Ningaloo Reef

Stone house at Red Bluff, ningaloocoastal images.com.au There is abundance of marine life on the Ningaloo Reef

Ningaloo Marine Park was declared in 1987, in an attempt to protect Western Australia’s largest coral reef by controlling its public access. It is a unique area, as the reef is so close to dry landmass and because it is here that the Australian continent is closest to the continental shelf.

Ningaloo Marine Park stretches 260km along the Western Australian coastline, beginning from Bundegi Beach located about 14km from Exmouth and stretching south to Coral Bay. At some points the reef is no more than 100 metres from the shore; allowing visitors to enjoy the rare opportunity to inspect both the reef itself and its residents from a close and more personal angle. It is easy to walk straight from the brilliant, white sandy beaches of the peninsula onto the coral reef and allow the fish to swim and feed right between your legs. The waters are home to some amazing creatures including the whale shark, dugongs, mantarays, whales, and of course over 500 species of tropical fish. In summer you can watch the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Whales migrate through the area from June to November, moving through the warm waters of the Indian Ocean hugging the coastline and playfully breaching and performing in the water. April to October is whale shark season, allowing both divers and snorkellers to swim with these gentle giants. In May there is a Whale Shark Festival celebrating their arrival. The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) include an educational component for visitors to learn more about these amazing creatures.

The protected marine park is a great place to go snorkelling or diving as the water is generally warm and full of marine life. You will be able to discover the 250 species of reef-building corals that exist on the reef. There are many tours available that can take you out onto the reef; and these can be booked through the Exmouth Visitor Centre.  

Ningaloo Marine Park is a must-see destination; not simply because of its amazing coral reef and white-sandy beaches, but also due to the rugged limestone ranges and canyons in the surrounding region. 
Highlights
Best Western Hospitality Inn Geraldton
Best Western Hospitality Inn Geraldton

The Best Western Hospitality Inn Geraldton offers 52 well appointed and extremely comfortable rooms as well as deluxe self contained apartments. The rooms boast a host of facilities such as air conditioning, internet facilities, free in-house movies and FOXTEL. The Inn also offers spacious grounds and an outdoor pool along with a guest BBQ area.  more


School of Perch
Ningaloo Reef Retreat

Ningaloo Reef Retreat is your portal to the award winning eco camp on the reef in Cape Range National Park. So join the expert guides at the Ningaloo Reef Retreat and discover more than you ever imagined.  more


Aerial view of Coral Bay
The Mackerel Islands, Thevenard Island

The Mackerel Islands - the ideal place to relax and fish on your own special island The pristine coral reefs are home to a myriad of colourful reef fish and stunning coral formations. The islands are a diver’s paradise. Fishermen will also be astonished by the Mackerel’s; offering many five start species off the beach and out to see.  more


Whaleshark
Exmouth

Exmouth boasts a summer climate all year round which makes it a popular tourist destination. Located 1,260km north of Perth, Exmouth has a population of 2,500.  more


Sunset, image courtesy of Len Zell
Fishermans Lookout

Remember to obtain your amateur license.  more


Batfish, ningaloocoastal images.com.au
Turquoise Bay

Dive into the pristine waters of the aptly named Turquoise Bay near the town of Exmouth and you're swimming within a few metres of Ningaloo Reef.   more


Wildflowers are in abundance
Nature Trails

  more


Explore WA including: North West, Coral Coast, Golden Outback, Perth and South West.

There are no items in your itinerary. Please continue browsing and click

Add To Itinerary

to add items of interest.

WA Pass
BWHI Geraldton
Snorkel over colourful coral at Ningaloo Reef Dolphins can be seen along the coast of WA Batfish, ningaloocoastal images.com.au Friendly dolphins Beautiful coral on the Ningaloo Reef