Ningaloo Marine Park
Home of Australia’s Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Marine Park protects the world-famous Ningaloo Reef – Australia’s largest and most accessible fringing reef. Here, you simply step straight off the dazzling white sandy beaches and enter an underwater wonderland of incredible diversity.
Stretching 260 kilometres, the Ningaloo Marine Park begins at Bundegi Reef in the Exmouth Gulf, skirts around North West Cape and ends at the southern gateway to Australia’s Ningaloo Reef at Amherst Point near Coral Bay. It extends 10 nautical miles seaward and encompasses over 5,000 square kilometres of ocean.
Diving and snorkelling
in the Ningaloo Marine Park
The shallow lagoons and deeper offshore waters create a diverse array of habitats for a multitude of colourful corals and more than 500 species of fish. Many other creatures regularly visit Australia’s Ningaloo Reef, including whale sharks, turtles, dugongs, dolphins and humpback whales, making it a must-see for divers, snorkellers and nature-lovers.
There are a number of snorkel sites that can easily be reached by conventional vehicle, while some require a four wheel drive. For more information about water-based activities, visit the diving and snorkelling pages. And be sure to check out the video clip of the Ningaloo Marine Park at the bottom of the page - you'll be amazed!
The Ningaloo Reef region also boasts a string of pristine pearly-white beaches, perfect for swimming and relaxing, and outside the park’s sanctuary zones you’ll find some of Australia’s best fishing spots.
Fishing Australia’s Ningaloo Reef
Fishing on the Ningaloo Reef of Australia’s Coral Coast is permitted in general use and recreational use zones in accordance with fishing regulations. Fishing is not permitted in sanctuary zones. Make sure you grab a copy of the Ningaloo Marine Park fishing guide before wetting a line – available from the Department of Environment and Conservation and Fisheries WA offices.
Access points include several concrete boat ramps at Bundegi Beach, Tantabiddi, Exmouth Marina and Coral Bay. Unsealed boat launch areas are also available at various locations.
To reflect the distribution of natural resources and separate conflicting recreational uses, the Ningaloo Marine Park has been divided into management zones:
- Sanctuary zones are 'no take' zones, offering special protection to all organisms, plants and animals of Australia’s Ningaloo Reef, including fish, corals and shells which must not be disturbed or removed.
- Recreation zones are provided for recreational uses that are consistent with conservation of the environment.
- General use zones are provided for both recreational and commercial uses.
Ningaloo Reef accommodation
There’s an excellent range of options available to suit all budgets. Check out the lists of Exmouth accommodation and Coral Bay accommodation to help you start planning your holiday.
Tours of Ningaloo Marine Park
Search for a Ningaloo Reef tour or contact the Exmouth Visitor Centre for information about guided land and sea tours of Australia’s Ningaloo Reef region and the Ningaloo Marine Park.