“Article written by Jackson Taylor”
The Ningaloo Reef is nestled on a lonely stretch in the far-flung northwest of Australia. It is the world’s largest fringing reef, with 260 natural beauty. Since it became a World Heritage Site in 2011 and extension of sanctuary zones in 2014, it has helped boost the regional economy.
If you’re looking for exquisite destination, here are the reasons to consider Ningaloo Reef.
Ningaloo Reef’s location and the efforts of thousands of people help protect it from the effects of industrialization. Its Martian-like formations are home to a highly diverse marine population, including 300 coral species, 650 mollusc species, and over 1,000 marine algae species. Different marine turtle species also deposit around 10,000 nests along the Ningaloo each year.
The complex marine wildlife of the reef offers incredible diving and snorkelling species.
Learn more about Ningaloo’s flora and fauna here.
Each year, 300 to 500 whale sharks gather along the Australia’s West Coast for seasonal feeding. This event coincides with the mass coral spawning.
Ningaloo Reef is one of the best places to visit in Australia if you want to sight or swim with whale sharks because it has high interaction rates. The warm waters, rich marine life, and scarcity of loud establishments attract these gentle animals. The whale shark season happens from March to July.
If you happen to visit between July and October, you may have an in-water interaction with humpback whales. Manta Rays, on the other hand, are abundant all year long.
Dive in Australia offers Ningaloo Reef dive and snorkel tours departing both Coral Bay and Exmouth. Available trips include both day trips and extended liveaboard trips catering to both certified divers and snorklelers. To improve your chances to encounter whale sharks and manta rays operators provide dive guides, include all snorkel and dive equipment and the use of a spotter plane.
If you can’t have enough of the Ningaloo Reef, check-in at Sal Salis.
This luxury safari-style tent offers home comfort in the middle of the wilderness. Your lodging faces the beach, making it possible to step into fine sands and wade into turquoise right after waking up. Kayak or paddleboard off your camp, relax in a hammock, or just laze on the beach.
Watch as intense reds and oranges, and gentle pinks and purples cover the horizon by sunset.
Most diving and snorkelling tours are accessible in Coral Bay and Exmouth, but the latter is considered the main gateway. It takes a 20-hour bus ride from Perth to Exmouth, but you can cut travel time by boarding a plane from Perth (daily flights). There are caravan parks, camping sites, and backpacking lodges around town.
“While you won’t find cultural places and nightlife spots, the Cape Range National Park is an amazing outdoor playground. During the Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival, you could find art exhibitions, live musical performances, and even cooking contests.”, shares travel enthusiast and Rapidbiz CEO Audrey Bergen.
Ningaloo Coast is an ideal place to visit if you’re looking for a unique adventure. At the same time, it offers an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and nature. Contact us and talk to one of our holiday travel specialists.