Whale sharks, which can grow up to 18 metres long, normally visit Ningaloo between early April and early July each year following the mass spawning of coral in the pristine waters of Ningaloo Marine Park.
One of the Earth’s last true ocean paradises, Ningaloo is also one of very few regions in the world where whale sharks congregate regularly in coastal waters which are easily accessible to nature lovers.
Marine adventurers can swim with these huge but docile creatures by joining one of the specialist whale shark tour boats which operate out of the small coastal towns of Exmouth and Coral Bay.
There’s also plenty of other marine life to discover at Ningaloo Reef and, unlike many others, you can get to it just by stepping off the beach.
Slip on a snorkel or diving gear and swim with graceful manta rays, see dolphins and schools of brightly coloured fish in the clearest turquoise water imaginable. Rare turtle species hatch here in late January and February and you can watch this amazing natural phenomenon on special guided, eco-interactive trails.
If you don't want to get your feet wet, take one of the glass bottom boat tours or on land explore the rugged Cape Range National Park by 4WD.
At night relax at one of the regions resorts. Enjoy wild bush luxury at the new exclusive safari camp Sal Salis www.salsalis.com.au , or the stylish Novotel Ningaloo www.novotelningaloo.com.au at Sunrise Beach.
Ningaloo Reef is a little over two hours by plane from Perth or two days drive by car.
For more information on tours and attractions in the region visit www.westernaustralia.com. For special holiday deals go to http://www.westernaustralia.com/au/Destinations/Pages/Deals
