Ningaloo Reef

Ningaloo Reef

Location: Remote northwest coast of Western Australia, ~1,200 km north of Perth, along the East Indian Ocean.

UNESCO Site: Part of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area (includes reef + Cape Range Peninsula).

Landscape: Lies adjacent to the red limestone ranges of Cape Range National Park.

Biodiversity

Corals: ~250 coral species (≈200 hard corals).

Fish: 500+ fish species.

Mega Fauna: Manta rays, whale sharks, humpback whales, dugongs, potato cod, reef sharks, 6 turtle species.

Whale Sharks: Hosts one of the largest seasonal aggregations globally—famous for whale-shark swimming.

Cultural Significance

Traditional owners: Yinikutira (Jinigudira) people.

Recreation

Popular for snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, marine wildlife tours.