Ningaloo Reef runs along roughly 300km of Western Australia's remote north-west coast, near Exmouth and Coral Bay. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, which usually requires a boat trip out to the outer reef, Ningaloo's fringing reef sits close enough to shore that you can snorkel straight off the beach in many spots.
It's also one of the most reliable places in the world to swim with whale sharks — the largest fish species on the planet — which gather here between roughly March and August each year to feed on coral spawn and plankton.
Highlights
Whale Shark Swims
Guided boat tours from Exmouth and Coral Bay let you swim alongside whale sharks in the open water — a genuine bucket-list experience.
Turquoise Bay
One of Ningaloo's most famous snorkel spots — drift with the current over coral just metres from the sand.
Cape Range National Park
Rugged limestone gorges right behind the coast, with walking trails and lookouts a short drive from the beach.
Coral Bay
A smaller, more low-key base than Exmouth, with reef access practically on the doorstep.
Also Known For
Outside whale shark season, Ningaloo is a strong destination for humpback whales (roughly July to October), manta rays year-round, and some of the best remote-coast fishing and camping in Western Australia.
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