Ningaloo Reef

Enjoy the amazing detail of the Weano Gorge Stramatolites, the worlds oldest living fossils

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. 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
St Xavier Cathedral, 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


Amazing marine life
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


Friendly dolphins
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


Natures Window, Kalbarri
Island Rock and Natural Bridge

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Sunset, image courtesy of Len Zell
Mingenew Telecentre

Community Telecentres can be used to access Telephone, Fax, Email and Internet services and are independent incorporated bodies owned by the community. They provides services which stimulate the creative use of telecommunications and computer technology for information access, education, employment, training and business enterprise.  more


WA has some great fishing spots
Fishermans Lookout

Remember to obtain your amateur license.  more


4WDriving can be great fun
Stockyard Gully Caves

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Enjoy a fresh seafood BBQ
Skeetas Restaurant and Cafe

The ideal place to sit back, take in the view overlooking the Bay, and enjoy the mouthwatering cuisine on offer daily.  more


Outback Travellers Guide
Outback Travellers Guide
There is abundance of marine life on the Ningaloo Reef Dolphins can be seen along the coast of WA
WA Pass - your passport to WA Rewards