birds are abundant, including the rare Western (thick-billed) Grasswren, Chiming Wedgebill, White-browed Babbler, Zebra Finch, Southern Scrubwren and Crested Bellbird. The tidal flats and beach are a haven for shorebird species including Pelicans, Osprey, Bar-tailed Godwit, Plover, Curlew, Fairy Turns and Sandpipers. The hiking trail options start from the World Heritage garden adjoining the Monkey Mia Visitor Centre. All hikes, at about 550m from the Visitor Centre, have access to an 85m long boardwalk - ending with a lookout on top of the red sand dune. The lookout has panoramic views of the coastline, Monkey Mia and Faure Island. Sandy trail sections may make it a bit more of an effort. It's recommended that the longest trail is only walked in the cool of the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat stress. Short return walk - Class 2 1.1km return. Allow 45 minutes: This trail meanders across white, coastal sandplain, then up a boardwalk to a lookout at the top of the red sand dune. Medium loop walk - Class 3 1.5km loop. Allow 1 hour: From the lookout, walk back down onto the sandplain and take the trail to the beach. Turn left at the beach to return to Monkey Mia. Long loop walk - Class 3 2.45km loop. Allow 1.5 hours: Continue from the lookout along the top of the red sand dune for 480 metres, then descend and cross the white coastal sandplain to the beach. Turn left and walk 1km along the beach back to Monkey Mia.