Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area | Explore Parks WA

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Overview

The Ningaloo Coast is a place of stark and spectacular contrast between lush and colourful scenery beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean in Ningaloo Marine Park and the rugged, arid land of Cape Range National Park.

Although it is Ningaloo Reef for which the coast is best known, and perhaps the main attraction of the national park is its beaches within an easy swim of the reef, Cape Range National Park is recognised in its own right as a place of 'outstanding universal value' by its inclusion in the Ningaloo Coast world heritage listing.

Parks

Need to Know

Remote area travel

Much of Australia's Coral Coast is remote - many parks are not accessible by conventional road vehicle.

If you travel independently make sure you're familiar with all the advice and references for further information in the KNOW section (particularly 'getting around', 'safety' and 'travelling in the remote') and on 4WD and adventure motorcycling. Away from parks and main roads, you may need the permission of traditional custodians (go to Department of Aboriginal Affairs) or pastoral station managers (go to Department of Lands) for access.

There are a number of companies licensed to offer tours by 4WD, air and boat in the parks of the Kimberley.

Crocodiles

Be Crocwise Logo Crocodiles are not normally found on the Ningaloo Coast, but there have been rare and isolated occurences of estuarine or saltwater (saltie) crocodiles in the area. Salties are big, extremely dangerous and live in a wide variety of habitats in the State's north, including coastal waters near beaches and offshore islands. Crocs are deadly so Be Crocwise and download our Crocodile safety and myth busting fact sheet and Crocodile brochure. For further information contact the nearest District Parks and Wildlife office.

Marine stingers

Though not usually present, the potentially lethal box jelly fish and irukandji do sometimes appear in the area. They are most likely to be found from November until April. Stinger suits may protect the parts of the body they cover. If you are stung, douse liberally with vinegar and seek urgent medical advice.

Drinking Water

Drinking water is not supplied in any of the parks in the area. Visitors should ensure they bring enough for their own use. The main base for exploring the marine park is the town of Coral Bay. The north of Ningaloo Marine Park can be accessed from many places in Cape Range National Park. The coastal land to the south is not a park.

When to Visit

Nature's calendar

The seasonal rhythm of life on the Ningaloo Coast produces highlights throughout the year:

March/April: Coral spawning. At night the reef appears to be in the midst of a stunning pink underwater snowstorm as most of the more than 300 species of coral spawn, usually seven to ten days after the full moon.

April-July: Whale sharks. The appearance of the world's biggest fish, the whale shark, coincides with the coral spawning.

May-November: Manta rays. Although present year-round, manta rays appear in much greater numbers at this time.

June-November: Humpback whales. Another ocean giant appears in the warm waters to mate and give birth before returning south to the feeding grounds.

November-March: Turtle nesting. Three of the world's seven species of marine turtle make an estimated 10,000 nests along the coast.

Climate

The parks remain open throughout the year but, though hot year-round, it can be extremely hot from November to April and this is tropical cyclone season: parks, roads and recreation sites may have to be temporarily closed and events cancelled without notice. The low scrub vegetation of Cape Range National Park provides very little shade and drinking water is not supplied. Go to the Bureau of Meteorology for more climate and weather information, including on sun protection and cyclones.

Peak period

Easter to October is the peak visitor season for the Ningaloo coast. During this period some of the campgrounds in Cape Range National Park must be booked in advance. Make a booking (and make it as early as you can) or be prepared to wait at the park entry station for a space vacated by campers departing the other campgrounds.

What's On

Ningaloo Turtle Program

Between December and February at the Jurabi Turtle Centre, an expert guide will ensure that you know how to minimise disturbance to the turtles before leading you to a rookery to wait for them in the darkness to come ashore and lay their eggs. (Fees apply. Booking essential.)

Volunteers are needed every year between December and January to monitor nesting beaches for turtle activity.

Commercial tours & services

Commerical operators are licensed to provide a range of tours including swimming with whale sharks and manta rays, snorkelling, diving, coral viewing from a glass-bottom boat, sailing, kayaking, bushwalking, cycling, small craft hire and other nature and sightseeing tours. Search for tours at Tourism Western Australia.

Ningaloo Coast School Holiday Program

Each school holidays the Parks and Wildlife Service host free educational activities for visitors and community members along the Ningaloo Coast. The activities are based around the environment and key features of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area.

Jurabi Turtle Centre

From December through to early March join a guided Turtle Eco-Education tour and scout for female turtles making their way on to the beach to lay their eggs.

Guided Turtle Eco-Education tours increase the chance of finding and observing nesting female turtles in the natural environment. Viewing nesting female turtles and hatchlings with a guide minimises your chance of disturbing them which will increase the chance of female turtles successfully laying eggs.

To join a Turtle Eco-Education Tour (December to March) book online call the Ningaloo Visitor Centre (08) 9949 3070