Visiting Ningaloo

Camping, upmarket accommodation, hiking, lazing on the beach, diving, swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, fishing, surfing, 4WD adventures - the Ningaloo Coast has something for everyone.  Situated approximately 1,200 km north of Perth on Australia's West Coast, the Ningaloo Coast is the perfect gateway to explore the waters of the Indian Ocean, as well as the beaches and rugged terrain of the North West Cape.  You will probably run out of time before you run out of things to do!

Places to stay at Ningaloo

Renowned for Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park, the towns of Exmouth and Coral Bay provide the two most accessible gateways to explore the wonderful Ningaloo Coast.  Exmouth (1,270 km north of Perth) is located at the northern end of Ningaloo Reef on the tip of the North West Cape, whereas Coral Bay (1132 km north of Perth, 153 km south of Exmouth, 227 km north west of Carnarvon) offers the southern gateway to Ningaloo Reef.  Both Exmouth and Coral Bay offer a range of accommodation options from camping to upmarket living, as well as numerous eating, shopping, and tour booking options.

Visit the Exmouth Visitor Centre for all your accommodation, car and campervan hire, reef adventures, tour information, as well as more detailed information on the attractions available from Exmouth and Coral Bay.

For the more adventurous and for those who want to get away from the towns, there are numerous other camping, accommodation, and experience options available at the following pastoral stations: Bullara, Ningaloo, Cardabia, Warroora, Gnaraloo, Quobba, Red Bluff.

Visit the Department of Environment and Conservation for the camping options that are available in the Cape Range National Park.

For more information on places to stay at Ningaloo and the Coral Coast, visit Australia's Coral Coast and the Exmouth Visitor Centre.

Things to do at Ningaloo

The Ningaloo Coast is a goldmine for lovers of the outdoors.  Whether you are happy sitting on some of Australia's most beautiful beaches, surfing gnarly waves at Gnaraloo, diving, fishing, bushwalking, birdwatching - the Ningaloo Coast has it all.  Swimming with whale sharks, swimming with manta rays, whale watching, turtle nesting, diving, snorkeling, swimming, surfing, kite surfing, kayaking, boating, fishing, cycling, hiking, visiting the gorges, relaxing on the beach, sampling the local restaurants and bars are just some of the many things that you can do whilst at Ningaloo.  While some activities like fishing, diving, and relaxing on the beach can be enjoyed all year round, the biological wonders of the whale sharks, manta rays, whales, and turtles follow a biological calendar which is worth considering when planning your visit.

For more information on things to do at Ningaloo and the Coral Coast, visit Australia's Coral Coast and the Exmouth Visitor Centre.

Getting to Ningaloo

By Plane

Skywest Airlines and Qantas operate return flights from Perth to Learmonth Airport.  Learmonth Airport is 37 km from Exmouth and 120 km from Coral Bay.  A shuttle bus (Exmouth Bus Charter - 08 99494623) meets each flight and for a small fee you can get a ride into Exmouth town.  Car hire options are also available at the arrival terminal at Learmonth Airport.

By Coach
Greyhound Australia departs daily from Perth to Exmouth and return.  The Exmouth Visitor Centre is the booking agency and bus terminal for Greyhound.

By Road

Travelling from the south to Exmouth along the North West Coastal Hwy, drive 152 km north of Carnarvon and turn left at the Minilya Roadhouse.  The Exmouth town site is a further 200 km.

Travelling from the north, turn off the North West Coastal Hwy 110 km south of the Nanutarra Roadhouse onto Burkett Road.  From here it is 80 km to the Exmouth Minilya Road.  At this junction, turn right to Exmouth (89 km).

Caution should be used when driving at dusk, dawn, and at night due to the possibility of encountering kangaroos on the roads.

For more information on getting around Ningaloo and the Coral Coast, visit Australia's Coral Coast, the Exmouth Visitor Centre, and Exmouth Info.