This exciting fly / stay itinerary gives you the opportunity to discover the spectacular Ningaloo Reef region of Western Australia’s Coral Coast. Swim with a whale shark, explore the grandiose Cape Range National Park or simply laze back on the pristine beaches in and around Coral Bay and Exmouth.
Visit Qantas for flight information and bookings to Learmonth Airport (which services Exmouth and Coral Bay).
Day 1
Coral Bay
Take an early morning flight to Learmonth, transferring or self-driving to Coral Bay. Transfers to Coral Bay MUST be booked in advance as this service does not meet every flight.
A snorkellers’ paradise, Coral Bay boasts calm, protected waters and hundreds of fish and coral species. Here, the reef spans two kilometres from the shore - an endless source of marine life. To explore further out, take a glass-bottom boat trip or join a snorkelling tour. Spend the evening watching the sunset and dining at one of Coral Bay’s great restaurants.
Overnight: Coral Bay
Day 2
Coral Bay
Stay another day in Coral Bay for more swimming and snorkelling, or throw in a line for some beach fishing. Fishing safaris head out to sea regularly and adventurous types can join a scuba diving trip, a manta ray tour or swim with Whale Sharks from March to early-June annually.
When it's time to dry off, take a four wheel drive along the coast or hire a quad bike for some rugged adventure.
Overnight: Coral Bay
Day 3
Exmouth
Time to head north. Weather and conditions permitting, four-wheel drivers can follow this itinerary either way around the North West Cape. The sealed road takes you up the east side to Exmouth.
There are plenty of places to stay in the town, ranging from beachfront retreats to town centre hotel-style accommodation. There is a range of tours on offer, join a dive tour or sea kayak adventure or head out to Lighthouse Bay.
Exmouth is a sociable town, and there are plenty of choices for dining and chatting over a couple of beers.
Overnight: Exmouth
Day 4
Exmouth
If you didn't swim with Whale Sharks in Coral Bay, you can do so in Exmouth from March to late July.
Alternatively, spend the day fishing, swimming or diving. Here's your opportunity to try one of the best diving spots in the world - the Navy Pier. Or, if conditions are right, take a day trip out to the nearby Muiron Islands.
Alternatively spend the day exploring Cape Range National Park, either on an adventure tour or a self-drive. Turquoise Bay is a must, with excellent drift snorkelling. Stop off at Milyering Visitor Centre, for an interpretation of the marine and coastal ranges environments. In the afternoon, follow the marked walk trail up into the gorges of Cape Range National Park and visit Yardie Creek, a must for walkers and nature-lovers. Head back to Exmouth before dark.
Overnight: Exmouth
Day 5
Spend the morning enjoying Exmouth town before transferring to the airport for your flight back to Perth.