Beaches Snorkelling

Ningaloo Reef – East Indian Ocean, Western Australia

updated on 4 Comments on Ningaloo Reef – East Indian Ocean, Western Australia

This experience was written by Marina Alvaro, who is originally from Spain. We had the pleasure of meeting her and her partner in Queensland. They have travelled a lot of Australia in their campervan. She also works as a Spanish teacher – so if you’re looking for a hobby to take on while travelling, check out her website here and follow her travels on Instagram @marinalvaro – all pictures in this article are her property.

Where and How to Get There

The Ningaloo Reef is roughly 1,200kms north of Perth in Western Australia, with a central hub around Exmouth. Though the reef actually spans around 260km of coastline.

Ningaloo Reef

What to Expect

Beaches, tours, snorkelling, whale sharks, coral, reef.

Where to Stay

You’ll be spoiled for choice here! Exmouth has two caravan parks:

RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park and Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort. And not far away heading toward to coast to the West, you’ll find Yardie Homestead Caravan Park.

For a more natural coast experience, all along the coast from Exmouth you’ll have campsites at the Cape Range National Park and Lefroy Bay. It will definitely be cheaper here, but make sure you have what you need before going there!

Our Experience

When we think of reefs in Australia, our mind would usually travel to the Great Barrier Reef on the East coast. Only a few would think of the Ningaloo Reef in the West, although is one of the most amazing places I have ever been to. Unlike the Great Barrier, the Ningaloo Reef is quite isolated and not as touristy – and this is precisely the reason why it is an absolute must do on any trip to Western Australia.

Ningaloo Reef
There are two main villages in the Ningaloo area: Coral Bay and Exmouth. The first one is in the southern end of the reef, about 250km north of Carnavorn. There is a supermarket, a bakery and a few cafes, along with a couple of holiday parks that are almost full all year round, so prepare your trip in advance.
 
From Coral Bay, you can explore the beautiful beaches of Skeleton and Mauds Landing. You can also adventure a bit more to the South to Five Fingers Reef or the North, to Oyster Bridge and the Lagoon. All of them are incredible snorkelling spots where the reef is only a few metres from the sandy shore.
 
Exmouth is a two hour drive from Coral Bay and it is the entrance to the Cape Range National Park. It is a bit bigger than Coral Bay, with a few more shops, supermarkets, restaurants and even a brewery. Again, the few holiday parks in town are always almost full. But don’t worry, because the best way to explore the reef is staying at any of the campgrounds in Cape Range. It is also the cheapest option. Though prepare yourself for being isolated for a few days, because there is no phone reception whatsoever in the park. 
Ningaloo Reef
All campgrounds are facing the beach, so you literally walk a few steps from your caravan to the crystal clear waters of the reef. I especially recommend the Oyster Stacks campground, where you can swim with turtles every afternoon.
 
There is a lot more to do in the Ningaloo Reef apart from snorkelling though; from scuba diving to whale tours, enjoy what this piece of paradise has to offer. The Ningaloo is also the only place in Australia where you can swim with one of the most incredible sea creatures – the whale shark. There are lots of companies offering the different tours both in Coral Bay and Exmouth and there is also a tourist information centre in both villages that can help you prepare your visit.
 
Although it is a bit far away from everything, the Ningaloo Reef is absolutely worth it. I will never forget its white sand, its turquoise and crystal clear waters and its colourful coral, full of beautiful sea life.
 
Ningaloo Reef

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