Ningaloo Marine Park

　　  　    Highlights        Best travel time: From April to June, whale shark tours operate either at Coral Bay on the Coral Coast or in Exmouth, approximately 1,270 km north of Perth.   　    Introduction         Stretching from Exmouth to the North West Cape along the red cliffs, covering an area of 5,000 square kilometers, the Ningaloo Reef system is one of the world’s largest fringing coral reefs. It is also one of the few places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks. For divers and snorkelers, swimming among the Ningaloo Reef is an unparalleled experience.     Coral Bay is the southern access point to the Ningaloo Reef. Just 20 meters off the shore lies some of the continent’s largest coral formations and a diverse array of tropical fish. March is the best time to visit Coral Bay; if you're aiming to witness the natural phenomenon of coral spawning, the ideal period is between March and April. Each night, various types of coral polyps release millions of bright pink eggs and bundles of sperm, floating to the surface as if staging a spectacular underwater ballet.     As the northern gateway to Ningaloo Marine Park, Exmouth is rated as one of the world’s top diving destinations. Like Coral Bay, it offers plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and fishing, as well as peaceful, protected swimming beaches.

　　 　    Transportation         It's easy to fly from Perth to the nearby Learmonth Airport and then transfer to these two towns. The roads are in excellent condition and are lined with rest stops and accommodations.     

　　 Perth, Australia