Western Australia's very own ocean paradise, Ningaloo Reef is one of the world's largest fringing reefs, stretching for 260 kilometres off Western Australia's mid north coast. Visitors make their way from near and far to experience the underwater wonderland.
Ningaloo is the only place on Earth where can you access a large, biodiverse coral reef so easily. Between Carnarvon, Coral Bay and Exmouth, you’ll find many beautiful and secluded spots where the reef is just a short swim from the beach. There’s plenty of things to do, places to explore and stunning scenery to be enjoyed.
Dolphins, dugongs, turtles and whale sharks all call the Ningaloo Reef home. So there are also plenty of Aussie locals to visit when you book your trip up north to Ningaloo.
Things To Do
Snorkel
World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef, on WA’s mid north coast, is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world. Only meters from the shore, you can get to it just by stepping off the beach. Visit Turquoise Bay in Exmouth which was recently voted by TripAdvisor as the 2nd best beach in Australia. Enter the water at the southern end of the beach and let the current take you over the reef for a fantastic snorkeling experience. Join an eco-tour to snorkel with manta rays and spot dolphins, turtles and humpback whales.
Swim with the Whale Sharks
From mid-March to July each year tour operators in Coral Bay and Exmouth invite visitors to swim with the gentle giants of the ocean - the whale shark.
Have a Whale of an encounter!
Each year from June to December - during one of the longest whale watching seasons in the world - the humpback and southern right whales call WA oceans home and make their way to Ningaloo Reef. You can view these majestic giants on a cruise or as of 2016 you will have the opportunity to swim with humpback whales.
Cape Range National Park
Covering more than 50,000 hectares, Cape Range National Park is an iconic Western Australian landmark. The breath-taking limestone ranges are a treasure trove of native Australian animals - emus, red kangaroos, echidnas and birds are sighted regularly. In the winter the park comes alive with over 600 species of wildflowers. Enjoy a trek in the national park through deep gorges such as Mandu Mandu and the Badjirrajirra Loop Trail across the scenic high country at Charles Knife Canyon.
Glass Bottom Boat Tours
Explore the spectacular coral gardens of Coral Bay and Exmouth without getting your feet wet aboard a glass bottom boat tour. Departing daily these tours are the perfect opportunity to see the Ningaloo Reef.
Kayak Trail
Sea kayaks are the perfect way to explore the sheltered lagoons, where the water is rarely more than three metres deep, and get up close with the wildlife. Hire a kayak or join a guided tour for local insight into the Ningaloo Reef.
Fishing
Ningaloo is one of the world’s best fishing destinations. There are over 40 different species of game fish in the waters off Exmouth. Cast a line from the jetty, boat or shore.
A number of fishing competitions take place in Exmouth every year including GAMEX, WA's premier fishing event. GAMEX offers teams the chance to compete for 23 different prize categories targeting over 35 different species of game fish - including all six Australian billfish species – in the fish rich waters off Exmouth. No other fishing tournament in the country offers such diverse and productive fishing within a short distance from shore.
Snapper Feeding
Head down to Bill’s Bay at 3:30pm in the afternoon to feed schools of norwest snapper. Be sure to bury your toes in the sand or they might have a little nibble!
Surfing
The best swells for surfing off the North West Cape occur from July to October. Located 17km from Exmouth, Surfers Beach (AKA Dunes) is the most popular reef break.
Diving
The Navy Pier, located just north of Exmouth is one of the top ten dive sites in Australia and is considered one of the best shore dives in the world. Join a diving tour in Coral Bay for the opportunity to get up close with manta rays and other marine life.
How to Get There
Coral Bay is located approximately 1200 km by road north of Perth and 150 km south of Exmouth. If the 13-hour solo journey from Perth to Ningaloo Reef doesn't appeal you can jump on board our 7 Day Perth to Exmouth tour. Accompanied by top tour guides you will make your way from Perth to Exmouth, stopping along the way in Kalbarri, Shark Bay and Coral Bay.
A road trip from Perth to Ningaloo, along Western Australia's coral coast, is an unforgettable and incomparable Australian experience.
Day 1) Perth to Kalbarri
The first stop of the tour is to the impressive Pinnacles Desert in the Nambung National Park. Stop in a the Discovery Centre and enjoy lunch by the sea. After a quick stop in Geraldton it's on to the Big River Ranch for some true blue Aussie hospitality and an overnight stay.
Day 2) Kalbarri to Shark Bay
Today you visit the Murchison Gorge, Natures Window and Z-Bend in Kalbarri National Park. You will have the option to try abseiling into the gorge ($30p/p) if the conditions allow, you can then cool off with a swim in the Murchison River before you're back on the bus travelling north to Shell Beach and Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort for your stay.
Day 3) Shark Bay to Kalbarri
This morning you will meet the famous Monkey Mia dolphins! Then you can join the optional 1 hour wild life sail ($35p/p), hire a kayak and go for a paddle ($15p/p), chill out at the beach or at the resort. Jump back on the bus mid morning and see the the breathtaking rock formations and the Stormatolites before you settle into your accommodation in Coral Bay.
Day 4) Coral Bay
Today is yours to enjoy the many great tours and activities Coral Bay has to offer. Go for a stroll on the beach and check out the shark nursery, swim with the manta rays, go for a scuba dive or snorkel the Ningaloo Reef only metres from the shore (all activities at own expense). This evening you'll drive to Exmouth and check into your accommodation.
Day 5) Exmouth
Today you spend exploring Cape Range National Park, a spectacular place of rugged limestone ranges, breathtaking deep canyons and 50km of pristine beaches. Relax on the beach or choose to go snorkelling at the stunning Turquoise Bay (snorkel hire $10), visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, relax at Milyering Visitor Centre and more before we return to our accommodation late afternoon.
Day 6 & 7) Exmouth to Kalbarri to Perth
This morning you bid farewell to the one way passengers before the return trip to Perth. Stop in at Carnarvon at the local banana or mango plantations (seasonal) before staying overnight in Kalbarri. The next day you visit the Kalbarri coastal cliffs and Pot Alley, a picturesque ocean gorge boasting spectacular ocean scenery. Next is Greenough Wildlife Oark where you can feed the kangaroos and get up close and personal with the snakes. Finish the tour by sandboarding in Lancelin! Finally kick back and relax on the bus for the last stretch back to Perth.
