Aerial view of Sal Salis luxury accommodation amid the sand dunes on the coast of the bright blue waters of Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia © Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef

5 days at Ningaloo Reef

Swimming with giant whale sharks, hiking with rare rock wallabies and sleeping atop a sandy beach – if you ask us, Ningaloo Reef is pretty special.

The must-do experiences

Take a thrilling scenic flight over Ningaloo Reef
Snorkel with majestic whale sharks
Glamp in outback luxury with the reef at your doorstep

Day 1: Exmouth

Jump into holiday mode with sightseeing adventures to kickstart your first day in Ningaloo.

An underwater view of a person snorkelling near colourful fish and coral with Exmouth Adventure Co, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Snorkel with the locals

Head off on an adventure with Exmouth Adventure Co to explore Ningaloo’s underwater paradise. Leisurely kayak out to the reef, grab your snorkel and dive in to swim among the vibrant parrot fish and corals below.

A bartender holding a tray of drinks beside a pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas in the background at Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort, Exmouth, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Unwind on the shores of Exmouth Gulf

Stay at Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort to enjoy the treasures of Exmouth Gulf right at your doorstep. Spend time lazing by the resort pool or sip a signature espresso martini at Mantarays Beach Lounge and Bar.

Aerial view of Ningaloo Reef below clear blue water with a white sandy shore and mountainous outback landscape on land in Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Take to the skies over Ningaloo Reef

Spot whale sharks, turtles, dugongs and manta rays from above with Ningaloo Aviation. A thrilling one-hour joy flight will showcase the expanse of turquoise reefs in stark contrast to the vibrant red hues of the desert.

Aerial view of a Ningaloo Discovery catamaran cruising across bright blue ocean during the day in Exmouth, Western Australia © Tourism Australia

Sail into the sunset

Join Ningaloo Discovery for a sunset sail to watch the reef transform into hues of pink and gold. Ride behind the boat in a submerged cargo net, or stay dry with a glass of sparkling wine in hand, best enjoyed while stretched out on a daybed.

Day 2: Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef

Today, choose between the golden cliffs of Cape Range National Park and the blue waters of Ningaloo Reef. After your outdoor adventure, sit back with a beer at the local brewery.

A group of people hiking with Trek Ningaloo along a cliff overlooking the orange rock formations and patches of greenery throughout Cape Range National Park in Exmouth during sunset, Western Australia © Tourism Australia

Take in the views of an ancient canyon

Explore the towering rock faces and layers of striking colours throughout Cape Range National Park during a full-day adventure with Trek Ningaloo, or drive the unsealed road in a 4WD for a great vantage point.

A group of families looking at coral and marine life underneath them on a glass bottom boat cruise, Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Glide a glass bottom boat

If you’d prefer to stay above the surface, join Ningaloo Glass Bottom Boat to see the reef’s marine life without getting wet. The tour will take you over Tantabiddi Sanctuary Zone to watch a rainbow of coral gardens pass beneath your feet.

Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at sunset with the Indian Ocean behind and a sky filled with pastel hues during sunset at Lighthouse Bay, Exmouth, Western Australia © Australia's Coral Coast

Enjoy a sunset with a view

Drive to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for one of Exmouth’s dreamiest sunsets. Over 100 years old, the lighthouse itself is a spectacle, but it also boasts a hilltop position giving way to unobstructed views of the picturesque Indian Ocean.

Two bartenders pouring craft beer from a tap at Whalebone Brewing Co, Exmouth, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Sip local brews in Exmouth

Exmouth is home to two exceptional breweries. Join friendly locals in a rustic tin shed at Whalebone Brewing Co to sip ales and spirits – all made on-site – or, head to Froth Craft Brewery for perfect pours, live music and comfort food.

Day 3: Ningaloo Reef

Feel your heart racing as you witness the creatures that make Ningaloo Reef so special.

An underwater view of a person snorkelling beside a whale shark near the surface of the ocean on Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Swim with the ocean’s biggest fish

Take to the waters for an unforgettable experience swimming with gentle giants. It’s a magical moment when you spot a huge whale shark in their natural environment. Tours run between April and July and abide by strict conservation standards.

An underwater view of a person snorkelling above two large humpback whales near the surface of the ocean on Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth, Western Australia © Chris Jansen / Live Ningaloo

Dive in with humpback whales

If you’re visiting between August and October, another unforgettable marine encounter awaits. Slip into the water for your chance to swim alongside inquisitive humpback whales. These naturally curious creatures will truly amaze you.

Aerial view of the wreck of SS Mildura mostly submerged in turquoise waters on Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Visit a shipwreck

On the tip of Exmouth’s North West Cape lies the wreck of SS Mildura. The cattle steamer was wrecked during a cyclone in 1907 and the remains now lay just 80m (262ft) from shore. Be sure to time your visit at low tide for the best photo opportunity.

Day 4: Turquoise Bay

Revel in natural beauty with a relaxing day picnicking, dining and sleeping by the beach.

Two guests speaking with a staff member in front of a marine display at Milyering Discovery Centre, Cape Range National Park, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Learn from the locals

Visit the Milyering Discovery Centre for tips about Cape Range National Park and the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage area. If you’re planning some independent snorkelling, ask about the best locations for the day's tides.

Aerial view of two people swimming in clear blue water with gentle waves washing against a white sand beach at Turquoise Bay, Coral Coast, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Picnic at Turquoise Bay

As the name suggests, Turquoise Bay is a stunning stretch of blue-green water against bright white sand. Experienced snorkelers can drift-snorkel along the shallows of the coast, walking back along the sand to repeat.

View from inside a luxury tent looking out at a person laying in a hammock with a beer in hand in front of a sandy stretch with the coastline in the distance at Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia © Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef

Experience the outback by the reef

Check in for a night at Sal Salis, an eco-luxe tented camp on the shores of Ningaloo Reef. Sit back in your hammock to enjoy the sunset over the outback landscape at your doorstep, with the ocean peeking through the sand dunes just metres away.

A tent glowing with light beneath a clear blanket of night stars at Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia © Lauren Bath

Dine beneath the Milky Way

Wine and dine beneath a night sky littered with stars. The seclusion and eco-consciousness of Sal Salis allow for one of the most spectacular views of the night sky. Admire the constellations as you indulge in a decadent meal with Australian wines.

Day 5: Yardie Creek and Coral Bay

Make the most of your final day in Ningaloo by cruising a spectacular gorge, or return to the reef for another unforgettable wildlife encounter.

A row of hikers walking along a dirt path with red cliffs in the background near Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia © Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef

Cruise Yardie Creek Gorge

Beat the heat of the day with a guided morning gorge walk through Mandu Mandu Gorge and Yardie Creek Gorge. The scenery is rugged and stunning, and you may spot the rare black-footed wallaby resting along the red rock cliffs.

A group of people on a Yardie Creek Boat Tour taking photos as they cruise past rugged red rock walls in Cape Range National Park, Western Australia © Australia's Coral Coast

Cruise Yardie Creek Gorge

Climb aboard a Yardie Creek Boat Tour to learn about the wildlife and geology of Cape Range National Park’s water-filled gorge. Meet the resident rock wallabies and see medicinal plants used by the area’s Traditional Custodians.

A person snorkelling underwater with two large manta rays in Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Swim with manta rays

If you have a full day to spare, head out to the reef with Coral Bay Eco Tours to go swimming with manta rays. The adventure includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon snacks to fuel your search for the beautiful winged sea creatures.

Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters, Coral Bay, Western Australia © Tourism Australia

Hop aboard a fishing charter

If you’re an avid angler, head out onto the water with Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters in Coral Bay. There’s an abundance of fish to try and catch, including marlin, sailfish, red emperor and more. Your skipper will provide you with everything you need.

Aerial of two people standing on a red sand plain with greenery stretching to the horizon in front of them during sunset at Bullara Station, Ningaloo, Western Australia © Tourism Australia

Experience authentic outback living

Check-in for a night at Bullara Station to experience the charm of outback living. Meet the adorable station animals and chat with other travellers by the communal campfire at night. An outdoor shower under the eucalypt trees is a must.