Ningaloo Reef

The World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef is Australia's largest fringing reef, and one of the largest on Earth.

Unlike most other reefs, it's easy to access just by stepping off the beach. A snorkel and mask are all you'll need to experience this colourful and pristine reef. Ningaloo Reef is protected as part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park, which also encompasses coastal lagoons, the open ocean, continental shelf and coastal reserves.

The area is home to whale sharks, which visit between March and July each year after the annual coral spawn to feed on krill and plankton, although they can sometimes be seen on the reef outside of these months. Tours from Coral Bay or Exmouth provide the once in a lifetime opportunity to go swimming with whale sharks, known to be the biggest fish in the world. You can also swim with manta rays and migrating humpback whales, and see rare turtles, pods of dolphins and vibrant tropical fish.

More than 500 tropical fish species inhabit the 300 kilometre long reef, living in and around roughly 300 species of coral. Lakeside, Turquoise Bay, Oyster Stacks and Coral Bay provide great snorkelling from the shore and there are kayak moorings at Bundegi Beach, Coral Bay, Osprey Bay and Tantabiddi.

Diving tours and learn to dive instruction, compressed air and equipment hire are available at Exmouth and Coral Bay - staying at these towns are the easiest way to access the reef and tours.

But it's not all about the water at Ningaloo - there's Exmouth's incredible Cape Range National Park with its amazing red rock canyons and gorges and then there is Carnarvon's Red Bluff, Quobba and Gnaraloo stations which offer 4WDing and camping under the stars. Exmouth and Carnarvon are the northern and southern gateways (respectively) to the long spanning Ningaloo Reef.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Ningaloo Reef? The Ningaloo Reef is located along the shoreline of Western Australia, from Quobba/Red Bluff to Exmouth, approximately 1,000 - 1,250km from Perth.

How accessible is the Ningaloo Reef? Unlike other reef structures, the Ningaloo Reef sits just metres from the shoreline and can be accessed directly from the beach. Top entry points include Turquoise Bay, Oyster Stacks and Osprey Bay.

How Big is the Ningaloo Reef? The Ningaloo Reef spans approximately 260km to 300km along Australia's Coral Coast in Western Australia.

What is Ningaloo famous for? Ningaloo is famous for being one of the world's largest fringing reefs, its UNESCO World Heritage status, and bucket-list marine experiences, including swimming with the Big 3, Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales, and Manta Rays.

How many days do I need at Ningaloo? We would suggest at least 4-6 days at Ningaloo to allow for a full-day marine experience and all of the other incredible activities that are available, from hiking the Cape Range National Park, glass-bottom boat tours, or quad biking through remote dunes to secluded beaches.

When is the best time to visit Ningaloo? The peak season for Ningaloo is from March - October. It is winter in Western Australia and provides warm temperatures without being too hot. This season also includes Whale Sharks (March-September), Humpback Whales (July-October), and Manta Rays (year-round). However, summer provides less crowds and the Turtle mating season.

What are the top experiences at Ningaloo? Some of the top experiences at Ningaloo are:
- Swimming with Whale Sharks
- Swimming with Humpback Whales
- Swimming with Manta Rays
- Swimming off the beach at spots like Turquoise Bay
- Scenic Flights
- Trekking Cape Range National Park
- Kayak experiences
- Glass-bottom boat tours
- Quad biking
There really is so much to love and experience at Ningaloo

Do I need to pre-book at Ningaloo? We recommend pre-booking both accommodation and key experiences before travelling to Australia's Coral Coast. Accommodation, especially in popular destinations such as Ningaloo (Exmouth and Coral Bay), can book out during peak seasons and school holiday periods. Many full-day marine tours also have limited availability, so booking in advance is the best way to secure your preferred dates and avoid disappointment.