Ningaloo Reef is one of only two coral reefs in the world that have formed on the western side of a continent! The water temperature at Ningaloo Reef is a balmy 22°C – 26 °C depending on the season, meaning you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and scuba adventures in temperate conditions all year round!

What is special about Ningaloo?

Ningaloo Reef is one of only two coral reefs in the world that have formed on the western side of a continent! The water temperature at Ningaloo Reef is a balmy 22°C – 26 °C depending on the season, meaning you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and scuba adventures in temperate conditions all year round!

How old is the Ningaloo Reef?

Ningaloo Reef is a coral reef that fringes the coast in north-western Western Australia. The north Queensland coast probably looked something like this 20,000 years ago.

Why is Ningaloo Coast significant?

The Ningaloo Coast is a place of outstanding biological diversity, and has an internationally significant role in the protection of many important species, including the exceptional whale shark, which is a flagship for the health of the oceans.

Why is Ningaloo Reef called Ningaloo Reef?

The coast and reef draw their name from the Australian Aboriginal Wajarri language word ningaloo meaning “promontory”, “deepwater”, or “high land jutting into the sea”.

How many species of animals are in Ningaloo Reef?

The Ningaloo Reef contains over 250 species of coral and over 500 species of fish with numerous studies continuing and developing within the area.

What is the history of Ningaloo Reef?

The name Ningaloo means “deepwater” for the local Yinigudura tribe. This region contains significant aboriginal sites such as burial grounds, middens and fish traps, and provides some of the earliest records of marine resource use in Australia.

How was Ningaloo Coast formed?

The main terrestrial feature of the Ningaloo Coast is the extensive karst system which is the product of millions of years of marine fauna skeletons that were deposited in what is now ancient regressed seas and uplifted terrain. network of underground caves and water courses of the Cape Range.

What type of reef is ningaloo?

fringing reef
Ningaloo Reef is the world’s largest fringing reef, and one of the longest near-shore reef systems in the world. Stretching 300km from Carnarvon’s Red Bluff to the Muiron Islands in the north and Exmouth Gulf’s Bundegi Beach in the east, Ningaloo Reef is regarded as one of the world’s last great ocean paradises.

What is the climate of Ningaloo?

The Ningaloo region is blessed with a fantastic climate. With no wet season, it’s dry and warm all year. In fact, the Ningaloo records around 320 days of sunshine every year. Summer daytime temperatures range from the mid to high 30-40’s, while a typical winters day reaches around 25 degrees Celsius.

Is Ningaloo tropical?

The most dominant marine habitat is the Ningaloo reef, which sustains both tropical and temperate marine fauna and flora, including marine reptiles and mammals.

How was Ningaloo Reef created?

How big is the Ningaloo Reef?

Ningaloo Reef is the world’s largest fringing reef, and one of the longest near-shore reef systems in the world. Stretching 300km from Carnarvon’s Red Bluff to the Muiron Islands in the north and Exmouth Gulf’s Bundegi Beach in the east, Ningaloo Reef is regarded as one of the world’s last great ocean paradises.

What are some Ningaloo Reef facts for kids?

Ningaloo Reef facts for kids 1 Marine Park. The Ningaloo Reef Marine Park covers an area of about 5000 square kilometers. The reef is popular with… 2 Images for kids. Part of the coral reef pictured underwater in 2012. The Ningaloo Coastline, in 2012. Stegostoma… More

Why visit the Ningaloo Coast?

The Ningaloo Coast sees around 320 days of sunshine a year, making it a year-round destination for travellers. Ningaloo Reef is one of the only places in the world where you can see the dugong. Every year, over 180,000 people visit Ningaloo to swim, dive and relax on the golden beaches.

What is the Ningaloo Marine Park?

The Ningaloo Marine Park was established in 1987 and extended in 2004 to cover the entire reef. It’s World Heritage status was negotiated in 2011, with site boundaries extended to include Ningaloo Marine Park, the Muiron Islands, Jurabi Coastal Park, Bundegi Coastal Park, Cape Range National Park, and the Learmonth Air Weapons Range.

How many sea turtles are there in Ningaloo Reef?

There are also six of the world’s seven sea turtles including the Green turtle, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Hawksbill turtle and Flatback turtle. The Ningaloo Reef Marine Park covers an area of about 5000 square kilometers. The reef is popular with people from all over the world who come to go scuba diving and snorkeling.