Swimming with Whale Sharks in Western Australia
The whale sharks and whales of Ningaloo Reef are majestic, wild and rare. We swim with the gentle giants in Australia’s spectacular North West.
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Ningaloo Marine Park
Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef
Exmouth is a nature-lover’s dream. A place where clear turquoise waters host an incredible diversity of fish and colourful coral life on the coast of Western Australia. With the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef only metres from shore Exmouth is the gateway to one of the most pristine marine parks in the world.
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Places to stay
Base yourself in Exmouth to explore the natural wonders of Ningaloo Reef, home to our ocean's most fascinating creatures: whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, turtles and dugongs. Whether you’re travelling with children, in a group, on a budget or away for a romantic weekend – Exmouth offers a range of accommodation to suit your requirements.
For water views and only meters from the shoreline you’ll find Mantarays Resort, located on Sunrise Beach – the ideal spot to stay to catch a glimpse of whales frolicking in the Exmouth Gulf. If you’re after mid-range accommodation, opt for one of the holiday house, villas or hotels near the main street or stay with other like-minded travellers at one of the campgrounds, backpackers or holiday parks. Or, for an eco-luxe experience and chance to disconnect from the digital world, try Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef. One of the Luxury Lodges of Australia, Sal Salis is a beach-side safari camp nestled in the dunes of the Cape Range National Park.
Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef hotels
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Things to do
Breathtaking and unforgettable, the coast of Western Australia is one of the most pristine places on Earth. With a total of 12,500 kilometres of mainland coastline, plus its many islands and archipelagos, there’s plenty to discover. World-heritage listed Ningaloo Reef is the world's largest fringing coral reef and one of the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world. Accessible from shore, this extraordinary natural phenomenon stretches from shore to nearly 20 kilometres out to sea and covers a massive 5,000 square kilometres of ocean.
Other popular activities to do in and around Exmouth and Coral Bay include swimming with the gentle giants of the ocean, whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays, whale watching plus snorkelling to see over 200 varieties of coral on a glass-bottom boat tour or experience one of Australia’s top ten dive sites at the Navy Pier. Step away from the marine activities and join a four wheel drive safari tour of the Cape Range National Park, go hiking around Charles Knife Canyon, watch the sunrise or sunset at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, take a cruise down Yardie Creek and keep a lookout for the rare black-footed rock-wallaby.
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What to Do in Exmouth – Your Ultimate Guide
Swim with whale sharks and snorkel through pristine reefs.
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The Best Way to Experience the Wonders of Ningaloo Reef
An experience like no other.
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Go beyond Perth and experience the extraordinary in Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef. Just one flight from Perth and you’re there or experience a true marine wonderland when you fly direct from Melbourne to Exmouth with Qantas. Incredible moments are waiting.
Coral Bay
Coral Bay is a favourite holiday spot and a great base from which to discover the only fringing reef in Australia - Ningaloo Reef. Scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours and sea kayaking are all on offer here, and only around 90 minutes drive from Exmouth.
After exploring, satisfy your hunger at one of the restaurants with menus offering a variety of cuisines including the famous local seafood.
Cape Range National Park
Around a 30 minute drive south-west of Exmouth, you'll come to Cape Range National Park. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the selection of beaches all offering a range of snorkelling opportunities over Ningaloo Reef.
Take a hike to Mandu Mandu Gorge, or cruise down Yardie Creek. Pack a picnic and find a picturesque spot for lunch among the rugged red gorges and canyons.
Getting around
From the airport: Learmonth Airport is 36 kms from Exmouth. Exmouth Bus Charters provides a shuttle bus service into Exmouth. If you’re travelling to Coral Bay, transfers can be arranged with Coral Bay Airport Transfers.
In and around the region: to explore the region and the reef you'll need to hire a car or book one of the many tours available. If you’re planning to visit the region beyond Exmouth it’s important to be prepared and let someone know of your plans.
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Disclaimer: ^ Qantas Frequent Flyer members will earn 3 Qantas Points per A$1 value unless otherwise specified, for hotel stays booked through qantas.com/hotels, except Classic Hotel Rewards and Airbnb bookings. Points Club members will earn 25% more Qantas Points, and Points Club Plus members will earn 50% more Qantas Points. Qantas Points will be credited to your account at least 8 weeks after check-out. Qantas Points may be earned by the member in whose name the booking is made. Members will not be able to earn points on additional charges paid to the accommodation provider for extras (including cots, breakfasts and other incidentals) on check-in or check-out (as applicable).
Disclaimer: ~ Qantas activities are provided by Viator. Conditions apply.
Disclaimer: ++ Status Credits are earned on eligible Qantas, Jetstar, oneworld® member and oneworld connect® airlines only - see the Airline Earning Tables and Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions for details. Status Credits may not be earned on some fare types and booking classes.
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Disclaimer: + The number of destinations is correct as of 28 February 2025, subject to change. Some routes are subject to regulatory and government approval.
Disclaimer: #You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.
