 Visit Ningaloo Reef and Ningaloo Marine Park WA
The Ningaloo Reef is Western Australia's largest and most accessible Coral Reef. It extends for approximately 260 kilometres from Point Murat on the tip of the North West Cape to Amherst Point, just south of Coral Bay.
Unlike the Great Barrier Reef and other reefs off the north coast of Australia, Ningaloo Reef is not separated from the coast by a wide expanse of coastal water, thus making its accessibility one of it's great attractions.
In some places, just a few kicks bring you to a reef with its 500 species of fish and 220 species of colourful corals. Brightly coloured fish swim close to the beaches in the shallow waters of the protection lagoon, and there are no poisonous jelly fish!
Migrations of giant whale sharks and humpbacks attract those who love marine animals to Ningaloo. Divers and plain snorkellers come to swim with the whale sharks March to June, and June to October its humpback whale watching time. In addition green and loggerhead turtles come onto the beaches to lay their eggs in the summer. Dugongs, dolphins and mantas are also often seen.
The great diversity of tropical fish and coral offer a spectacle of colour and variety equal to any other major coral reef in the world. The emerald green lagoons are a snorkellers paradise and at Coral Bay the underwater gardens can be viewed through a glass-bottom boat.
 The northern shoreline of the Marine Park borders on the Cape Range National Park. In this area campsites, some with basic facilities such as toilets and picnic tables, are provided. A camping fee applies and is collected by the National Park Rangers.
South of the National Park the coastal land is covered by privately controlled pastoral leases. By arrangement with the pastoralistes these have been designated as bush camping sites. A small camping fee may apply in these areas to help cover maintenance costs.
Launching ramps are available at the town beach in Exmouth, Bundegi and Tantabiddi Creek. Hand launching of small craft is possible at other places on the coast and moderately sized boats can be launched from the beach at Coral Bay.
The reef offers some superb opportunities for diving and photography. Plans for the Park include the development of 'dive trails' which will guide divers to some of the more fascinating parts of the reef. Several historic shipwrecks have been found in this area, and at least four others are known to exist. The Western Australian Maritime museum is responsible for these. Look, but don't touch!
Fishing in the Ningaloo Reef Lagoon, and in waters outside the reef, is a major attraction to holiday-makers. Species caught include Sweetlip, Spangled Emperor, Trevally, Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo, Tuna, Marlin and Sailfish.
For more information on travelling to the the West Coast region visit Western Australia Tourism's website.
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WA's National Parks & Reserves can be closed at times because of bushfire danger, Cyclone or flooding and other natural emergencies. Phone 1300 657 721 for emergency alerts or visit the FESA for more information. Find out about the National Parks and forests of WA by visititing CALM. Remember, play it safe and tell others where you go and when you will be back.
All images © WA Tourism.
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Disclaimer: The information contained about this region is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Break Loose Publishing disclaim any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For our complete Disclaimer please follow the link at the foot of the page.
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