Ningaloo Reef marvels and a fantastic drive from Exmouth to Perth.

We flew to Exmouth and snorkelled the Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth and Coral Bay. Then, we drove to Perth and on the way we visited stunning places. We stopped in Carnarvon and discovered the Shark Bay. Furthermore, we went to Kallbarri and saw the wonders of the Pinnacles.

Exmouth

After a long flight to Exmouth, we took a refreshing dip in the beautiful blue waters of the Ningaloo Reef. Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is one of the best spots in the world for snorkelling right off the shore.

After a long flight to Exmouth, we took a refreshing dip in the beautiful blue waters of the Ningaloo Reef. Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is one of the best spots in the world for snorkelling right off the shore.

Red termite mound in Western Australia.

The termite mounds in Western Australia are unique. They are just wonderful.

We hiked the Yardie Gorge trail in the Cape Range National Park. The trail follows the river and offers breathtaking views of Yardie Creek and the surrounding limestone cliffs. The deep red gorge contrasts beautifully with the blue waters of the creek. During the hike, we spotted an euro, also known as common wallaroos and an osprey. Furthermore, instead of hiking, you can do a boat cruise at Yardie Creek.

We hiked the Yardie Gorge trail in the Cape Range National Park. The trail follows the river and offers breathtaking views of Yardie Creek and the surrounding limestone cliffs. The deep red gorge contrasts beautifully with the blue waters of the creek. During the hike, we spotted an euro, also known as common wallaroos and an osprey. Furthermore, instead of hiking, you can do a boat cruise at Yardie Creek.

Later, after our hike, we went snorkelling in Turquoise Bay. There are two ways to snorkel there. Drift snorkelling:  go into the water at the southern end of the beach and let the current carry you north end. Just glide over the reef and watch the beautiful corals and fish. Bay Snorkel: go into the water at the sheltered part of the bay and swim out. Shorter and safer for beginners and families.

Later, after our hike, we went snorkelling in Turquoise Bay. There are two ways to snorkel there. Drift snorkelling:  go into the water at the southern end of the beach and let the current carry you north end. Just glide over the reef and watch the beautiful corals and fish. Bay Snorkel: go into the water at the sheltered part of the bay and swim out. Shorter and safer for beginners and families.

We had a fantastic time at the historic Vlamingh Head lighthouse near Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef. From the lighthouse, you have spectacular views over the Indian Ocean. It's a popular spot for watching sunrises, sunsets and whale watching. We went there for a stunning sunset, well-organized with a bottle of bubbly.

We had a fantastic time at the historic Vlamingh Head lighthouse near Exmouth. From the lighthouse, you have spectacular views over the Indian Ocean. It’s a popular spot for watching sunrises, sunsets and whale watching. We went there for a stunning sunset, well-organized with a bottle of bubbly.

This picture explains why so many people come to the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at Ningaloo Reef in the evening.

This picture explains why so many people come to the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at Ningaloo Reef in the evening.

Then, we embarked on our first boat tour at the Ningaloo Reef with Ningaloo Glass Bottom Boat from Exmouth. During the tour, we had the chance to test out our snorkelling skills. It was a well-organised experience, and we would highly recommend it to others.

Then, we embarked on our first boat tour at the Ningaloo Reef with Ningaloo Glass Bottom Boat from Exmouth. During the tour, we had the chance to test out our snorkelling skills. It was a well-organised experience, and we would highly recommend it to others.

Coral Bay

Then, we drove 150 km south to Coral Bay. It is a small, picturesque coastal town with its stunning beaches and abundant of marine life.  It's an ideal destination for exploring the Ningaloo Reef. We stayed there for three days and went on two snorkelling tours.

Then, we drove 150 km south to Coral Bay. It is a small, picturesque coastal town with stunning beaches and abundant marine life.  It’s an ideal destination for exploring the Ningaloo Reef. We stayed there for three days and went on two snorkelling tours.

Snorkelling with manta rays is outstanding at Ningaloo Reef

Then our first tour involved snorkeling with manta rays. The boat was not a big modern one, but the crew was excellent, helpful, and motivated. As usual, we were the oldest people on the boat, but this was no problem for the crew. This company deserves five stars.

We went to Ningaloo Reef in mid June. It is the beginning of the annual migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters of the Kimberley region. There are whale watching and swimming with humpback whales from Exmouth and Coral Bay. We were lucky to spot some at our Manta Ray snorkelling tour.

We went to Ningaloo Reef in mid-June. It is the beginning of the annual migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters of the Kimberley region. There are whale watching and swimming with humpback whales from Exmouth and Coral Bay. We were lucky to spot some at our Manta Ray snorkelling tour.

Finally, we were lucky to see and swim with manta rays, which was awesome. The vibrant coral and fish in the azure waters of the Ningaloo Reef were magnificent.

Finally, we were lucky to see and swim with manta rays, which was awesome. The vibrant coral and fish in the azure waters were magnificent.

The whale shark trip at Ningaloo Reef was disappointing. The boat was modern, and a spotter plane was in the air, but there were no whale sharks. The tour guides were not helpful, and the bubbly didn't make up for it.

The whale shark trip at Ningaloo Reef was disappointing. The boat was modern, and a spotter plane was in the air, but there were no whale sharks. The tour guides were not helpful, and the bubbly didn’t make up for it.

Snorkel at the outer Ningaloo Reef

I jumped too early at the outer reef and drifted out, missing the group snorkelling trip. My wife had a great snorkelling trip with her group but was left behind on the way back without help.

blowholes near Carnarvon Western Australia

While we travelled to Carnarvon we stopped at Point Quobba. Which is famous for its blowholes, a natural sea geysers. The blowholes produce impressive water spouts, especially during strong onshore winds

Halfway back on the way to Perth

After staying in Carnarvon for the night, we went for an enjoyable walk down the famous One Mile Jetty, which was built in 1897 to facilitate the export of wool and livestock from the region. It is now a popular spot for recreational fishing, sightseeing, and tourism.

After staying in Carnarvon for the night, we went for an enjoyable walk down the famous One Mile Jetty, which was built in 1897 to facilitate the export of wool and livestock from the region. It is now a popular spot for recreational fishing, sightseeing, and tourism.

Next, we visit Shark Bay, it is a World Heritage Site known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. It is home to one of the world's largest populations of Dugongs and where wild dolphins come close to shore and interact with humans.

Next, we visit Shark Bay, it is a World Heritage Site known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. It is home to one of the world’s largest populations of Dugongs and where wild dolphins come close to shore and interact with humans. Explore the wonderful Francois Peron National Park and stromatolites at Hamelin Pool.

stromatolites boardwalk , shark bay, WesternAustralia

When in Hamelin Pool, we walked along the boardwalk. The signs explained how stromatolites formed and how early life evolved over 3,500 million years ago.

Next, we explored the shell beach. It's snow-white because it's made of trillions of tiny Fragum cockleshells. The deposits can reach 10 metres thick in some places.

Next, we explored the shell beach. It’s snow-white because it’s made of trillions of tiny Fragum cockleshells. The deposits can reach 10 metres thick in some places.

cockle shell blocks,Shark Bay, Western Australia.

Several buildings in Shark Bay were constructed using Fragum cockle shell blocks. Additionally, one of the quarry sites can be observed along the Boolagoorda walk.

Shark Bay's Project Eden eradicated foxes and cats from the Peron Peninsula while successfully reintroducing two native animals: the bilby and malleefowl.

Shark Bay’s Project Eden eradicated foxes and cats from the Peron Peninsula while successfully reintroducing two native animals: the bilby and malleefowl.

Kalbarri and Cervantes

Then, we travelled for four hours from Shark Bay to Kalbarri a coastal town where we stayed for a couple of days. Kalbarri is a fantastic town to explore the Kalbarri National Park and do some serious hikes. 

Then, we travelled for four hours from Shark Bay to Kalbarri a coastal town where we stayed for a couple of days. Kalbarri is a fantastic town to explore the Kalbarri National Park and do some serious hikes. 

The Nature's Window at Kalbarri is stunning. When looking through, you get a fantastic view of the Murchison River

The Nature’s Window at Kalbarri is stunning. When looking through, you get a fantastic view of the Murchison River

While hiking the Bigurda Trail, an 8-kilometer (one-way) cliff walk, you will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view and see wildflowers of all colours.

While hiking the Bigurda Trail, an 8-kilometer (one-way) cliff walk, you will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view and see wildflowers of all colours.

During our hike, we spotted numerous magnificent Murchison Roses.

During our hike, we spotted numerous magnificent Murchison Roses.

This is our second visit to the Pinnacles. Again, we're fascinated by this place. It has stunning 30000-year-old limestone pinnacles and bright yellow sand. We can't stop shooting photographs.

This is our second visit to the Pinnacles. Again, we’re fascinated by this place. It has stunning 30000-year-old limestone pinnacles and bright yellow sand. We can’t stop shooting photographs.

The place is fascinating, we could not stop taking photos.

The place is fascinating, we could not stop taking photos.

we also visited Lake Thetis. We went to see the Stromatolites, the world's oldest living creatures. Another wonder like the Ningaloo Reef

While in Cervantes we also visited Lake Thetis. The lake is famous for its stromatolites. These living fossils are estimated to be around 3,500 years old and provide a glimpse into early life on Earth.

When visiting the Lancelin Sand Dunes, you can hike, sandboard, or drive a 4WD. You can also take in the breathtaking beach views.

When visiting the Lancelin Sand Dunes, you can hike, sandboard, or drive a 4WD. You can also take in the breathtaking beach views.

More from Western Australia: Wildflowers

More from Western Australia: The Kimberley

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