Taken from the Aboriginal word meaning promontory, Ningaloo Reef has been referred to as the Masai Mara of the underwater world and what a fitting analogy it is! The Mara may have several thousand wildebeest gracing its plains, not to mention the ‘Big 5’, but Ningaloo has its own ‘Big 5’ and they are perhaps even more exotic: Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales, Turtles (of various species), Manta Rays and brightly patterned sea snakes. What’s more, spend just a day or 2 at the reef and you’re very likely to see the lot!! Not to mention hundreds of other colourful tropical fish and marine life, it is truly a spectacle. 

Ningaloo is situated in the aptly named Coral Bay, in Western Australia. Lying just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, about 1100km north of Perth, this little slice of paradise has a year round summer, adding further to the reasons you should add the Reef to your stop off list. 

There is something very special about Ningaloo Reef. Not only is it one of the largest reefs in the world being a virtually untouched barrier reef of 260km in length, but it is one of the genuinely rare places on Earth where it is possible to walk straight off the beautiful sandy beaches and onto a coral reef. That makes it accessible to all, elderly and young alike. 

White sand beaches fringing turquoise water and coral reef? It’s one of those places you dream of. Stop dreaming and start experiencing it for real!! So, if pristine reef and a cacophony of marine life in spectacular surroundings are high on your list of holiday musts, then Ningaloo Reef is the ultimate. It has all the beauty and marine life of the Great Barrier Reef wrapped up in a smaller, less crowded but just as stunning package. 

What to do in Ningaloo Reef

Snorkelling: If you loved ‘Finding Nemo’, you’ll LOVE snorkelling at Ningaloo Reef!! All the usual suspects are here, plus so much more – over 500 species of tropical fish, it is a veritable rainbow of colour swimming around you. The best thing of all is that the abundance of tropical marine life here is available in such shallow depths of water that you only need go up to your knees to be a part of it. The beauty of this is that people of all ages and ability can join in the fun, from toddlers to grandma, there is no need even to snorkel, just paddle into one of the sheltered lagoons and you can see the exotic fish swim between your legs through the crystal clear waters. 

Diving: You don’t need to be an experienced diver to enjoy the abundance of underwater sea life at the Reef, there are dive sites to suit all levels, including entry level dive sites at the Fish Pit, the Labyrinth and Blizzard’s Range. All will be rewarded with some awesome sights. 

One of the biggest attractions of the Reef is the opportunity to dive with Whale Sharks. The possibility of coming nose to nose with a shark might have you recalling scenes from Jaws and breaking out into a sweat, but there’s no need to smell the fear as these creatures are gentle giants!! They feed entirely off plankton and have no desire to add you to the menu! Still, coming face to face with a mammal that can reach 18 metres in length and weigh 15 tonnes is a memory that will stay with you for a long time and Ningaloo Reef is one of the only places in the world where the sharks congregate in vast numbers, particularly between March to June. A word of caution – steer clear of the massive tail fin lest you accidentally get swiped! Take an underwater camera with you to record the moment for posterity.

Turtles: The fish, sharks and corals would in themselves be more than enough of an enticement to lure visitors to these shores. However, there is more! Turtles to be precise! Ningaloo is one of the world’s main breeding grounds for some species of turtle, making it a fine place to observe them. See them swimming all year round. From the months of October to February, the females come ashore on the beach to dig their nests ready for hatching. Making sure proper consideration and necessary precautions are taken not to disturb the hatchlings, it is possible to observe them in their hundreds entering the world and making the rather humorous looking mad dash to the safety of the water on their miniature flippers - quite a sight! 

Kayaking: Another way to get close encounters of the finned kind is to take a single or double man sea kayak out to explore some of the stunning lagoons. Park up at a deserted beach for a romantic sojourn and lunch in awe inspiring surroundings. Paradise found, you may never want to leave! 

Cape Range National Park: Cape Range is an imposing limestone range of which the passage of time has eroded and created a striking landscape of ridges and gullies, inspiring even the most amateur photographer, its ruggedness contrasting heavily with the idyllic coastline below. Due to its elevated position, it is possible to drive along the Charles Knife Road, stopping at lookouts on the way for stunning views of the gorges. However, a 4WD is the way to go due to unsealed roads and tracks. Better still, walk it! 

Climb the gorges to exert yourself in the morning, than laze away the afternoon relaxing by the water and feeling the cool sea breezes wash over you. Cape Range National Park has landscape that is so varied that you will have endless options. 

Fishing: If fishing is your thing then you are in for a treat! Exmouth is a mecca for fishermen, who flock here to do a serious spot of game fishing or just for throwing a line to catch the evening’s supper to throw on the barbie. You’re more likely to catch something substantial than a tiddler so this could be the place to impress your friends with your fishing skills! (They needn’t be told just how easy it is....). 

Walking: Seeing this breath taking area on your own two feet is one of the best ways to take in the rich diversity of the region (second to snorkelling or diving of course!). There are beach walks, bush walks, walks through ancient riverbeds, canyons and gorges - you are spoilt for choice. You will be amazed at the colourful layers of rock making up the canyon walls that change with the light and make for some fascinating photography. 

If you fancy a spot of historical sightseeing why not walk up to Vlaming Head Lighthouse? Although no longer in working operation, it did light the way for local and wandering mariners for over 50 years and is a fine sight.

Sleeping

There are accommodation options in Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay and Exmouth to suit all pockets. 

Coral Bay has the feel of a 70’s beach resort where the vibe is relaxed – read, barefoot and beach attire – and sleeping options are mainly confined to beach style chalets or caravans. But then that is what makes the mood of the place, no high rise cosmopolitan hotels here, just good honest local places to lay your head. 

As if Coral Bay isn’t laid back enough, you can take the peace, tranquillity and seclusion of the place a step further by heading to Ningaloo Reef Retreat, a unique and boutique nest of luxury tents hidden in the dunes of Cape Range National Park. It is an award winning eco camp and is the sort of place where you can be close to nature without having to resort to the inconvenience of a bush toilet! For those who crave the indulgence of a personal touch when away from home, don’t expect a hard as brick mattress in these tents, they have timber floors and furniture! This is bush camping at its best! You may feel a world away from it all and you are, yet still only a few minutes meander down to the reef for snorkelling. What’s more, it makes a romantic choice for those taking the trip of a lifetime. 

There are further accommodation options in Exmouth, including hotels, motels, camping and caravan parks although again basic comfort is the key word.

Getting to Ningaloo

By Air: The nearest airport to Coral Bay is Learmouth, about 100km north. To take you the last stretch you can take the shuttle bus, although you need to make an advanced booking. Alternatively, the airport is only 37km from Exmouth, if you are using that as your base. There are daily flights from Perth into Learmouth. 

By Road: Take the long distance Greyhound bus or hire a private rental vehicle to drive at your own pace and take in the spectacular scenery on the way.