Nestled along the West Coast of Australia, Ningaloo Reef (Aboriginal name Nyinggulu) stretches an impressive 300km from Red Bluff to Exmouth. This ancient reef is not only the world’s largest fringing reef bustling with marine life and sharks, but also a living testament to the interconnectedness of land and sea. Its cultural importance is deeply ingrained in the stories and traditions of the First Nations people, making it a place of profound significance.
So let’s dive into (pun intended!) the rich history and thrilling adventures that await you in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed marine park.
Ningaloo Reef: Cultural Significance
The First Nations people have called this land home for millennia, and evidence from rock shelters and caves on the Cape Range Peninsula paints a vivid picture of Aboriginal presence in Ningaloo dating back over 32,000 years. The area has evidence of some of the earliest known Aboriginal jewellery in Australia, providing insight into marine resource use for thousands of years.
Despite the remarkable findings unearthed thus far, only a fraction of the caves and rock shelters have been explored, hinting at the potential of what hasn’t yet been discovered. With each excavation, the findings offer a window into the past, and it’s our responsibility to protect its cultural heritage.
In fact, the entire Ningaloo Coast holds outstanding historical value to the nation, earning its place on the Australian National Heritage List and receiving protection under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, ensuring the preservation of its cultural legacy for generations to come.
Swim with Sharks
Offering an unparalleled opportunity to encounter sea turtles, manta rays and humpback whales, Ningaloo Reef is also home to various types of sharks including reef, tiger, hammerhead, and whale sharks. Whether you choose to join them in the ocean to snorkel, or observe them from a glass bottom boat, the experience is awe-inspiring.
Whaleshark Tour with Live Ningaloo, Ningaloo | Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
The Best Times to Visit Ningaloo Reef
It doesn’t matter which time you visit, Ningaloo Reef is likely to be teeming with life. But, if you have particular wildlife on your bucket list, here are the times to give you the best chance at spotting them
Turtles – November to February sees nesting season for the Loggerhead, Hawksbill, and Green Turtles which means the best time to see hatching baby turtles making their way back to the sea is February to March.
Whale Sharks – Gentle giants of the shark species, whale sharks are a joy to swim with, and you’re most likely to spot them between July and August.
Manta Rays – Fairly active around the reef throughout the summer and Autumn seasons, Manta Rays are majestic up close, you’re more likely to see them between April and November.
Humpback Whales – Humpback whales start their season in March but the best time to view them is winter between June until late October. In fact, nearly 35,000 humpback whales make their way through Ningaloo during their migration, taking a rest in the warm waters.
Photo Credit: Tourism Western Australia
5 Must-do Activities at Ningaloo Reef
Aside from appreciating the stunning azure waters and pristine landscape, the area is an adventurer’s playground. Here are our top picks for things to do in Ningaloo Reef:
-
Snorkelling the Reef
Delve beneath the surface and explore the mesmerising world of Ningaloo Reef up close. Swim alongside graceful manta rays or enjoy seeing gentle whale sharks up close. No matter which time of year you go, there will be opportunities to marvel at the diversity of the marine life that calls this reef home.
2. Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
If staying on the boat is more to your liking, there is nothing like a glass bottom boat cruise! Thanks to the pristine clear water and the large glass panes, you’ll have a panoramic view of the tropical fish, colourful corals, and marine world below the waterline, as if you are swimming right alongside them.
Photo Credit: Tourism Western Australia
3. Turtle Nesting
You can try to glimpse turtles almost year-round at the reef, but during nesting season, the female turtles will climb the beaches at night to lay eggs in the sand. This can be a magical moment to witness, particularly as turtles have bad eyesight at night, so if you’re still and quiet, you can sit alongside them as they journey!
4. Sunset Cruise
End your day in paradise with a leisurely sunset cruise along the coastline of Ningaloo Reef. Watching as the sky transforms into a burst of colour over the water below is not only Instagram-worthy, its a memory you’ll carry for a lifetime.
5. Flight Tour
Get a completely different perspective of Ningaloo Reef by taking a scenic flight overhead. From photography flights, to whale shark spotting, the view of the reef is just as incredible from the air!
Experience Ningaloo for Yourself
Are you ready to book a tour of Ningaloo Reef?
With experienced guides, guaranteed departure dates, and small group sizes, Via Travel will make sure your Ningaloo Reef tour is one to remember, for all the right reasons.
Get in touch with us: hello@viatravel.com.au
Current Tours Including Ningaloo Reef:
West Coast and Ningaloo Reef – 8 Day Boutique Tour
Karijini National Park, Stations & Ningaloo Reef Explorer – 6 Day Tour
West Coast Encompassed – Perth to Karijini National Park – 13 Day Tour
