1. Swim With Marine Life
This area is perhaps most well known for the opportunities it affords travellers to swim with some of the ocean’s greatest creatures. Between March and July, you can head to Ningaloo Reef to swim with Whale Sharks. Then from July to October, you can swim with Humpback Whales. And if you miss both of those seasons, Manta Rays call these waters home year round.
Even if you don’t see these “Big 3” The Coral Coast is home to some of the country’s best snorkeling spots including Jurien Bay Marine Park (sea lions and colourful coral) and Shark Bay Marine Park (the shallow waters of the Gregories are great for beginners).
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2. 4WD Adventures
Between sandy beaches with huge dunes and rocky terrain inland, you’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to looking for somewhere to have a 4WD adventure. Quobba, Red Bluff and Gnaraloo are great spots to explore in the Carnarvon area. You can even check out the blowholes along the way!
But this isn’t the only area which you can explore off-road. Try Cattle Well (Francois Peron NP), Shothole Canyon (Exmouth), Oyster Bridge (Coral Bay) or Stockyard Gully (Leeman). Make sure you check ahead for any passes and permits you might need.
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3. Relax On The Beach
A drive along the coast of this unique area of the country will show you that there is no shortage of fantastic beaches. Wherever you stop, you won’t be disappointed but our favourites are Turquoise Beach (Exmouth), Sandy Cape (Jurien Bay), Turtle Bay (Abrolhos Islands), Blue Holes (Kalbarri) and Urchin Point (Dirk Hartog Island).
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4. Explore National Parks
While you’re busy making a splash in the marine parks, it could be easy to forget about the National Parks, but trust us, you won’t be disappointed if you head inland! Check out the Desert Pinnacles in Nambung National Park, the Insta-worthy Nature’s Window in Kalbarri National Park or explore the breathtaking Yardie Creek in Cape Range National Park.
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5. The Pink Lake
You’ve probably seen a million instagram pictures of this region’s famous pink lake, Hutt Lagoon. And for good reason too. In amongst the red hues of the National Parks and blue tones of the ocean, getting a glimpse of this natural wonder should be on your bucket list. Visit between 10am and 2pm to see the lake in its best light, or head out just before sunset.
PS. Did you know that there’s also a Rose Lake? Located on Dirk Hartog Island, this lake is often an even deeper pink than the famed Hutt Lagoon!
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6. Fishing
This area is home to some of the country’s best fishing spots. Try beach fishing at Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Shark Bay, Carnarvon, Port Denison or Kalbarri. Or take a deep sea fishing tour from January to September from Coral Bay, Exmouth or the Abrolhos Islands.
Head to Dirk Hartog Island for an incredible fishing experience where you could bag yourself a yellow-fin tuna or sailfish from the side of your boat.
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