Australia - Ningaloo
Reef & Cape Range NP
Ningaloo Reef & Cape Range National Park
The Ningaloo Reef meets the beach of the North West Cape. It is
a virtually untouched barrier reef of 260km in length, protecting
a shallow, brilliant white sandy lagoon of clear tropical waters.
One of the rare places on earth where you are able to walk from
the beach straight onto a coral reef.
More than 500 species of
tropical fish and 220 species of coral make up the Ningaloo Reef;
a protected marine park. The waters beyond the reef are the migratory
route of Humpback Whales. Dolphins, Dugongs. and coral spawning
can also be seen here.
Turtles nest on the beach in summer. The
reef is world famous for the 'gentle giant' Whalesharks that
gather off the coast to feed on plankton. It is the best place
in the
world to take an extended sea kayak or canoe trip through tranquil
waters and swim along side the world's largest fish. Cape Range National Park, on the North West Cape borders Ningaloo
reef, and is full of contrasts. Pass from high plateau shrub
land to deep ocean within just a few kilometres. Walk through
eucalypt
woodlands or climb up deep rocky gorges passing rock wallabies
on precarious ledges. There is plenty of breathtaking scenery
and fantastic rock climbing and caving opportunities.
Walk
over a flat
coastal plain and discover the Range's terraces, explore
coastal dunes, white sand beaches and turquoise water and rocky
shores
or just laze in the year round sunshine. Unsealed roads and
tracks make four wheel driving a necessary part of the experience.
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