Guide to the Coral Coast

For incredible views of the Murchison River Gorge, head to the Kalbarri Skywalk. Suspended across the ancient Kalbarri National Park, you can take it all in from the raised platform. Be sure to visit at night for unbelievable stargazing.

Australia is home to beguiling rock formations and the celestial-like Pinnacles are up there with some of the most bizarre – but beautiful. Wander through the desert as these lunar limestone spires – formed over millions of years – tower over you.

Imagine wild dolphins swimming to greet you in the shallows of the Indian Ocean. At Monkey Mia, this can happen up to three times a day. Here, a friendly pod arrives at the beach to greet rangers, locals and travellers like clockwork each day.

Nature’s Window has to be one of Kalbarri’s most picture-worthy spots. Formed over millions of years, it’s almost as if Mother Nature purposely pointed it towards the breathtaking backdrop that lies between the arch. See it yourself on this walk.

Jurien Bay is home to an impressive colony of sea lions and swimming with these playful 'puppies of them sea' evokes the ultimate liberating sensation. It’s almost impossible not to join in with their humorous twirls on this unforgettable outing.  

Forget Love Shack. Here, it’s all about the Lobster Shack. Pull up a chair next to the Indian Ocean and settle in for freshly caught lobster with a side of Champagne. Add sea lions and SUP trips to that and you’ve got the full Coral Coast experience.

Few things are more magnificent than floating next to the gentle giants more commonly known as whale sharks. Experience their calming presence at Ningaloo Reef (between March and July), an area abundant with marine life encounters.

It’s difficult not to enjoy a glass (or more) of Illegal Tender’s deliciously dark rum. Distilled in small batches using 100% premium Australian ingredients, it’s practically a crime not to taste this award-winning spirit. Plan your distillery tour.

Just footsteps away from the Ningaloo Reef is Sal Salis – a luxurious eco-retreat nestled in the Cape Range National Park. Explore the wonders of the reef by day and drift off to the sounds of the ocean by night. Check out this deluxe getaway.

Is it a dolphin? Is it a seal? Even better, it’s a dugong. Known as the ‘sea cow’, this elephant-like marine mammal makes for quite the sight, and the Coral Coast’s Shark Bay is one of the few places in the world you can meet one.

Shark Bay is rich with cultural significance. Learn about the local Aboriginal culture on an eco-tour, from kayaking adventures to didgeridoo Dreaming under the starry sky. Expand your horizons with these life-changing experiences.

The Coral Coast boasts blooming wildflowers all year round. Hit the road to witness fields bathed in brilliant shades of pink, purple, cream and gold, with kangaroos and furry friends hopping between blossoms. Kick-start your wildflower road trip.

The Abrolhos Islands – made up of 122 islands – boasts diverse marine life, beautiful blue hues and an array of activities from snorkelling and diving to birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Discover the best tours around these irresistible islands.

Snaking through the Cape Range National Park is Yardie Creek, where the adjoining azure blue waters of the Ningaloo Reef meet rusty red limestone cliffs, ancient gorges and rare wildlife. Plan your cruise along the creek.

Dotted around Australia are a collection of vivid pink lakes, with one of the most dazzling found on the Coral Coast. Take a scenic flight over Hutt Lagoon just before sunset to see this bubble-gum pink lake in all its glory.