Ningaloo Reef is accessible via Learmonth Airport (LEA), located about 36 km (22 miles) from Exmouth. Flights operate from Perth to Learmonth, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours. From the airport, visitors can hire a car or take a shuttle to Exmouth. Alternatively, for those up for a road trip, the drive from Perth to Exmouth is around 1,250 km (776 miles) and takes 12-14 hours, offering scenic views of Western Australia’s rugged coastline.
Ningaloo has a semi-arid, tropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. April to July is a wonderful time to visit, offering pleasant temperatures around 22-30°C (72-86°F) and ideal water conditions for snorkelling and diving. Whale shark season runs from March to July, while humpback whales migrate through the region from June to November. Summers (December–March) can be extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), but the reef remains stunning year-round.
Exmouth is a relaxed coastal town with a population of around 2,800 people. It serves as the main base for Ningaloo Reef tourism, offering accommodation, dining, and tour options. The town has a rich military history, with remnants of the Harold E. Holt Naval Communication Station, including the famous VLF towers—some of the tallest structures in the Southern Hemisphere.
Ningaloo Reef, stretching over 260 km (162 miles) along Western Australia’s coast, is one of the world’s largest fringing reefs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo is uniquely accessible—just steps from the shore, you can explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. Exmouth serves as the primary gateway to the reef, offering easy access to our world-class snorkelling, diving, and wildlife experiences.
Long before European settlement, the Yinigudura people, part of the Baiyungu Aboriginal group, lived along the Ningaloo Coast for thousands of years. Their deep connection to the land and sea is evident in shell middens, fish traps, and rock engravings found throughout the region. European settlers arrived in the late 1800s, establishing sheep stations, with pastoralism becoming a key industry. The town of Exmouth itself was founded in the 1960s due to its military significance, but tourism has since become a key part of Exmouth.
Ningaloo Ebb & Flow
1b 5 Thew Street
Exmouth WA 6707
Ph: (08) 9949 2255
[email protected]
APRIL TO OCTOBER
7 DAYS A WEEK
8.30 am to 3.00 pm
NOVEMBER TO MARCH
9.00 am to 1.00 pm
