Ningaloo Reef

Mid March – End of August

“What is the chance to actually see the biggest fish in the sea?” Ningaloo is the worlds leading Whale Shark destination with a non sighting policy in place! In the rare case you don’t see a Whale Shark on your trip, you get the next possible spot for free. Some companies are now also offering refunds.

All year around
The most exciting thing to do out of the water! Out in the open, you feel a freedom combined with an adrenaline rush and the sheer beauty of Ningaloo! One step up from the scenic flight! Best thing hands down, and an experience you will talk about for a long time and never forget!

July –November

The West Coast of Australia has the largest Humpback Whale population in the world! It was estimated approximately 30,000 Humpbacks make their way up the coast from Antarctica to the calving grounds from Ningaloo northwards in 2012. The Exmouth Gulf plays an important part in nursing the young calves in preparation for the long journey back to the Antarctic! In 2007 there were 4 times more whale sightings than in Harvey Bay on the east coast of Australia! (officially the best place to see Humpbacks!). Pods usually spend 6-8 weeks in the Exmouth Gulf, breaching in spectacular fashion, “tail sailing”, or slamming their fins and tail on the surface. Because the Exmouth Gulf is very shallow and has a sandy bottom, it is a safe haven and place to rest. Most humpbacks are very curious and come right up to the boats! An incredible experience!

All year around

With Ningaloo Reef right there in front of you, it takes only a few meters to swim and you are on top of pristine coral reef! If you haven’t snorkelled yet, practice in the pool a little beforehand. This is our biggest attraction and you don’t want to miss out! Drifting downstream with the light current parallel to the beach, over some of the best coral reefs in the world, you will come across a myriad of tropical fish, turtles, little reef sharks, sting rays and sometimes even leopard shark or a dugong.

All year around

Coral Bay is the only known destination in the world to have year round Manta Ray interaction. In Exmouth, we also have giant Manta’s throughout the year, however nobody offers specific tours. There is a high chance you will see Mantas during a Whale Shark or dive trip. Snorkelling with these harmless, gentle giants is an experience of a lifetime! While there is no guarantee you’ll see them in Coral Bay, the chances are very, very high. Similar to the Whale Shark operations, they use a spotter plane to find the Mantas. Several cleaning stations and the large, shallow turquoise lagoon offer the perfect place to snorkel with them. These gentle giants grow up to 7 metres in wingspan, yet most of the Mantas are around 3-5 metres!

Coral Bay is only 150 km south of Exmouth – about a 90 min. drive along some spectacular valleys full of giant termite hills! Start early in the morning and head for Coral Bay, see the Manta Rays and enjoy a snorkel along some magnificent corals or grab a quad bike tour! Loads of fun and return to Exmouth the same day!

All year around

There is nearly zero light pollution at North West Cape – an ideal place to view the night sky. Let millions of stars take your breath away. Best around new moon.
Best time to see the Milky Way is between May and September.

All year around

Nested within the Escape Resort, Whalers has a wonderful alfresco setting by the pool and serves some of the finest menus in town. Owner and chef Paul also runs the micro-brewery «Whalebone» in town, and the beer is available on tap from the bar.

October – February

4 of the 5 known Sea Turtles lay their eggs at Ningaloo. Special tours are organised by Department of Biodiversity and Attractions with some operators taking customers out at night to see the turtles lay their eggs! The real deal right in front of you – a night you will never forget! 6–8 weeks later baby turtles hatch!

All year around

Ningaloo Ecology Cruises is not only entertaining and fun but is highly educational and exciting!  The tour guide Alec’s understanding and knowledge of this part of the reef he has been working on for several years now is amazing. Hold your breath as you cruise over big coral blocks! Find sharks, turtles and rays and enjoy snorkelling parts of the reef you can only get to by boat! Even if you are a scuba diver, this is a great trip!

[Photo courtesy of Ningaloo Ecology Cruises]

All year around

These gorges reward your visit with spectacular scenery. Charles Knife is best visited late afternoon and offers amazing views into deep canyons and over Exmouth Gulf from the top of Cape Range. Yardie Creek is home to a little colony of black footed rock wallabies and a great place to spot bird life and marine life in the water. Shothole Canyon can be accessed by 4WD only.

All year around

With only 12 metres in depth on average, diving in Lighthouse Bay is simple and easy, but absolutely amazing. Various dive sites are marked with moorings and dive operators visit this site regularly during their tours. At ‘Labyrinth’ the chance to dive with sea turtles is pretty much 100%.

All year around

This buzzing little vegetarian and vegan café is so much more than just another eatery. It is a social hub where you can hang out with people young and old, buy environmental friendly products and ethical clothing and surf the net. They often host social and community events.
[Photo courtesy of The Social Society Exmouth]

All year around (best during winter)

Those three surf spots are only a short drive from town or the national park (if you are staying at Neds or Mesa) and easily accessible from shore. Wobiri beach is excellent for beginners and kids, while Dunes and Hunters beach suit more advanced surfers.

All year around

This iconic building in the centre of Exmouth was completed in 2017 and is well worth a visit, especially when the weather less then ideal for outdoor activities. It hosts an excellent museum about the history of the North West Cape and great information about Ningaloo Reef. If snorkelling is not your thing or kids are too little, the aquarium will get you a snapshot of the reef without getting your feet wet. Lots of fun for kids with interactive displays.
The Ningaloo Visitor Centre is also located in this building.

[Photo courtesy of Ningaloo Centre]

All year around

Located in the heart of Cape Range National Park this place is well worth a visit. Built of rammed earth and powered by solar energy, Milyering Discovery Centre was the first totally environmentally friendly building of its type in Australia hosting a great display about wildlife and marine life in the area as well as a little shop where you can buy light refreshments and souvenirs.