Visit Ningaloo Reef Region
The treasure of Western Australia, the West Coast, and its Ningaloo Reef is a must-see destination on any trip to Australia! This place is a living jewel for all nature lovers. In 1000 and 1 colours, flora and fauna thrive underwater and on land. If there’s one place where you shouldn’t forget your camera, this is it! So don’t waste a second; open your eyes and enrich yourself with every moment you spend in this beautiful place.
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Ningaloo Reef, or the Little Barrier Reef
Located on the western coast of Australia (more specifically, on the Coral Coast), the Ningaloo Reef covers an area of almost 605,000 hectares (sea and land). It is the largest fringing reef in the world and one of the longest coastal reefs! The Ningaloo Reef is a spectacular place known for its marine life and natural beauty.
Since 2011, this region has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The list was compiled due to its marine and terrestrial features and extraordinary biodiversity. The reef boasts rare flora and fauna, including the mythical whale shark. It is also one of the rare places where you can swim with them. The Ningaloo region includes the cities of Carnarvon, Exmouth and Coral Bay. On land, Ningaloo has an extensive network of caves and underground waterways.
Best time to visit Ningaloo Reef Region
The Ningaloo Reef region enjoys a fantastic climate all year round. There is no rainy season, and the weather is dry and warm from January to December. You’ll enjoy 320 days of sunshine yearly in Ningaloo, which is no mean feat! In summer, the daytime temperature ranges from 30 to 40°C; in winter, it quickly reaches 25°C. The water temperature ranges from 20 to 28°C, depending on the season. Winter swimming enthusiasts should bring a wetsuit as the water can sometimes be cold.
The West Coast can be explored at any time of the year. Here is a brief overview of what you can see at different times of the year:
Every year, whale sharks gather on the Ningaloo coast. 300-500 individuals gather in the reef for their annual migration. You can serve them food and even swim with them (for the most daring). The whale shark is harmless to humans. Although it is vast, it feeds mainly on plankton. The peak season is from April to July. The beginning of this migration (March-April) coincides with the mass spawning of corals, which occurs 8-9 days after the full moon.
Speaking of egg-laying, you may even be lucky enough to ‘participate’ in laying eggs by sea turtles and even witness their hatching – a magical and timeless moment.
Finally, manta rays migrate to the reef in large colonies from May to November. And let’s not forget the arrival of humpback whales in July.
Dolphins and dugongs are present on Ningaloo Reef all year round.
How much time should I allow?
We recommend allowing at least 2-3 weeks to fully explore the beauty of Ningaloo Reef and the surrounding area. There are 150 km between Exmouth in the north and Coral Bay in the south. It may not seem like a lot, but believe me, there are endless places to discover! You must drive more since many national parks and attractions are nearby. But be careful! You might fall in love with this paradise and never want to leave… We warn you!
Places not to be missed
Coral Bay
Exmouth
Located on the east coast of Devon, Exmouth is a lively city. There are plenty of shops, places to eat and drink, and plenty to do. Relax on the golden sandy beach or participate in many activities (including water sports). Like anywhere else on the coast, my favourite sports are kitesurfing, snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, canoeing and surfing. You can also ride on the beautiful cycle paths (or off-road). If you’re feeling adventurous, enjoy the beautiful, majestic coastal scenery. Exmouth is the perfect starting point for visiting the region! More information about Exmouth Whale Shark Tours can be found on the town’s website, where you’ll find lots of great ideas for an enjoyable vacation.
Cape Range National Park
The Cape Range National Park is a 1-hour 15-minute drive north of Ningaloo or a 1-hour drive south of Exmouth. This stunning area includes limestone mountain ranges, arid plains and deep, rugged red canyons. Yardy Creek Canyon (south of the park) is a great place! It is surrounded by 50 km of white sandy beaches and turquoise water… A small natural paradise! Turquoise Bay was voted the best beach in Western Australia. The park covers more than 50,000 hectares.
Located in the Ningaloo World Heritage Area, the flora and fauna of the Cape Range are incredibly rich. It is home to numerous species of birds and marsupials (more than a hundred), kangaroos, emus, echidnas, rock wallabies, lizards and even dingoes. A particular time of year: in winter, when wildflowers bloom, the park comes alive with colour. It’s a beautiful sight! The park also has places to observe wildflowers. In addition, 630 plants grow in this national park: desert peas, everlasting flowers, native fuchsias, mulla mulla roses, fan flowers and dampers. Some species are endemic to the area due to its long isolation.
The Cape Range is equipped with excellent hiking trails or leisurely walks. Don’t miss the Mandu Mandu Gorge, Shothole Canyon (4×4 vehicles only), Charles Knife Canyon (scenic route), including Thomas Carter Lookout, Gorge Trail, Yardie Creek Gorge and Yardie Walk. Be careful when hiking in the canyons: the walls are steep, and it is easy to slip.
In the north of the national park, stop at the Vlaming Head lighthouse to watch the sunset; you won’t be disappointed! You can also explore the park on a 4×4 quad bike, which offers a different perspective. There are more than 700 caves in the area, but these places are unsafe due to lack of oxygen, so you must be careful. Other activities include swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing and snorkelling. Head to Turquoise Bay, Lake Bay and Oyster Piles.
If you want to spend a few days here, you can stay at one of the many campsites. From April to October, tents are top-rated here. Therefore, we recommend booking in advance on the website, especially for the following routes: Osprey Bay, Yardie Creek, North Kurrajong, Kurrajong, Ned’s Camp, Mesa, Tulki and North Mandu.
The national park’s fee is $15 per vehicle (maximum 12 people per vehicle).
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