Ningaloo / Coral Bay

Ningaloo Reef is a barrier reef 260km's long & protects a pure white shallow sandy lagoon of clear tropical waters, which is the home to more than 500 species of tropical fish and 220 species of coral. Ningaloo Reef is a world-class protected marine park and part of Western Australia's Coral Coast. It is also Australia's largest fringing coral reef.

Enjoy a whale watching trip viewing the majestic Humpback Whales, or some scuba or snorkelling on the reef. See amazing multi coloured fish and underwater features.

A Very BIG Fish!

The largest fish, and the largest of the shark family in the world inhabits the Ningaloo Marine Park ... the Whale Shark - and it is a harmless plankton eater. Whale sharking (swimming with the fish) is an exhilarating experience that almost defies description. It is a daily visitor to the Ningaloo Reef every year between late March to June or July close to the reef feeding on the plankton in the nutrient rich waters. On some days up to 25 to 30 whale sharks can be seen.

Whale Sharks can reach 18 metres (60ft) but averages 12 metres (40ft) in length, and is easily identified by its huge size, wide mouth and distinctive pattern of white spots.

How to get there ...

You can arrive by air to a small airport in Exmouth called Learmonth (code LEA) which is serviced with daily flights from Perth on Skywest. It is about 100kms north of Coral Bay and a shuttle bus is available from the airport, but it must be booked in advanced ($75/person). For flight information, please contact your travel agent or check the web for Skywest. Driving is another option, you can drive private or rental vehicles. Maybe enjoying a slow social trip is more your style? Therefore you can catch the Integrity or Greyhound bus from Perth.

from Exmouth in the north: Exmouth is located at the northern end, and is 1270km from Perth on the Exmouth Gulf
from Coral Bay in the south of the North West Cape : Coral Bay marks the southern extreme of the reef.