Ningaloo Reef, on the edge of WA, offers special coral gardens and an incredible variety of marine life, including the wonderous whale shark.
A 2 hour flight from Perth, and simply accessible from the shore, it offers unforgettable snorkeling and diving experiences for all interested.
Ningaloo Reef is renowned for its high abundance of biodiversity, being the home of over 300 documented coral species, which are the foundation of the reef for providing homes to other organisms, for example the 500+ variations of tropical fish.
It is also one of the largest areas in the world where Whale Sharks accumulate, as well as being a important birthing area for the Humpback Whale. It also holds Manta Rays, Dugongs and Sea Turtles.
The 'Karst System' of Cape Range holds hundreds of separate subterranean water bodies, and above ground, high enrichment of a multitude of birds and reptiles take place on Cape Range Peninsula.
Unfortunately, Ningaloo Reef is also subject to multiple emerging risks to marine life and its ecosystem. Some important issues that are currently affecting the Reef are coral bleaching; caused by runoff and water pollution, as well as higher temperatures both in and outside the ocean. In relation to the pollution causing coral bleaching, the general matter of dumping toxic waste into the ocean creates all sorts of hazards to Ningaloo Reef.
Ningaloo Reef is situated along the coastline of Western Australia, traveling from the small resort town Exmouth all the way to Coral Bay. It is located roughly 1,200 kilometers north of Perth, and this majestic reef is placed just offshore from the landscapes of the Gascoyne region (or the western-most point of WA). Its closeness to the shore makes it easily accessible, allowing visitors to experience its vibrant underwater world without the requirement for extensive boat trips.