Ningaloo Reef Expedition
- 4 daysDuration:
Stretching 280 kms along Western Australia's harsh and arid coast, and located in the World Heritage Area is Ningaloo Reef on the North West Cape. Our expedition site is an hour's drive (70 kms) south of Exmouth, in the Cape Range National Park. The luxury tent base is hidden in the dunes overlooking pristine beaches and coral reefs, are situated just 50 metres back from the beach. Two kilometers behind lay the limestone range of the Cape Range National Park, dissected by spectacular gorges.
Ningaloo Reef is the longest western fringing coral reef and one of the last healthy major coral reef systems in the world. Its profound biodiversity includes 500 fish species, 300 coral species, 600 mollusc species and many other marine invertebrates. Sea birds and migratory waders, use the coast, wetlands and reef waters as resting, feeding and breeding sites. Above ground there is also plenty of unique Australian fauna including rock wallabies, red kangaroos, euros, eighty species of reptiles, and over one hundred species of birds!
On shore, Cape Range National Park covers 50,831 hectares comprising tranquil beaches, rugged ranges and magnificent canyons. The Range is a huge upward fold of limestone originally formed below the sea and its massive system of sinkholes and caves are home to an extraordinary collection of cave-dwelling and aquatic animals found nowhere else in the world, these 'troglobites', have adapted to their subterranean world over eons.
We believe our base for daily expeditions to the nearby reef and gorges is one of Australia's best kept and remote destination secrets and yet is close enough to enable us exploration of a unique environment in a 4 day expedition.
Day 1
Arrive Ningaloo Reef
Fly from Perth to Learmonth/Exmouth Airport (not included). Your guide will collect you on arrival and transfer you to your luxury camp in Ningaloo Reef. Settle in to your tent for an afternoon nap or take an exploratory stroll along the beach. Return to your tent before sunset and relax with drinks and canapés on your deck whilst admiring the sunset before proceeding to the main dining room for a gourmet dinner.
Day 2
Blue Lagoon - Ningaloo Reef
Following breakfast, we spend the day exploring the sea off the edge of the camp starting with sea kayaking in the Blue Lagoon, which hosts an array of marine life. The reef is rich in stunning coral gardens and diverse fish life, and is home to reef sharks and turtles. After a tasty lunch our afternoon will include drift snorkeling and our guide will take us to explore some of the lagoon's pristine underwater worlds, a major breeding area for Hawksbill, Green and Loggerhead Turtles, which are seen daily. Return for another glorious sunset over the Indian Ocean and enjoy drinks and canapés at your tent before indulging in another sumptuous chef prepared dinner in the main, candle lit dining room.
Day 3
Option 1
Following breakfast, we spend the day exploring Mandu Mandu Gorge and Yardie Creek. Two kilometers behind the camp, a walk up Mandu Mandu gorge is a step back in geological history with fossil bearing limestone formations and spectacular views back to the coast. Red Kangaroos, wallaroos, rock wallabies and Gould's Goannas are all resident in the park and can be observed when walking. After a light lunch take our guided cruise through a spectacular multi-coloured gorge in search of Black-footed Rock Wallabies. Yardie is the only gorge in the area with permanent water and its mangrove areas provide roosting sites for many bird species while the sheltered waters are a sanctuary for marine animals.
Option 2
April to July is the season to swim with the whale sharks, the world's largest fish, as they migrate through these waters. We have access to Whale Shark packages available during this time or alternatively from April to August we can organize wildlife marine cruises to locate manta rays, humpback whales, and dolphins. These are full day excursions departing on selected days at an additional cost.
Option 3
With the continental shelf being only a few kilometres offshore Ningaloo Reef is a spectacular and diverse fishing destination. We can arrange a day game, reef and bone fishing. These are full day excursions departing on selected days at an additional cost.
Return to your tent before sunset and relax with drinks and canapés on your deck whilst admiring the sunset before proceeding to the main dining room for your final evenings gourmet dinner with a selection of premium wines and Australian beer.
Day 4
After a refreshing breakfast of cereal, pastries and juice take a final opportunity to explore the foreshore and the coral waters of the marine park. Kayak and snorkeling gear is available for your use in the sheltered waters off the shore of the camp or just spend time swimming, bird watching or browsing the shoreline. Your 4 days ends with a transfer to Exmouth's Learmonth Airport for your departure flight.
