Ningaloo Coast
A fringing coral reef that starts just offshore from a dry limestone coast, with whale sharks, turtles, manta rays and red canyons in Cape Range National Park.
- State
- Western Australia
- UNESCO
- 2011
- Nearest town
- Exmouth
- Best season
- Apr–Oct
Before you go
- Whale shark swims run from March to July and humpback whale swims from about August to October; book a licensed operator.
- Drift snorkelling at Turquoise Bay can be dangerous in strong currents; read the signs and get out at the marked point.
- Summer is very hot and cyclone-prone, and fuel and shade are scarce, so carry water and plan fuel stops.
The reef
Ningaloo Reef runs for about 260 km along the coast and is one of the few large reefs that lies so close to shore. At Coral Bay and Turquoise Bay you can snorkel straight from the beach; boat tours leave from places like Tantabiddi. Always check conditions, currents and reef rules before entering the water.
Cape Range and the land
Behind the beaches, Cape Range National Park has gorges such as Yardie Creek, where rock-wallabies live, and lookouts above red canyons. The Charles Knife road is steep and unsealed, while Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is a classic sunset spot. Park entry needs a pass, and camping is mostly in park campgrounds that should be booked ahead.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Ningaloo?
April to October is the most comfortable, with mild days and clear water. Whale sharks are mainly March to July, and humpback whales from about August to October. Summer is very hot and brings cyclone risk.
How far is Ningaloo from Perth?
Exmouth is roughly 1,270 km north of Perth by road, a two-day drive at least. Many travellers fly to Learmonth, near Exmouth, or break the drive at Geraldton, Kalbarri and Shark Bay.
Places to see
Turquoise Bay, Cape Range National Park
Cape Range National Park's best-known beach, with white sand and clear water over Ningaloo Reef. The drift…
Bill's Bay, Coral Bay
Ningaloo Reef comes within wading distance of the beach here, so you can snorkel over coral and fish…
Yardie Creek Gorge
A red-walled gorge at the southern end of Cape Range National Park, where a creek meets the sea. A walk…
Charles Knife Canyon
A narrow gravel road climbs the spine of Cape Range to lookouts above deep red canyons, with views to the…
Tantabiddi Boat Ramp and Ningaloo Reef
A boat ramp on the Ningaloo coast near Exmouth where many reef tours launch. Whale shark swims run from…
Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
A lighthouse from the early 1900s on the ridge at North West Cape, with wide views over the Indian Ocean…
