Big Lagoon in Francois Peron National Park, Western Australia

Big Lagoon in Western Australia’s Francois Peron National Park looks stunning. But it’s also a top spot for fishing and camping.

The unimaginatively-named Big Lagoon is one of the highlights of Francois Peron National Park in Shark Bay, Western Australia.

A detour off the drive from Denham to Monkey Mia, Big Lagoon is one of the most spectacular places to camp in Australia.

What is Big Lagoon?

It’s not actually one single lagoon, however – it’s a series of them. They link together as a series of turquoise pools and channels rippling through a near-outback landscape. The combination of colours is part of the appeal, as are the fishing opportunities.

Big Lagoon in Francois Peron National Park, Shark Bay. Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia.

You have to be careful about precisely where you fish in Big Lagoon. It’s prohibited in the northern part as this is an important fish nursery area.

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Kayaking in Francois Peron National Park

It’s also a good place to go kayaking and canoeing, although you’ll have to bring your own vessel as the Francois Peron National Park doesn’t have hire outlets.

There’s plenty of marine life to see here, including dolphins, stingrays and sharks. The latter mean that you go swimming at your own risk. The area is called Shark Bay for a reason.

Big Lagoon can be visited as a day trip from Denham or Monkey Mia. But the best way to visit is to camp there.

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Big Lagoon campground

The Big Lagoon campground is basic, and campers are expected to be self-sufficient. However, sheltered decking, toilets and barbecue facilities are available. Camping fees do apply, and can be paid on-site as there is no option for advance booking.

You’ll need a high clearance 4WD vehicle to get to the Big Lagoon campground, as for most other attractions in the national park, including Cape Peron.

Other things to do in Shark Bay include seeing the Hamelin Pool stromatolites and visiting historic Inscription Point on Dirk Hartog Island.