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

We flew to Exmouth and snorkelled the breathtaking Ningaloo Reef in both Exmouth and Coral Bay. From there, we went on a scenic drive to Perth, stopping at stunning locations along the way. We stayed overnight in Carnarvon and visited the impressive blowholes. In Shark Bay, we explored the ancient stromatolites and spotted diverse wildlife. Further along, we hiked the dramatic cliffs of Kalbarri. The last stop before Perth was Cervantes, where we stood in awe of the magic 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 just from the shore.

Red termite mound in Western Australia.

We’ve seen the tall termite mounds and the remarkable Magnetic Termite Mounds in the Northern Territory. In contrast, Western Australia’s termite mounds stand out with their striking deep-red hue.

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.

While hiking the Cape Range National Park’s Yardie Gorge, we had stunning views of Yardie Creek and its dramatic red cliffs. Along the way, we were fortunate to spot a common wallaroo (euro) and an osprey soaring overhead. For those preferring a different perspective, a boat cruise through Yardie Creek is also possible.

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.

After our hike, we went snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Turquoise Bay. Turquoise Bay presents two fantastic options.

1) The effortless drift snorkel, where you simply enter at the southern end and float north. 2) Alternatively, for a shorter and more sheltered experience, perfect for beginners and families, we opted for a bay snorkel, swimming out from the calm, protected section of the bay.

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.

Living on the East Coast of Australia, we’re used to watching breathtaking sun and moonrises over the ocean. Seeing the sun setting over the water, however, was a rare and special moment for us.

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 went 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.

After a 150-kilometre drive south of Exmouth, we reached Coral Bay. This tiny village, on the turquoise waters of the Ningaloo Reef, has pristine beaches and a vibrant underwater world. We spent three glorious days enjoying this area and went on two exciting snorkelling tours.

Snorkelling with manta rays is outstanding at Ningaloo Reef

Our first tour, snorkelling with manta rays, was fantastic. The boat was not big and a bit older, 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. A definite five-star experience.

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 humpback whales migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters of the Kimberley region. Both Exmouth and Coral Bay offer tours for whale watching and swimming with them. While on our Manta Ray snorkelling tour, we were lucky to spot a few humpback whales, which was an unforgettable experience.

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.

The outer reef snorkelling was a dream. The sheer brilliance of the coral and the dazzling array of fish in the clear blue water was breathtaking. Finally, the magic happened: manta rays, like underwater angels, swept close by. It was an awesome, almost surreal moment.

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.

Halfway back on the way to Perth

blowholes near Carnarvon Western Australia

On our way to Carnarvon, we stopped at Point Quobba. Which is famous for its blowholes, a natural sea geysers. They create spectacular water spouts, particularly during strong onshore winds.

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 a night in Carnarvon, we took a delightful walk down the iconic One Mile Jetty. Built in 1897 for exporting wool and livestock, it has transformed into a beloved spot for 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.

    Our next destination was Shark Bay, a World Heritage Site famous for its natural beauty and rich wildlife. It has one of the world’s largest dugong populations and you can interact with wild dolphins that come close to shore. We explored the stunning landscapes of Francois Peron National Park and the ancient stromatolites at Hamelin Pool.

    stromatolites boardwalk , shark bay, WesternAustralia

    While in Hamelin Pool, we walked along the boardwalk. The signs explained how stromatolites formed and how early life evolved over 3.5 billion 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.

    In Shark Bay, you’ll notice that some buildings are actually made from Fragum cockle shell blocks! If you take the Boolagoorda Walk, you can even see where they were once quarried.

    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 successfully eradicated foxes and cats from the Peron Peninsula and reintroduced bilbies 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. 

    From Shark Bay, we drove four hours to Kalbarri a coastal town where we stayed for a couple of days. Kalbarri is an ideal base for exploring Kalbarri National Park and undertaking challenging 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. From there, you have a framed 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.

    If you hike the Bigurda Trail, it’s an 8-kilometre (one-way) cliff walk, you’ll get these amazing panoramic views and see wildflowers in every colour imaginable.

    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. The 30,000-year-old limestone formations and bright yellow sands are breathtaking. We can’t stop shooting photos.

    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 2000 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.

    Whether you prefer hiking, sandboarding, or 4WD adventures, the Lancelin Sand Dunes have it all. In addition, you have spectacular views.

    More from Western Australia: Wildflowers

    More from Western Australia: The Kimberley

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