Ningaloo Reef, very close to the mainland, is a virtually untouched 260km long coral reef, where you can dive or snorkel with magnificent manta rays. At certain times you can swim with whale sharks. Inland from here is one of the oldest parts of the world, the Pilbara.

Day 1. Perth to Learmonth. Fly from Perth to Learmouth where on arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. Coral Bay Lodge (2nights)

Day 2. Ningaloo Reef. A full day at leisure. Choose from a variety of optional tours from 4WD outback tours to snorkelling the reef.

Day 3. Learmonth to Perth. Time this morning for a final snorkel (extra cost) before transferring by coach to Learmouth for your connecting flight to Perth.

Coral Bay

Coral Bay is located two hours' drive south of Exmouth, near the heart of the 260 kilometre-long Ningaloo Reef.

Coral Bay offers warm weather all year round and while summer cyclones do occur in this region, they are infrequent in the Coral Bay area.

Coral Bay is a perfect destination for people of all ages seeking relaxation, adventure or simply something different. Well known for its marine life, Coral Bay is a great place to see whale sharks, humpback whales, dugongs, manta rays, turtles and an abundance of fish species. Great swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving are available all year round. A number of coral viewing vessels enable visitors to cruise over the sanctuary zone in comfort. Coral bay offers great beach fishing areas and several Deep Sea and Game fishing charters operate on a daily basis.Four Wheel bike tours offer the adventurous with a great opportunity to take a ride along the shores of the Ningaloo Reef.

Children are able to swim safely and experience the wonder of swimming amongst tropical fish and over coral gardens.

The Ningaloo area borders the coast near one of Western Australia's most treasured assets, the Ningaloo Reef which is located two hours' drive north of Carnarvon.

Ningaloo Reef is not only Western Australia's largest fringing coral reef, but one of the largest reefs worldwide that can be reached just by stepping off the beach. Here the mighty whale shark, the world's largest fish, can be found from March through to June, feeding on coral spawn. Other magnificent marine animals that visitors can swim or dive with are manta rays, potato cod, sharks, dolphins, and turtles. Dugongs and the migratory Humpback whale can also be seen. Ningaloo also offers safe swimming on the long sandy beaches.

Ningaloo Marine Park stretches from Bundegi Reef in the Exmouth Gulf, around the North West Cape to Amherst Point 260 kilometres to the south. Established by the State and Commonwealth Governments in 1987, the park extends 10 nautical miles seaward and encompasses over 5,000 square kilometres of ocean. Zoning for fishing, diving and sanctuary areas fall within the marine park's boundary, ensuring preservation of the environment.

Food supplies, restaurants and cafes can be found in Exmouth and Coral Bay.