Ningaloo Reef, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Feb 2nd, 2004
With Cape Range National Park on one side and Ningaloo Marine Park on the other, Ningaloo Reef Retreat is the perfect place to relax and get back to nature.
Featuring four private wilderness tents, each with a double bed and ensuite bathroom, Ningaloo is the luxurious way to camp. The retreat is also completely eco-friendly to protect the natural landscape as much as possible.
Ningaloo Reef Retreat accommodates a maximum of 12 people at any one time. The number of guests is limited to allow visitors to enjoy the spacious facilities and surrounding natural environment in peaceful solitude.
Self-guided exploration of the encompassing wilderness is encouraged, but if you'd rather not venture through the rugged environment alone, daily guided walks are available and included in the price of the stay.
The three kilometre guided walk takes about two and a half hours and tours one of the area's most fascinating attractions - Mandu Mandu Gorge, which in the local Yam-a-gee language means 'many rocks'. Twenty million years ago most of the rocks that are visible today were actually underwater. Your personal guide, Dave, can answer questions and provide a history of the natural redesign of the area.
When you've done walking, hit the water for a two hour guided tour in sea kayaks. About 500 metres offshore to the Blue Lagoon is a prime diving spot for tourists. At 5 metres deep, the lagoon is regarded as the best snorkelling on the reef, housing a diverse range of fish including reef sharks.
The facts
Wilderness Tents at Ningaloo Reef Retreat start from $215 per person per night. A swag under the stars costs $155 per person per night. Both accommodation options include all activities, meals and transport from Exmouth.
Walking tours cost $30 per person, snorkelling with turtles costs $60 and kayaking tours cost $90.
Ningaloo Reef Retreat
Tel: 1800 999 941
Western Australian Tourism Commission
Tel: 1300 361 351
