Western Australia's Coral Coast - awash with coastal wonders

"A very special place on the planet including World Heritage Ningaloo Reef with up close gentle marine giants"

Our group expedition to Western Australia’s Coral Coast was part of our ‘Big Lap’ of Australia in 2024 named ‘Operation Big Sky’.

The Coral Coast stretches 1,100km from Cervantes to the World Heritage Ningaloo Reef. Highlights along the way include The Pinnacles at Nambung NP, Kalbarri NP, Shell Beach, Shark Bay & Monkey Mia. The jewel in the crown is Ningaloo Reef with amazing marine life including Whale Sharks and Manta Rays both of which are best enjoyed by swimming along side them in this absolute paradise. Tourism at Ningaloo Reef is big business which attracts visitors from all over the world.

Highlights at Exmouth include swimming with the Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef, Vlamingh Lighthouse, that has panoramic views & a nesting marine turtle site south of lighthouse, Turquoise Bay, Mandu Mandu Gorge Trail & Yardie Creek Gorge Trail. All up is 85km 1( hr) from Exmouth - one way or 170km return. Same road there & back.

We visited this region in April being optimum weather and an ideal time to swim with the Whale Sharks.

Our purpose with this post is to give you just enough insight to spark your curiosity and enable you to plan your own expedition of discovery. Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures.

Natures Window - Kalbarri NP with the lower reaches of the Murchison River in the background.

Dramatic sea cliffs at Kalbarri

Kalbarri Skywalk at Kalbarri National Park which surrounds the lower reaches of the Murchison River. The river has cut a magnificent 80km gorge through the red and white banded sandstone. Perched right on the cliff top the two platforms of the Kalbarri Skywalk jut out over the gorge. The views from the Skywalk are incredible.

Murchison River from the Skywalk

Sunset at Carnarvon. The town of Carnarvon sits on this coast and is referred to as the 'food bowl' of Western Australia, producing 80% of the state's total fruit and vegetable crops and much of its seafood, with a thriving prawn, scallop, crab and fishing industry.

The town of Exmouth is the gateway to Ningaloo Reef

Snorkelling with the Whale Sharks on Ningaloo Reef near Exmouth. We had an incredible day with perfect conditions. Our tour was with Three Islands Whale Shark Dive.

Snorkelling with the Whale Sharks is a huge tourism attraction at this location with many operators who attract people from all over the world. Coral Bay is the ideal location to swim with the Manta Rays

Coral viewing on the Whale Shark dive trip.

Turquoise Bay, Cape Range NP, was voted #1 in the South Pacific & # 3 in the world in Trip Advisors 2022 Travellers Choice Awards.

Yardie Creek - Cape Range NP. A popular activity is to paddle down Yardie Creek.

Our campsite at Exmouth

David & Rosemary Allan – the faces behind:

May adventure & discovery be your constant companions.

Reflection:

For me, a trip is memorable when I am enriched by a deeper sense of connection to a place which triggers an emotional or spiritual response. This comes from feelings of Awe when I feel part of something bigger. Such as, seeing dramatic landscapes, being caught up in the history and sensing the passion of the human spirit.

A memorable experience will cause me to day dream about the next trip even more than the last trip.

Remember: Your adventure begins the moment you decide to go.