Ningaloo Reef

Western Australia’s answer to the Great Barrier Reef has one clear advantage – you can swim or wade directly out to Ningaloo Reef.

Australia’s most accessible fringing reef is 100 metres offshore at its closest point to the mainland, so you can simply dive in with your mask and snorkel to join the colourful underwater party. From April to July, the world’s largest fish convene in their hundreds, providing a thrilling wildlife spectacle you can view by boat or while in the water.

August marks the beginning of whale migration season with huge cetaceans observed all the way into November, while December to March sees turtles nesting, followed six to ten weeks later by hatchlings emerging and making their perilous journey to sea.

On land, there are fabulous natural attractions such as Mandu Mandu Gorge in Cape Range National Park, which provides sweeping views of the area. Saltwater Yardie Creek cuts a dramatic crevasse through this reserve, while the surrounding limestone landscape supports abundant wild emu, echidna, wallaby and kangaroo populations.

Activities

Scuba dive gorgeous coral sponge gardens or snorkel amid tropical fish, manta rays and dolphins. Swim alongside whale sharks from around April to July, kayak amongst massive humpback whales during the annual whale migration and watch sea turtles nest and hatch through summer. Hike or drive through Cape Range National Park for amazing landscapes and close encounters with native wildlife.

Highlights

Ningaloo Reef, a massive coral fringe metres from the mainland
Witness one of the world’s largest congregations of whale sharks from April to July
Over 500 species of fish and more than 200 types of coral
Unbeatable snorkelling in sheltered lagoons
Incredible scuba diving locations
Swim with dolphins, turtles and rays
Whale-watching during August to November
Turtle hatching around December to March
Wildlife, waterways and gorges in Cape Range National Park
Delightful waterfalls and swimming holes

Getting there

Qantas and Virgin Australia fly into Exmouth Learmonth Airport from Perth, with travel time totalling around 2.5 hours. If self-driving from Perth, a 4WD is highly recommended. As this region is remote and truly wild, always check conditions before you leave and avoid driving at dusk or dawn when animals are most active.

Combine with

Connect through from Perth and its beautiful neighbouring Margaret River region, or why not continue up north to explore the Kimberley to complete your Western Australian experience? Three times the size of England, the remote Kimberley is home to vast unexplored wildernesses and iconic natural attractions such as Cable Beach and the Bungle Bungles.