Take a dive with hundreds of tropical fish, colourful coral and the world’s biggest fish, the whale shark, at unspoilt Ningaloo Reef.
The reef on WA’s mid north coast, has gained an impressive reputation as one of earth’s last ocean paradises.
It’s one of the largest fringing reefs in the world and unlike many others, you can get to it just by stepping off the beach.
The marine park stretches 260 kilometres from Bundegi Reef near the town of Exmouth to Amherst Point near Coral Bay in the south.
It reaches nearly 20 kilometres seaward, encompassing a massive 5,000 square kilometres of ocean with 500 species of tropical fish and 220 species of coral in all.
Nothing can compare to the thrill of swimming beside a whale shark. These docile creatures visit the reef each year between April and June.
Slip on a snorkel or diving gear and swim with graceful manta rays, see dolphins and schools of brightly coloured fish in the clearest turquoise water imaginable.
Rare turtle species hatch here in late January and February. Watch this amazing natural phenomenon on special guided, eco-interactive trails.
Accommodation in the area is comfortable and ranges from camping and backpacker style to chalets, motels, eco-retreats and self catering apartments.
The small fishing towns of Exmouth and Coral Bay have retained their original flavour – with plenty of old sea dogs, fishermen and original beach shacks.
Both exude a relaxed vibe, with laid-back locals and endless expanses of sandy beaches.
It’s not all about the water at Ningaloo - go four wheel driving to Cape Range National Park to see amazing red rock canyons and gorges.
Getting there is easy – take a two hour flight north of Perth, or give yourself two days to drive there from the capital.
