Scuba diving in

Ningaloo, Exmouth and Coral Bay

Just off the coast there are spectacular wave swept reefs that have joined together to form the longest fringing reef system in the world. Australia’s Coral Coast region stretches 1,100km from Cervantes in the south, to Exmouth in the north, and encompasses the UNESCO Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area which is regarded as one of the last great ocean paradises. The ancient land and seascapes of the region tell the story of the movement of continents, changing climates and the evolution of life over 150 million years. Continuous occupation of the land for over 32,000 years by the local Aboriginal tribe, the Yinigudura, provides some of the earliest records of marine resource use in Australia.

The region contains an amazing diversity of marine and terrestrial wildlife including Australia’s iconic creatures; emus, red kangaroos, dingoes and echidnas, along with many species of reptiles and birds. In winter one of the largest and most colourful floral displays on the planet occurs as wildflowers bloom from the outback to the coast.

Just off the coast there are spectacular wave swept reefs that have joined together to form the longest fringing reef system in the world. Exmouth provides the perfect base to explore both the Cape Range National Park and the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. In contrast to the bright blues of Ningaloo, the rugged red gorges and canyons of Cape Range National Park offer spectacular outback adventures and wildlife encounters at locations such as Yardie Creek Gorge and Turquoise Bay. Further south, Coral Bay is a relaxed seaside village with plenty of activities for family holidays and hosts WA’s largest manta ray population that is resident year-round.

Daily flights to Exmouth with Qantas Airlines land in Learmonth Airport, approximately 35km south of the town. Transport from the airport to Exmouth or Coral Bay is limited to taxi, shuttle bus or hiring a vehicle. It is highly recommended to book shuttle buses in advance for a per person fee.

Campervans, Cars and 4WD Vehicles can be hired at Learmonth Airport and can be incorporated into a longer excursion in the region, either heading south to Perth or east to Broome and the Kimberley region.

Driving from Perth takes in the wonders of the west coast region with plenty of worthwhile stops along the 1,300km journey to Exmouth. Driving direct from Perth takes a minimum of 13 hours. Coaches depart Perth stopping along the coast to Exmouth and carry on to Broome. Passes are available with Hop On Hop Off options to explore the region along the way.

Exmouth is a small but vibrant town that has grown in recent years to cater for the growing number of visitors that it receives. From the outskirts of town to the marina is around 5km so nowhere is very far away. There is plenty of choice for a room - budget and backpacker accommodation is available all the way through to motels, hotels and high standard beach resorts. Choice in high season can be limited and the prices are reflective of the remote area and popularity of the region. Holiday home rentals are often available and cater for larger groups and there are multiple camping and caravan parks in the vicinity.

Coral Bay is Ningaloo’s other main town, 155km south of Exmouth. Much smaller than Exmouth the accommodation options are limited to a few hotels and caravan parks. The town itself is very relaxed and full of charm as everyone tends to walk rather than drive and most leave their shoes at home.

The Ningaloo region enjoys a tropical climate that brings warm to hot weather and blue skies all year. With virtually no rainfall all year, the region’s climate is classified as a desert with spectacular monsoon thunderheads and lightning storms occurring during January to March. With around 320 days of sunshine every year the summer daytime temperatures range from 35C to over 40C with an average air temperature of 37C in the hottest month of January. The cooler months are June and July when the average air temperature reaches around 25C.

Whale shark and whale seasons

The Ningaloo region is great to visit all year round but specific megafauna are present in particular seasons.

Over 300 whale sharks aggregate to feed in the waters around the Ningaloo Marine Park from March to August before disappearing from the area for another year, although there are occasional sightings of them year-round.

Thousands of humpback whales travel north from Antarctica in their annual migration and arrive in the Ningaloo region in late May or early June. Using the warmer water of the region to mate and rest the whale season lasts through until late October to early November with whales arriving and departing throughout the season. Other species such as southern right whales, pygmy blue whales, false killer whales and Orca can also be found in the region at this time.

Manta rays can be seen along the reef near Exmouth from May to November, feeding on the plankton rich water, but the largest population in WA can be found all year round in Coral Bay.

The season to see green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles starts with the mating season in November and continues through the nesting season until March.