Region: Shipwreck and Coral Coasts

Covering approximately 1270 kms of Western Australia's coastline, the Shipwreck and Coral Coasts stretch from Cervantes, north of Perth, to Exmouth on the north-west corner of Australia. Here you can swim with the world's largest fish -the whale shark, snorkel from the beach to the stunning Ningaloo Reef, meet the dolphins of Monkey Mia and take in the unique rock formations of Kalbarri National Park and The Pinnacles.

The northern section of this narrow coastal strip and its immediate hinterland is a vast area of contrasts. It is here where the desert literally meets the ocean, creating fascinating landscapes.

Humpback whales visit the the Coral and Shipwreck Coasts between June to November each year, migrating twice annually through the area into the Exmouth Gulf. The first visit occurs in late autumn (June-July) during their northern migration, and they return in their southern migration each spring (September-November).

The area is noted for its beautiful coastal stretches, fields of native wildflowers, rugged open spaces, abundance of wildlife and pleasant, small coastal towns. It is lesser known for the many significant events in Australia's history that were played out on its shores, which include the first claim of Australian soil by an European nation, and at least five notorious shipwrecks that occurred over a century before James Cook explored Australia's east coast.

How To Get There

By air, Skywest Airlines operate a twice daily service between Perth and Exmouth, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Kalbarri and Shark Bay, and a weekly service (on Sundays) between Broome and Exmouth.

By road, travel north from Perth on Great Northern Highway, taking Brand Highway at Muchea. The Greyhound bus takes approximately twelve hours from Perth to Carnarvon and travels every day, some days twice, to localities throughout the region.

Best Time To Go

June to November are the best times to visit the localities in the north. December to April is cyclone season in the tropical regions and most rainfall occurs at these times. The area to the south of Kalbarri is not affected by cyclones to any great degree, so this region can be visited any time of the year. The summer months can be hot and flies can be a nuisance then, so March to May and August to November are our preference.

June is the season to swim with the Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef, as they migrate through these waters at that time. Wildflowers occur throughout the Coral Coast region. July to November is wildflower season, with the best bloom around September to November.

Tours

Activities

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