Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth and Coral Bay - Western Australia's Coral Coast

Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth and Coral Bay - Things To Do

Swimming with the Whale Sharks or Manta Rays - Whale Watching - Snorkelling - Scuba Diving - Coral Reef Viewing - Exploring - Sight Seeing - The Night Sky - Beach Walking - Swimming - Fishing - Below are brief descriptions of some of the Things to Do in Exmouth, Coral Bay, on the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park or in the Cape Range National Park. The Exmouth Visitor Centre has further information on all these and more activities.

Swimming with the Whale Sharks or Manta Rays ( Tour ) - The seasons for Swimming with Whale Sharks is usually April to July each year, following the mass spawning of coral. The chance to snorkel with these gentle giants is the opportunity of a lifetime and visitors from all over the world head to the Ningaloo Reef during Whale shark season. These massive filter feeders can grow up to 8m long. They cruise the world’s ocean in search of concentrations to feed on. Ningaloo Reef is one of the only places they appear regularly in large numbers.

Day tours to snorkel with Whale Sharks depart daily during the season from both Exmouth and Coral Bay. The experience is open to confident swimmers of all ages or you can be an observer on the boat. Tour operators for Swimming with Whale Sharks -

From Exmouth - Blue Horizon Charters - Exmouth Dive Centre - King Dive Charters - Ningaloo Blue Charters - Village Dive - Ningaloo Reef Dreaming - Ningaloo Deep  From Coral Bay - Ningaloo Reef Dive - Coral Bay Adventures

See Tours section for Swimming with Whale Sharks Tours

Whale Watching ( Hump Back Whales ) ( Tour )  - Humpback Whales visit between June and November and many of the females give birth in the deeper offshore waters. Most boat tour operators provide Whale Watching Tours or options. Visits to the Exmouth Gulf waters and Ningaloo Marine Park, in season, can see these magnificent creatures as they migrate to or from the area. Spectacular shows of "breaching" or an inquisitive humpback whale calf approaching the boat, just metres away from you, gives an in-sight into these marine animals. Part of the Whale Watching Tour can also involve swimming with Manta Rays.

See Tours section for Whale Watching Tours

Humpback Whales can be seen from various vantage points, especially Vlaming Head Lighthouse which has powerful coin operated binoculars, as they migrate to or away from the Exmouth Gulf rounding Vlaming Heads. Some are far out to sea where you can plainly sea the spray of air and water as they surface to breath. Others can be close to shore where for a moment, they are plainly visible. You may be lucky enough may see them frolicking close to shore in one of the bays along the coast line.

Snorkelling ( Tour or Self ) - Ningaloo Marine Park protects one of Australia’s most important tracts of reef - the Ningaloo Reef. The park stretches from Bundegi Beach near Exmouth for 260 km along the West Coast to Amherst Point south of Coral Bay.

The reef protects a lagoon that is on average only 2-4 metres deep and is rich in marine life. It is unique because of this and its close proximity to the coast - in many areas it is only 5-10 metres offshore allowing for easy access from the coast. Some 250 species of coral and 500 species of fish have been recorded in the park. There are limitless snorkel sites along the Ningaloo coastline and a variety of ways to access them. You can experience the Ningaloo Reef from a dive boat, catamaran, coral viewing boat, sea kayak, from the air on a scenic flight, or by snorkelling from the beach. See Tours section for Snorkelling Tours

The following snorkel sites can be reached by conventional vehicle but for the more adventurous, there are sites that can only be reached by 4WD. For information on the variety of tours on offer contact the Exmouth Visitor Centre.

Lakeside  - is a great snorkel spot for swimmers of average fitness and capability. From the car park walk 400m south along the beach to the marked entry point. Snorkel out in a northerly direction for 150m before returning to original entry point.
Turquoise Bay Snorkelling within the Bay is quite rewarding and easy - a perfect spot for beginners to practice their skills! Enter from the beach and snorkel out over coral and marine life. Currents don’t exist in the Bay area but always check conditions to be sure.

Turquoise Bay Drift Snorkel Considered to be one of the best snorkel sites in the area, this drift snorkel is definitely worth a go! From the ‘Drift’ car park you can access the drift snorkel, be sure to exit the water at the sand bar by swimming straight out. From the ‘Bay’ car park you head south out of the Bay about 300m where you enter the water. Swim straight out and let the current carry you north over coral bobbies. Exit near the sand bar. Be aware that this area can possess strong currents due to a break in the reef further out. These currents are usually strongest around the sandbar at the southernmost point of the Bay. This snorkel is suited to swimmers of an average fitness and snorkelling ability.

Oyster Stacks This site is great for fish life and is best accessed on a high or incoming tide. Take care entering the water as the shoreline is rocky with some sharp oyster shelled areas. Enter the water at the end of the walking track and snorkel either north or south.

Always be aware of currents, weather conditions and tidal movements before entering the water. Never touch coral or marine life - you may damage it or it may damage you!

(Source - Exmouth Visitor Centre)

Scuba Diving (Tour)

Navy Pier - The Navy Pier is rated by many world famous diving figures as one of the best pier dives anywhere. At last count there were at least 200 different species, including big schools of trevally, snapper and barracuda, as well as highly photogenic specimens such as graceful firefish, colourful angelfish, moorish idols and large Queensland gropers. For many divers it is like diving in an aquarium. Small critter lovers also thrill at seeing a variety of nudibranchs, flatworms, cheeky goby fish and delicate anemones with families of clown fish darting amongst the stinging arms. As the pier remains a working defence facility, diving there can only be conducted with a licenced dive shop, for security and liability reasons. The site is relatively shallow, with a maximum depth of around 15 metres. This makes it ideal for all levels of diver, including those who have not dived before. To help protect this marine haven, diver numbers are limited and all dives are guided to ensure maximum enjoyment of the site.

Muiron Islands  - The environment of these two islands just 9.8 nautical miles off the tip of the North West Cape is tranquil. Warm tropical waters teeming with marine life surround the uninhabited islands. In waters of depths 3-20m just off the shoreline there are coral gardens made up of both hard and soft corals. There are a variety of dive sites off the Muirons that provide an unforgettable experience. Note: Camping on the islands requires permission from the Shire of Exmouth and the Department of CALM.

Lighthouse Bay - There are a number of excellent dive sites in the Lighthouse Bay area, including Blizzard Reef, The Labyrinth and Helga’s Tunnels. There are pristine coral formations and an array of beautiful tropical fish along with reef sharks and schools of pelagic fish. Depths at both Blizzard and Labyrinth range from 12-18m while Helga’s has a maximum depth of 30m.

(Source - Exmouth Visitor Centre)

Coral Reef Viewing (Tour)  - Snorkel or Scuba Diving on the Ningaloo Reef gives you a close up view of the reef and its marine life or get a panoramic view of the diverse eco systems of the Ningaloo Marine Park from glass bottom boat tours from either Exmouth or Coral Bay. Experience the hard and soft corals and a huge array of marine life - brightly coloured fish, turtles, rays, and many other exciting varieties of fish that makes the Ningaloo Reef their home.

Snorkel option is also available if required. Ningaloo Coral Explorer II from Exmouth or Coral Bay Adventures from Coral Bay offer these Coral Reef Viewing tours.

Exploring the Cape Range National Park ( Tour ) The unique landscape of the Cape Range National Park is best explored with experienced tour operator. Neil McLeod of Ningaloo Safari Tours is renowned world-wide for his personalised safaris and takes you in his 4 x 4 OKa to locations which would be other wise inaccessible.

If exploring the Cape Range National Park by car or four wheel drive, there are 4 recommended locations to see.

The Vlaming Head Lighthouse and Lookout
P provides magnificent views of the North West Cape and the Ningaloo Reef. Located 12 kilometres north of Exmouth on a sealed road, the lighthouse and lookout is accessible by car. From the lookout, fantastic sunsets and sweeping views of the Ningaloo Reef and North West Cape

Yardie Creek
A famous gorge located 90 kilometres from Exmouth in the Cape Range National Park and 38 kilometres south of the Milyering Visitor Centre along the Yardie Creek Road The ancient gorge features deep blue waters, red coloured limestone cliff faces and an array of wildlife including the rare black footed wallabies and a variety of bird life. The ideal way to appreciate the natural beauty of the gorge is to take the Yardie Gorge Tour by boat. This is an informative and relaxing boat cruise which has been described as Spectacular! Alternatively a 500 metre walk meanders above the gorge's vertical red rock walls, overlooking Yardie Creek.

Shothole Canyon
16kms south of Exmouth on the Minilya to Exmouth road is the turnoff to Shothole Canyon. Named after the explosive charges set up to create miniature earthquakes for seismographic studies during the oil searches in the 1950's. There is a picnic area at the end of the 15km road and a short walking trail. The canyon road provides easy access into one of the many spectacular gorges in Cape Range. The sheer canyon walls exhibit colourful rock layers.

Charles Knife Canyon
23kms south of Exmouth you turn west off the Minilya to Exmouth road into Charles Knife Canyon. The road follows the knife edge ridges of the range and provides spectacular views down into and over the canyons and over the gulf, especially stunning during sunset or sunrise as the natural light highlights the colours of the canyon walls contrasting against shadows produced by the ridges.

This road is partly unsealed and can be described as undulating and uneven. The normal family type sedan and motor home can travel along this road surface without trouble however it is advisable to travel at a reduced speed for the more uneven sections. SUV's and 4 wheel drive vehicles are more suitable.

The Night Sky - With Exmouth's location and weather, viewing the stars, constellations and planets at night time reveals an amazing array of celestial patterns not able to be seen from larger cities or towns. Relaxing on a beach during the evening is the best time to view the world above or at the Movies Under the Stars. When travelling at night beware of local wild life crossing the roads.

Swimming - Most popular beaches for swimming are Coral Bay, Turquoise Bay and Bundegi Beach

Coral Bay - A safe swimming area for children and the family with the beach almost at the door step of your accommodation. Crystal clear water and at times, within metres from the shoreline, you can experience swimming amongst tropical fish and over coral reefs.

Turquoise Bay - As the name suggest, the water is Turquoise in colour. The bay section is idyllic and perfect and considered to be one of the best drift snorkel locations. Turquoise Bay is located 60 kilometres south of Exmouth. Include this location for drift snorkel and swimming whilst in the Cape Range National Park area along the Ningaloo Marine Park on the western side of the cape or tavelling to Yardi Gorge.

Bundegi Beach is located 12 kilometres north of Exmouth. A safe beach for swimming and practicing your snorkelling.

Many other beaches along the coast are great swimming locations, but always check currents, weather conditions and tidal movements before entering the water. A beach umbrella, water and a good supply of sun screen is recommended if spending time on the beach. Beach umbrellas, goggles, snorkels and flippers are available for hire from Exmouth.

Beach Walking - Pick any beach and you will be guaranteed of pleasant beach combing and walking. The Exmouth coastline offers visitors an endless array of stunning, unspoilt, deserted beaches. Town Beach - The closest beach to Exmouth is located only 1 km from the Exmouth town site. This beach is ideal for morning walks and beach combing.Bundegi Beach - Located 12 km north of Exmouth A great beach for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. Lighthouse Bay - Access tracks along the Mildura Wreck Road into Lighthouse Bay provide entrance to a variety of beaches suitable for fishing, surfing, swimming and sunbathing. At the end of the road you will discover the wreck of the SS Mildura.

At low tide the rock pools hold many hidden delights such as sea urchins, anemones, starfish and octopus. Sea shells of different shapes, sizes and colours, fragments of coral or interesting shaped and coloured, sea washed pebbles. Pebble Beach directly south of Exmouth is named for the covering of pebbles on the shore line.

Fishing - Web masters comment - "We are extremeley passionate about protecting the area and encouraging people to come and observe the marine life- not kill it." A approriate

(Tour, Charters or Independent) - With the continental shelf only kilometres offshore, fishing and the Ningaloo Reef go hand in hand. There are many opportunities for beach, reef and game fishing in the diverse environment of Ningaloo. Sanctuary zones are special conservation zones where fishing is strictly prohibited but there are many other areas in the Marine Park where the fishing is superb.

Land based fishing is a popular recreational pastime as there are many different species to be caught. Beach fishing often produces surprising reef species while fishing in Exmouth Gulf turns up a variety of estuarine species. Mud crabbing and squid fishing are also popular activities. Enquire locally about what’s on the bite!

Professional charter boats depart Exmouth daily. They offer a range of tours including half and full day fishing trips, as well as being available for private charter. Some of the sought after species are North West Snapper, Blue Bone, Coral Trout and Red Emperor. Ningaloo is also recognized as the premier game fishing destination in Western Australia - it is one of the few places in the world where such famous species as Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Spanish Mackerel and Sailfish are hooked regularly. Every year in March Exmouth hosts the Gamex Tournament which always produces some fantastic - often record breaking - catches (a ”Tag and Release” policy is adhered to).

BOAT LAUNCHING FACILITIES

Exmouth has 3 boat launching areas. The Exmouth Boat Harbour is located 2km south of the Exmouth town site and offers concreted boat ramps within the sheltered wall of the marina. Other boat ramps are located 12km north of town at Bundegi Beach, and 35km from town (just north of the Cape Range National Park. boundary) at Tantabiddi. Other small boat launching areas are available from campsites in the park though these are generally only accessible to 4WD vehicles.

SANCTUARY ZONES

There are eight sanctuary zones in the Marine Park. Special conservation regulations, bag and size limits apply in the Marine Park. Please contact the local Fisheries department or the Exmouth Visitor Centre for further information.

(Source - Exmouth Visitor Centre)

Movies Under the Stars - With Exmouth's beautiful tropical climate, Movies Under the Stars is an excellent way to relax during the evening, especially for families with children, and at the same time to catch a good movie. At times, Movies Under the Stars and the Sea Breeze Resort have special feature packages for transport to the cinema, evening meal, movie and return to your accommodation.

Ningaloo Starlight Cinema is an outdoor cinema located at the HEH Naval Base, Murat Road, Exmouth. The cinema shows new release and old classic films on the big screen, under the stars. Families are catered for with Family Friday, screenings of G rated movies, all tickets $6.60 (children under 4 years of age FREE). Ticket Prices - Adult $11, Cons. $8.80, Child $5.50, Family $30. Bean Bags are available for hire at $1 per bag. Please phone before 5.30pm on the day of movie to secure your bag. Phone 9949 1553. Drinks, chips, chocolates, lollies, popcorn and ice creams available at the kiosk. (Prices current as of April 10, 2005)

Directions: Drive north on Murat Road for approx 6km and turn left at the Sea Breeze Resort access HEH Naval Base. Then turn left and then right for the cinema car park.

Ningaloo Reef - Exmouth - Coral Bay - Places to Stay - Tours - Things To Do - Things To See - Whale Sharks - Humpback Whales - Fishing - Getting There