Enjoy the luxury of time. This is the first of two days stationed in Exmouth, the northern gateway to the wonderous Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area. Ningaloo Reef is Australia's longest-fringing barrier reef and one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots.
Between Exmouth and Coral Bay, two Ningaloo Marine Parks run parallel along the coast, protecting this natural treasure. These marine parks are home to more than 250 species of coral, both soft and hard, that are native to the area. On a snorkeling trip, see cabbage corals, brain corals, lavender corals, and delicate, colorful, branching corals that form gardens in the shallow lagoons. Ningaloo Marine Park boasts an endless list of mollusks, crustaceans, algae, and over 500 species of the world's most decorated and revered tropical fish, including giant potato cod, sweetlips, spangled emperor, and lionfish.
After an overnight stay in Exmouth, wake slowly and enjoy the morning views on the verandah of your spacious suite over a barista-made coffee brought by your butler. Exmouth is the perfect base to explore the grandiose landscapes of the Cape Range National Park. The spectacular contrasting scenery is a sight to behold. The rugged limestone gorges and arid coastal plain of Cape Range adjoin the pristine turquoise waters of Ningaloo Marine Park. Located within the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage-listed Area, Cape Range is rich and diverse in wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, echidnas, birds, and black-flanked rock wallabies. 'Ningaloo' means 'land jutting out to sea' from the local Yinigudura people.
In the evening, join fellow travelers in one of nine bars and lounges for a sundowner over a glass of French champagne, a craft beer, or a perfectly balanced aperitif as you swap stories about the wildlife you've spotted and otherworldly landscapes encountered.
