Monkey Mia is a popular tourist destination located about 900 kilometres (560 mi) north of Perth, Western Australia.
[1] The reserve is 25 kilometres (16 mi) northeast of the town of Denham in the Shark Bay Marine Park and World Heritage Site.
[4] In 1985, an information centre was built, and in 1988, a special state government grant was provided to develop roads, carparks, and facilities.
In November 1990, the waters adjoining Monkey Mia were declared a marine park and are managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
[8][full citation needed] Monkey Mia is also the laboratory location for extensive behavioural and biological research on bottlenose dolphins.