Plan your visit
Plan your Ningaloo Reef visit
Learn how to reach Exmouth and Coral Bay. Find out when to visit for the best weather and wildlife sightings.
Getting there
Getting to the Ningaloo Coast from Perth.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive from Perth via the Coral Coast Highway (approx. 1,250 km to Exmouth). | 13-14 hours | Fuel costs (AUD 200-300+) | A popular road trip, but drivers should avoid traveling at dawn, dusk, or night due to kangaroos. |
| Bus: Integrity Coach Lines operates scheduled services from Perth to Coral Bay and Exmouth. | 15-18 hours | From AUD 150 | A relaxed but lengthy option for covering the vast distances of Western Australia. |
| Flight: Qantas flights operate from Perth to Learmonth Airport (LEA), followed by a shuttle to Exmouth. | 2 hours flight + 30 mins shuttle | AUD 150-400+ | Shuttles are also available to Coral Bay, which is about a 90-minute drive south of the airport. |
| Tour: Join a liveaboard sailing boat or day charter departing from Coral Bay or Exmouth. | Half day to 8+ nights | Varies widely | The primary way to safely access deep-water encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, or humpback whales. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The reef is accessible all year. The best time to visit is from March to October. Weather is clear, and the ocean is calm. Whale sharks arrive between March and August. Humpback whales pass through from August to October. Avoid driving at night year-round due to kangaroos.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
Remember to check the tide charts.
Some sites like Oyster Stacks require at least a 1.2-meter tide to snorkel safely.
How the day runs
Suggested ways to spend your time on the coast.
A full day exploring the rugged coast near Exmouth.
- Mandu Mandu Gorge
Hike the dry canyon early to beat the heat.
- Turquoise Bay
Experience the famous drift snorkel over coral gardens.
- Lunch
Eat a packed lunch. There are no food outlets in the park.
- Yardie Creek
Walk the rim trail to spot black-flanked rock wallabies.
An easy day in the pedestrian-friendly southern town.
- Bill's Bay
Wade straight into the calm water to snorkel.
- Skeleton Bay
Walk over to spot juvenile reef sharks resting in the shallows.
- Town center
Grab lunch at a local cafe near the beach.
- Manta Ray Tour
Join a half-day boat tour to Purdy Point.
Important park rules
You must not touch or stand on corals. This protects the fragile ecosystem. Fishing is strictly banned in designated sanctuary zones. Camping is only allowed in official Cape Range National Park campgrounds.
What to bring
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses. Bring a rash guard for sun protection in the water. Carry high-capacity reusable water bottles if camping, as there is no drinking water in the park.
Easiest way to do it
Ningaloo in a Day Safari Snorkeling and Yardie Creek Cruise
8 h 5.0 (6)
- Complimentary tour photos taken by your guide
- Entrance fee
- Flotation devices if required: PFD (lifejacket, please advise on booking), pool noodle
- Lunch
From$229per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How do you get to Ningaloo Reef from Perth?
You can fly from Perth to Learmonth Airport in two hours. Alternatively, drive the Coral Coast Highway, which takes 13 to 14 hours.
Do you need a 4WD to visit Ningaloo Reef?
No. You can reach Exmouth, Coral Bay, and the main Cape Range snorkeling sites in a standard 2WD vehicle.
How much does it cost to enter Cape Range National Park?
Vehicle entry costs AUD 17 per day. Access to the marine park itself is free.