The Ningaloo Coast is a World Heritage Site located in the north west coastal region of Western Australia. The 705,015-hectare (1,742,130-acre) heritage-listed area is located approximately 1,200 kilometres (750mi) north of Perth, along the East Indian Ocean. The distinctive Ningaloo Reef that fringes the Ningaloo Coast is 260 kilometres (160mi) long and is Australia's largest fringing coral reef and the only large reef positioned very close to a landmass. The Muiron Islands and Cape Farquhar are within this coastal zone.
The reef attracts 200,000 tourists each year. In 2011 and 2025, the reef was hit by bleaching events caused by marine heatwaves.
History
The coast and reef draw their name from the Wajarri language word ningaloo, meaning "promontory", "deep water", or "high land jutting into the sea". The Yamatji peoples of the Baiyungu and Yinigudura are the traditional owners of the area.
In 1987, the reef and surrounding waters were designated as the Ningaloo Marine Park.
During the early 2000s, significant controversy arose over the proposed construction of a resort at Mauds Landing, a crucial nesting ground for the loggerhead turtle. It was also feared that the resort would be generally degrading to the entire marine park. Author Tim Winton, who lives in the area, was vocal in his opposition to the development. In 2002, when he won the WA Premier's Book Award, he donated the A$25,000 prize money, equivalent to A$41,412 in 2022, to the community campaign to save the reef. Ultimately the planned resort did not go ahead.
In 2011 and 2025, the reef was hit by bleaching events caused by marine heatwaves.
Description
The World Heritage Site covers 7,050 square kilometres (2,722mi2), and is located approximately 1,200 kilometres (750mi) north of Perth, in the East Indian Ocean. The 260-kilometre-long (160mi) Ningaloo Reef that fringes the Ningaloo Coast is Australia's largest fringing coral reef, and the only large reef positioned very close to a landmass. The Muiron Islands and Cape Farquhar are within this coastal zone.
Although most famed for its whale sharks which feed there during March to August, the reef is also rich in coral and other marine life. During the winter months, the reef is part of the migratory routes for dolphins, dugongs, manta rays and humpback whales. The beaches of the reef are an important breeding ground of the loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles. They also depend on the reef for nesting and food. The Ningaloo supports an abundance of fish (500 species), corals (300 species), molluscs (600 species) and many other marine invertebrates.[citation needed]
The reef is less than 500 metres (1,600ft) offshore in some areas, such as Coral Bay. In 2006, researchers from the Australian Institute of Marine Science discovered gardens of sponges in the marine park's deeper waters that are thought to be species completely new to science. The short-nosed sea snake, thought to have been extinct for 17 years, was found on Ningaloo Reef in December 2015.
As of 2025[update], it was estimated that the reef attracts 200,000 tourists each year.
The Ningaloo Collaboration Cluster, an extensive research initiative commenced in 2006 and concluded in 2011 within the region, formed a vital part of the CSIRO flagship Collaboration Fund Research Initiative. The project involved researchers from the CSIRO, Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre and a range of Australian Universities including Curtin University of Technology, Murdoch University, the University of Western Australia, Australian National University and the University of Queensland. The project aimed to create a dynamic model of Ningaloo that integrated socioeconomic factors and environmental impacts resulting from human activities in the region. This model was to be combined with an ecological model of the area, ultimately serving to develop planning tools and management models. The primary goal was to facilitate sustainable utilization of the region's resources.
Specific reserved areas
National parks and reserves in the World Heritage Area
↑Western Australia. Department of Conservation and Land Management; Western Australia. National Parks and Nature Conservation Authority; Exmouth (W.A.: Shire). Council; Western Australia. Dept. of Conservation and Land Management; Exmouth (W.A.: Shire) (1998), Jurabi and Bundegi Coastal Parks, and Muiron Islands: draft management plan 1998, The Dept, retrieved 26 July 2020
↑Source: (2005) Ningaloo Marine Park sanctuary zones and Muiron Islands marine management areas [cartographic material] Perth, W.A.: Dept. of Conservation and Land Management. Scales vary; Mercator proj. (E 113°24'--E 114°25'/S 21°38'--S 23°59'). Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94)
Part of the coral reef pictured underwater in 2012
Large clam pictured underwater in 2012
Ningaloo Coastline, 2012
Snorkelers explore a ship wreck adjacent to the coral reef
Stegostoma fasciatum (zebra shark) pictured on the reef in 2007
Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef from the air
