Ningaloo Reef

Snorkel over colourful coral at Ningaloo Reef Beautiful dolphins

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
The Emerald Room
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


Ningaloo Reef offers brilliant snorkelling opportunities
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


Enjoy a scenic flight over 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


The Pinnacles
Pinnacles Visitor Centre

The Cervantes Visitor Centre is a must stop at location before exploring the wonders of the Coral Coast.  more


Pinnacles Edge Resort
Pinnacles Edge Resort

The Pinnacles Edge Resort, located in the heart of Cervantes and just minutes from the famous Pinnacles Desert offers visitors studios and apartment style accommodation boasting private balconies and spas and additional facilities including a gym, pool and barbeque area.  more


Kalbarri Edge Resort
Kalbarri Edge Resort

Stay at the new Kalbarri Edge Resort.  more


Chimere Pearls
Chimere Pearls

Pearl gallery retailing local Abrolhos Island pearl jewellery  more


Boab's at sunset
Coolimba Coast

Coolimba access is located opposite the Coolimba-Eneabba Road junction on the Indian Ocean Drive.   Gum Tree Bay is some 12km north with Illawong a further 10kmalong the track.  more


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

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Karijini Eco Retreat
Ace Cinemas
Friendly dolphins There is abundance of marine life on the Ningaloo Reef Beautiful coral on the Ningaloo Reef Snorkel over colourful coral at Ningaloo Reef Batfish, ningaloocoastal images.com.au