| perth |
| south west |
| golden outback |
| coral coast |
| ... indian ocean drive |
| ... ningaloo reef + ... shark bay world ... heritage area |
| north west |
| destinations |
| maps |
| events |
| information for visitors |
Ningaloo Reef and the Shark Bay World Heritage AreaDiscover beautiful extremes and a rugged coastline, brilliant blue water and red sunsets - the perfect backdrops for you to experience the rare scenery of the land. Many of the most scenic natural areas in the region are national parks, marine parks and reserves, which provide protected areas for unique and sometimes endangered species of flora and fauna. The stretch of coastline between Shark Bay and North West Cape teems with marine life and exciting water based attractions. The sub-tropical climate in this region is milder than the tropical areas further north with no wet season and less extremes in temperature, providing a perfect year-round environment. Shark Bay is one of only a handful of areas in the world that meet the criteria for World Heritage Area listing. The crystal clear shallow waters of the marine park give visitors the opportunity to view coral reefs, dugongs, manta rays, turtles and humpback whales in the vast seagrass meadows. Boat cruise operators provide opportunities for diving and snorkelling and scenic air tours are available. Monkey Mia is world-renowned for the friendly bottlenose dolphins which visit the shores daily, allowing visitors an opportunity to view them at close quarters. Denham is the most western town in Australia. Once an important pearling town, it is the centre of Shark Bay’s tourism and fishing industries. Dirk Hartog Island at the western boundary of the World Heritage Area is one of the last untouched wilderness areas in Western Australia with unique flora, fauna and bird life. The island is accessible by boat from the mainland, and a range of ecotours to see wildflowers and birds is available. Carnarvon is a busy commercial centre and makes a popular base from which to explore the region. Fertile, irrigated plantations produce export crops of bananas, mangoes, stone and citrus fruits and tomatoes. Fishing and prawning industries contribute to the prosperity of the area. The coastline offers excellent fishing, swimming, surfing and coral viewing spots. Just north of the township powerful ocean waves create spectacular blowholes. Situated between the rugged mountain ranges of Cape Range National Park and the spectacular Ningaloo Marine Park, Exmouth is a vibrant, growing town whilst adjacent to the southern tip of the park, Coral Bay has sheltered bays where children can swim safely amongst tropical reef fish and coral gardens only metres from the shore. This region is a year-round holiday destination with beaches that are ideal for diving and fishing and delicious local seafood that is a highlight at the growing number of restaurants. Regular air and coach services operate from Perth and tour operators provide comprehensive scenic air, coach and 4WD tours and safaris to places of interest. Towns in the region include Carnarvon, Exmouth, Coral Bay, Denham, Exmouth and Monkey Mia. Accommodation options include:
BUDGET and BACKPACKER ACCOMMODATION
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Site last updated:
30 August, 2010
© 2010 COUNTRYWIDE PUBLICATIONS
PO Box 680, West Perth WA 6872, Australia Phone: +61 8 9324 1574 Fax: +61 8 9324 1784
Disclaimer: The information on this website, which is believed to be accurate and current at the time of publishing, has been prepared in good faith and is given as a guide only. The publisher accepts no responsibility for loss, injury, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of using this information. Customs, travel, safety and health issues should all be confirmed with the relevant authorities before you travel.
|
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • MUST SEE MUST DO
Explore Ningaloo Reef on a dive tour or a cruise with • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Enjoy a great day deep sea fishing with Unreal Fishing Charters • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Discover the beauty and • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Monkey Mia Yacht Charters specialise in dolphin and wildlife sailing cruises • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Shark Bay World Heritage Area has crystal clear waters which are home to the Monkey Mia dolphins, turtles, rays, multitudes of fish and one of the world’s largest populations of dugongs • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Travel inland from Carnarvon and be amazed by the Kennedy Ranges and Mt Augustus, the largest monolith in the world • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
For some adventure try surfing, swimming, sandboarding, diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, sailing, fishing, crabbing, hiking bushwalking, rock climbing, horse riding, abseiling, scenic flights and scenic drives • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
12,000 species of wildflowers provide spectacular carpets of colour in spring - everlastings |
