Australia`s Coral Coast
Transcription
Australia`s Coral Coast
Australia’s Coral Coast Western Australia YOUR 2011/2012 HOLIDAY GUIDE FROM THE PINNACLES TO NINGALOO REEF Coral Coast Special Deals Image Monkey Mia Accommodation Hot Deals $ 366 * Monkey Mia Flights + 2 Nights Ningaloo Reef Accommodation Exmouth & Coral Bay Deals per :mXajh^kZLZhiZgc6jhigVa^VYZVah!_jhia^`Zi]ZhZ#HZaa^c\[Vhi# room Exmouth Lodge resort style facilities, FREE Internet# 94 Exmouth Hotel Resort heart of Exmouth, pool, bars, dining 98 Coral Bay Resort near the beach, self-catering 170 Luxury Resort Exmouth direct beach access, great facilities 240 94 $ * Exmouth Accommodation 438 Flight + Hotel Packages * $ “All Inclusive” 6 Day Package 842* $ EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL * $ * $ * * 36* 7gdVYgVc\Zd[kZ]^XaZdei^dch/)L9h!XVbeZgkVch car per day $ $ * 719 * $ West Coast Discovery 8 Day Self-Drive ]^hidg^Xb^aaI]Z7^\AdWhiZg# Dolphins & Kalbarri 5 Day Self-Drive Package :meZg^ZcXZi]Z_ZlZahd[i]Z>cY^VcDXZVcXdVhi#:meadgZNVcX]Ze $417* Perth to Broome (via Coast) 8 Day Self-Drive CVi^dcVaEVg`!E^ccVXaZh9ZhZgi!@VaWVgg^!Bdc`ZnB^V!<ZgVaYidc 9^hXdkZgi]ZVlZhdbZWZVjind[6jhigVa^Vh>cY^VcDXZVclZhi $ * VcYCZlCdgX^V hZVhdcVal^aYÅdlZgh# XdVhi!i]ZE^aWVgV@^bWZgaZn#@VaWVgg^!H]Vg`7Vn$Bdc`ZnB^V! 1144 8dgVa7Vn!Cdgi]LZhi8VeZ!@VggVi]V!Edgi=ZVYaVcY!7gddbZ# * Perth to Broome (via Coast & Karijini) 9 Day 4WD $ @VaWVgg^!H]Vg`7Vn$Bdc`ZnB^V!8dgVa7Vn!Cdgi]LZhi8VeZ! 2060* @VggVi]V!IdbEg^XZ!@Vg^_^c^CVi^dcVaEVg`!Edgi=ZVYaVcY!7gddbZ# Coast & Pilbara Explorer 10 Day 4WD Self-Drive Pinnacles & Kalbarri West @VaWVgg^!H]Vg`7Vn$Bdc`ZnB^V!C^c\VaddGZZ[!8VeZGVc\Z! $2166* 3 Day Self-Drive :mbdji]!IdbEg^XZ!E^aWVgV!@Vg^_^c^CVi^dcVaEVg`!IdbEg^XZ! CZlbVc!8jZ hZVhdcVal^aYÅdlZgh# West Coast, Outback Stations & Pilbara 12 Day 4WD West Coast Discovery 8 Day Self-Drive Package <ZgVaYidc!@VaWVgg^!H]Vg`7Vn$Bdc`ZnB^V!C^c\Vadd I]Z\gVcYlZhiZgchZa["Yg^kZidjgidC^c\Vadd#:meadgZCVi^dcVa $ $ * 2340* EVg`!E^ccVXaZh9ZhZgi!@VaWVgg^!Bdc`ZnB^V!H]Vg`7Vn!<ZgVaYidc! 719 GZZ[!8VeZGVc\Z!:mbdji]!@VggVi]V!IdbEg^XZ!E^aWVgV! @Vg^_^c^CVi^dcVaEVg`!IdbEg^XZ!CZlbVc!8jZ hZVhdcVa CZlCdgX^V!C^c\VaddGZZ[!:mbdji]!8dgVa7Vn!8VgcVgkdc l^aYÅdlZgh# hZVhdcVal^aYÅdlZgh# $ 235 366 408 per room 114 144 170 $ * $ * $ * * Kalbarri Accommodation * * * 114 * 595 $ * $ Per person, àaQVONZWUPerth* $ 207 $ $ Kalbarri Accommodation 207* Self-Drive Packages Pinnacles, Monkey Mia, Ningaloo, WildÃokers Packages Include:kZ]^XaZ]^gZjca^b`bhXdbegZ]Zch^kZ ^chjgVcXZ!VXXdbbdYVi^dc!9>H8DK:GL:HI:meadgZg@^i7dcjh per KdjX]Zg7dd`#IV^adgVhndja^`Z!VYYZmigVYVnh#8]d^XZd[XVgh# person Pinnacles, Geraldton, Kalbarri & KildÃokers 3 Day LZaXdbZidl^aYÅdlZgXdjcign!eajhE^ccVXaZh9ZhZgi!<ZgVaYidc! 235 <gZZcdj\]!=B6HHnYcZnbZbdg^Va!@VaWVgg^CVi^dcVaEVg`! Monkey Mia Flights + 2 Nights Oceanside Village Denham FREE Movies Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort great facilities 130 172 :mXajh^kZ8dgVa8dVhiYZVah!_jhia^`Zi]ZhZ#HZaa^c\[Vhi# Kalbarri Bed & Breakfast home from home, tranquil location Kalbarri Beachfront Villas FREE Use of Dinghy# Kalbarri Luxury Resort nek luxury resort, great location 875 Bdc`ZnB^V!9Zc]Vb!H]Zaa7ZVX]!H]Vg`7Vn<ZgVaYidc# Monkey Mia Dolphin Discovery 5 Day Luxury Coach Hour 9^hXdkZgi]Z[Vbdjh^Xdchd[i]ZCdgi]LZhi0ZmeadgZCZlCdgX^V! @VaWVgg^CVi^dcVaEVg`!i]Zb^\]inBjgX]^hdc\dg\Zh!H]Vg`7Vn! $1610* H]Zaa7ZVX]!Bdc`ZnB^V!hZZl^aYÅdlZgh!Ydae]^clViX]VcY k^h^ii]ZheZXiVXjaVg=VbZa^c7VnhigdbVida^iZh# Perth-Broome Discovery 10 Day Luxury Coach * $ 9^hXdkZgi]ZheZXiVXjaVglZhiXdVhi!E^aWVgV7gddbZ^cajmjgn# 2995 $ Flight + Hotel Packages $ Tours KildÃokers Day Hour FREE Airport Transfers idbdhiEZgi]]diZah FREE Perth “Welcome” Tour ( c^\]ih^cEZgi] FREE Bonus Voucher Book *%%kVajZeZgXdjeaZ Car Hire “No Worries” Unlim kms * $ Per person, pper Ndjldc¼iÄcYeVX`V\Zhl^i]Vaad[i]ZhZ^cXajh^dch[dgaZhh# dg aZhh# person Pinnacles KildÃokers Day Hour L]^iZbVcEVg`!CVbWjc\CVi^dcVaEVg`8ZgkVciZh# Perth “All Inclusive” 6 Day Holiday Package *c^\]ihhjeZg^dg879]diZa*Wj[[ZiWgZV`[Vhih)YZa^X^djh Monkey Mia & Kalbarri Adventure ( Day Gafari Hour gZhiVjgVciY^ccZgh)ajmjgnYVnidjgh/¹E^ccVXaZhL^aYÅdlZghº! 842 AVcXZa^c!E^ccVXaZh!H]Vg`7Vn!=VbZa^cEdda!H]Zaa7ZVX]# ¹BVg\VgZiG^kZgº!¹;gZbVciaZº¹EZgi]LZaXdbZºGZijgcV^gedgi Pinnacles, Kalbarri, Dolphins ( Day Coach Hour igVch[Zgh7dcjhKdjX]Zg7dd`#HZaa^c\[Vhi!Wdd`cdl# $ $ àaQVONZWUPerth* Exmouth Flights + 2 Nights 438 Ningaloo Lodge Exmouth FREE Internet# 442 Potshot Hotel Resort popular accommodation 584 Novotel Ningaloo Resort Exmouth luxury Ningaloo Reef Flights + 2 Nights per room 8]ddhZ[gdbadVYhd[]diYZVah!XdbeVgZVaadei^dch# Denham Beachfront Resort FREE Movies, FREE Internet# Monkey Mia Beach Resort right on Dolphin Beach Geraldton Accommodation 90* $ per 6bVo^c\LZhi8dVhiYZVah!hZaa^c\[Vhi"Wdd`cdl# room Geraldton Beach Holiday Park relax and unkind 90 Geraldton Hotel FREE Breakfast, FREE Movies, FREE Parking# 115 * $ * $ Flight + Hotel Packages Per person, àaQVONZWUPerth* Geraldton Flights + 2 Nights 324 Sunset Beach Holiday Park relax and unkind 349 All Seasons Geraldton FREE Breakfast *HiVgi^c\Xdhi!'h]VgZ!adlhZVhdc!hZVhdcVahjgX]Vg\ZhbVnVeean#6^g[VgZXdcY^i^dchVeean! ZmEZgi]!X]ZX`ZYWV\\V\ZZmigVXdhi#6XXdbbb^cc^\]ihbVnVeean#HdbZWdcjhZh]VkZ heZX^ÄXkVa^Y^inXdcY^i^dch#HZZY^hXdkZgLZhi#Xdb[dgYZiV^ah!^cXajh^dchZmXajh^dch#HjW_ZXi idX]Vc\Zl^i]djicdi^XZ#8dcY^i^dchVeean#IdjgEVX`V\ZXdhiheZgeZghdc!'h]VgZ#.I6.%*# 8dbeVgZ400 liveYZVahVi Ask for your FREE 130 page DISCOVER WEST Book 6XXdbbdYVi^dc 6XXdbbdYVi^dc 9VnIdjgh 9VnIdjgh 8dVX]Idjgh 8dVX]Idjgh HV[Vg^Idjgh HV[Vg^Idjgh HZa["9g^kZEVX`V\Zh HZa["9g^kZEVX`V\Zh Call 1300 790 270 Part of 2636 Outback on the Coral Coast Unspoilt, uncrowded, underwater Welcome to Australia’s Coral Coast! Here you’ll find uninterrupted stretches of white sandy beaches, untouched coral reef just metres from the shore, breathtaking gorges and canyons, brilliant carpets of wildflowers as far as the eye can see and of course friendly locals ready to help you enjoy your stay. Whether your idea of a perfect getaway is discovering your very own secluded beach, or letting your adventurous streak go wild on an action packed tour, Australia’s Coral Coast provides you with the perfect holiday destination, starting just two hours north of Perth. Head to australiascoralcoast.com for the latest holiday deals, events and travel tips. Contents Regional Map .......................................4 Coorow ..............................................26 Travel T ips ............................................6 Mullewa .............................................. 27 Nature’s Calendar.................................8 Dongara-Denison ...............................29 Calendar of Events ...............................9 Geraldton-Greenough ........................33 Suggested I tineraries .......................... 10 Wildflowers ......................................... 12 Abrolhos Islands .................................43 Northampton ......................................44 Suggested Wildflower Itineraries ......... 13 Cervantes ........................................... 16 Dandaragan ....................................... 19 Horrocks / Port Gregory .....................46 Kalbarri............................................... 47 Badgingarra .......................................20 Shark Bay ..........................................54 Jurien B ay .......................................... 21 Carnarvon ..........................................65 Green Head........................................23 Coral Bay ........................................... 73 Leeman .............................................. 24 Exmouth............................................. 79 follow us on Printed on PEFC certified paper. The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification scheme (PEFC) provides an independent assurance to consumers that the paper being used is sourced from a certified, responsibly managed forest. Disclaimer The information contained in this holiday planner has been provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the publication, Australia’s Coral Coast does not take responsibility for any injury, irregularity, loss or damage arising from the provision of any services, or failure to deliver such services. Australia’s Coral Coast does not endorse or provide warranty, either express or implied, as to the conduct or practice of the advertisers in this publication. Acknowledgements Australia’s Coral Coast is proudly supported by Tourism Western Australia. Images used in this planner are courtesy of Tourism Australia, Tourism Western Australia, Department of Environment and Conservation, Aspen Parks, Gascoyne Development Commission, Turquoise Coast Enviro Tours, Bev Clarke, Sail Ningaloo, Karen Thompson, regional partners, visitor centres and shires. Front Cover Images: (Clockwise from top) Francois Peron National Park, whale shark at Ningaloo, Kalbarri National Park, Indian Ocean Drive. australiascoralcoast.com | Page 3 Perth AUSTRALIA’S CORAL COAST Page 4 | australiascoralcoast.com WESTERN AUSTRALIA CAPE INSCRIPTION BLOWHOLES RED BLUFF GNARALOO BAY YARDIE CREEK TURQUOISE BAY SHELL BEACH HAMELIN POOL STROMATOLITES Learmonth Airport australiascoralcoast.com | Page 5 129 1:30 195 2:30 387 4:45 647 8:00 713 8:30 942 11:15 1,068 13:00 Jurien Bay Time (hours) Distance (kilometres) 20 0:30 149 2:00 215 3:00 411 5:30 671 8:30 737 9:00 966 12:00 1,093 13:30 Cervantes To convert from km to miles multiply by 0.621 200 2:15 220 2:30 349 4:15 415 5:00 577 7:00 838 10:15 905 10:45 1,132 13:30 1,260 15:00 Perth 66 0:50 218 2:45 479 6:00 544 6:30 774 9:15 902 11:00 Dongara 152 2:00 413 5:00 478 5:30 708 8:30 835 10:00 Geraldton 380 4:45 445 5:30 667 8:15 802 9:45 Kalbarri 334 4:00 564 6:45 691 8:30 Monkey Mia 240 3:00 367 4:30 Carnarvon 152 2:00 Coral Bay NAMBUNG NATIONAL PARK (PINNACLES) Self guided travel itineraries are available online at australiascoralcoast.com Exmouth Green Head (Chapman Valley) Nabawa Billabong Roadhouse Gingin i Dandaragan New Norcia ciia ia Coorow Badgingarra COALSEAM CONSERVATION PARK Turquoise Bay, Exmouth The new Indian Ocean Drive Travelling the Coral Coast Getting Here By Air Be Prepared Food and fuel are generally available every 100 – 300 kilometres along the main highway, so be sure to plan ahead. Please note that LPG Autogas is not available in all regional areas. Some areas of Australia’s Coral Coast are remote, so if you plan to explore off road, make sure you are well provisioned. If your vehicle breaks down or becomes bogged, stay By Road Australia’s Coral Coast starts just two with the vehicle. A car is easier to spot in hours drive north of Perth at Cervantes. the event of a search. Excellent road conditions throughout the Road Conditions region make getting around easy for those wanting to explore at their own pace. Hire Heavy rainfall can make some roads cars are available from Perth or in all major and tracks impassable, so check road towns in the region. A range of packaged conditions before departure with local tours are also available, from adventurous Shire offices or Main Roads WA. Some four wheel drive vehicles to luxury coaches. roads are unsealed, so beware of loose Check with the local visitor centres listed on gravel and dust obscuring your vision. australiascoralcoast.com or contact the Western Australian Visitor Centre on 1300 Driving Restrictions 361 351. TransWA and Greyhound operate Please note it is illegal to drive in Australia regular coach services. with a blood alcohol reading over 0.05. A zero tolerance policy applies to Travelling Tips probationary and learner drivers. It is also Take Regular Breaks illegal for drivers to use a hand held phone The Coral Coast has long stretches while driving. Hands-free devices may be of road, so be sure to stop for regular used with caution. breaks. Maximum speed limit is 110 kilometres per hour on the open road and Animals on the Road 50 kilometres per hour in built up areas. Be wary of animals on or near the road. Air services operate to towns in the Coral Coast from Perth and Broome. Skywest Airlines fly to Geraldton, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Carnarvon and Exmouth (Learmonth). Flight schedules and operators are subject to change. Visit australiascoralcoast.com for up to date information. Other Road Users Be mindful of other road users, particularly road trains and large trucks with up to four trailers attached. Always leave approximately 200 metres between vehicles in a convoy to allow road trains to pass, and only overtake a road train if the road is clear and visible for up to one kilometre ahead. Caring for the Environment • Only light fires when permitted and in designated areas. Information can be obtained from local visitor centres and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) offices. • Always have pets on a lead and please note they cannot be taken into any WA national parks or nature reserves. • Dispose of rubbish in bins. • Do not take natural artefacts with you as souvenirs. • Be cautious when bushwalking or hiking. Stay on designated paths and heed warning signs. Always let someone know of your plans. • Water safety. Always be aware of currents, weather conditions and tidal movements before entering the water. Never touch coral or marine life - you Kangaroos are prevalent, especially in Private Property may damage it or it may damage you. Some tracks and roads are on private the early morning and evening. Emus are property. These should not be used unpredictable and often travel in groups. • Camping is permitted at designated sites, so be sure to check with local without the owner’s permission. Please Cattle occasionally venture on to roads at leave gates as you found them. night and can be hard to see. visitor centres before pitching your tent. Page 6 | australiascoralcoast.com Camping on the Coral Coast National Park Passes Climate Coral Coast covers A range of National Park passes are Australia’s available from the Department of approximately 1100 kilometres of Western Australia’s coastline stretching Environment and Conservation (DEC). from Cervantes to Exmouth. The region Day Pass - This pass covers entry into is an ideal destination all year round, with one or more parks on any one day. Passes a Mediterranean climate in the south are available from rangers in the parks. In bordering on sub tropical in the north. some parks, a system of self-registration applies. Fees: $11/car (up to eight Important Contacts legally seated people), $5/motorcycle, $4/passenger on commercial tour Royal Automobile Club (RAC) Emergency breakdown service vehicles and buses. Holiday Park Pass - This pass entitles Phone: 13 11 11 entry to as many parks as you wish for Main Roads any four-week period. Fee: $40/vehicle Road conditions and other information (up to eight people). on WA roads Annual All Park Pass - This pass entitles Phone: 13 81 38 you to unlimited access to all parks in mainroads.wa.gov.au WA. Valid for one vehicle, with up to eight Emergency Services legally seated people. Fee: $80 or $50 for seniors, aged pensioners and veterans. Police, ambulance and fire brigade Phone: 000 Cards must be sighted. Park passes do not include camping. Separate fees apply. For more information visit dec.wa.gov.au or contact DEC on +61 8 9219 8000. Kalbarri National Park Average Maximum Temperatures (C˚) Mar May Jun Aug Sep Nov 30 26 20 23 Jurien Bay Geraldton 32 28 20 25 Kalbarri 33 29 22 26 Denham 31 28 22 25 Carnarvon 31 29 23 26 Exmouth 37 33 25 32 2011 Public Holidays Australia Day Wednesday 26 January Labour Day Monday 7 March Good Friday Friday 22 April Easter Monday Monday 25 April ANZAC Day (Public Holiday) Tuesday 26 April Foundation Day Monday 6 June Queen’s Birthday Friday 28 October Bureau of Meteorology Western Australian weather and warnings Phone: +61 8 9263 2222 bom.gov.au/weather/wa Christmas Day (Public Holiday) Boxing Day (Public Holiday) Accredited Visitor Centres DecFeb Monday 26 December Tuesday 27 December National Tourism Accreditation Visitor Centres offer advice The National Tourism with accommodation and Accreditation symbol tour bookings, maps and indicates accredited local knowledge on an tourism businesses that area’s hidden gems. Look for the blue have achieved nationwide and yellow ‘i’ sign to find an accredited acclaim and are committed to a greater visitor centre on your holiday route. customer service and satisfaction. 2011 WA School Holidays Autumn 20 April to 4 May 2011 Winter 9 July to 25 July 2011 Spring 1 to 17 October 2011 Summer 15 December 2011 to 31 January 2012 australiascoralcoast.com | Page 7 Dugong Green turtle hatchings, Ningaloo Western rock lobster Manta ray Nature’s Calendar Turtle Nesting Season Whale Migration Manta Rays During the summer months from November to April, green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs on the beaches adjacent to the Ningaloo Reef. Tourists can view this spectacle from the Jurabi Turtle Centre, just west of Exmouth on a guided tour. Bookings are essential, so contact the Exmouth Visitor Centre. There is also a turtle nesting season in Shark Bay. Avid turtle fans wanting to make a difference can join the Turtle Trackers group, who volunteer their time to monitor the endangered marine turtles. For more information visit ningalooturtles.org.au. Humpback whales travel close to the Coral Coast shoreline between June and November each year. Kalbarri offers plenty of cliff sites perched high above the water, providing excellent vantage points for whale watching. The best locations are the Natural Bridge, Eagle Gorge and Red Bluff. The whales also visit the Ningaloo Marine Park, with the best viewing points at Town Beach, Bundegi Beach and the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse near Exmouth. Whale watching boat tours operate out of Kalbarri, Coral Bay and Exmouth. Manta rays can be seen year round at the Ningaloo Marine Park. These majestic animals are filter feeders and unlike the sting ray, they have no barb. Therefore, they are completely harmless, making it safe to dive and snorkel with them. Take a tour year round from Coral Bay, or between May and November from Exmouth. Coral Spawning In March and April divers and snorkellers can witness an amazing spectacle at the Ningaloo Reef. Coral spawning occurs when coral releases eggs and sperm into the surrounding ocean approximately 10 to 12 days after the full moon. Wildflowers bloom all year round throughout Australia’s Coral Coast, although the best season to see them is between July and November. The region is home to many species of coastal and inland wildflowers and is best known for vast carpets of everlastings. See page 12 for more information. Whale Sharks Rock Lobster Season Krill and other tiny sea creatures swarm to Ningaloo Reef to feast shortly after the annual coral spawning. This phenomenon attracts mighty whale sharks, the world’s largest fish who migrate to Ningaloo Reef to feed on the krill. Ningaloo is considered one of the most reliable and accessible places on earth to swim alongside these harmless giants. Tours depart daily from Coral Bay and Exmouth between mid March and mid July. Western rock lobsters can be found in abundance from Cervantes to Geraldton and at the nearby Abrolhos Islands. From November until June is rock lobster fishing season. You can purchase delicious fresh lobster along the coast, or head to a local restaurant for a superb feast. Cervantes and Geraldton have lobster processing factories offering tours. You can also buy lobster, scallops and octopus direct from the factory in Cervantes. Page 8 | australiascoralcoast.com Wildflower Season Dolphins Dolphins can be seen all year along Australia’s Coral Coast. Friendly bottlenose dolphins visit the shores of Monkey Mia regularly to meet with visitors. Lucky bystanders may also get the chance to feed the dolphins their breakfast. Dolphins can also be spotted while swimming, snorkelling or diving anywhere along the coast. Keep your eyes peeled at the coastal gorges of Kalbarri and at Eagle Bluff, near Denham. Dugongs Dugongs can be found year round in the Shark Bay and Ningaloo Marine Parks. The Shark Bay area alone supports 10 per cent of the world’s dugong population. Dugongs can grow up to three metres in length and weigh as much as 400 kilograms. Dugongs cannot hold their breath under water for very long, so they can often be spotted coming to the surface for air. Take a wildlife cruise or scenic flight into the Shark Bay or Ningaloo Marine Parks, departing from Monkey Mia, Denham, Coral Bay or Exmouth. Kalbarri Canoe and Cray Festival Airing of the quilts, Northampton Blessing of the Fleet, Dongara/Port Denison Gascoyne Growers’ Market, Carnarvon Calendar of Events Feb 11-12 Kitestock Dongara/Port Denison Jul 10 Community Market Day and Fun Fair Shark Bay Mar 4-6 Kalbarri Fishing Classic Kalbarri Aug 27-28 Mullewa Polocrosse Weekend Mullewa Aug 28 4 Sep Mullewa Annual Wildflower Show Mullewa Mar 6 May 29 Mid West Art Prize Exhibition Geraldton-Greenough Mar 5-6 Chapman Valley Off Road 300 @ Nukara Nanson, Chapman Valley Mar 19 Mar 20 Mar 27 Nukara Music Festival Harmony Day Celebrations Geraldton Cup Nanson, Chapman Valley Geraldton-Greenough Geraldton-Greenough Aug TBC Taste of the Gascoyne Carnarvon Sep 3 Mullewa Agricultural Show Mullewa Sep 9-1 Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival Geraldton-Greenough Sep 16-17 Big Ideas Festival Geraldton-Greenough Sep 13-16 Country Arts WA – Arts Gathering Geraldton-Greenough Sep 30 Oct 4 HMB Endeavour Geraldton visit Geraldton-Greenough Oct 1 Silverdale Olive Orchid Art and Craft Exhibit Dongara/Port Denison Oct 2 Shark Bay Market Day Shark Bay Oct 2-3 Mid West Show & Shine Geraldton-Greenough Oct 3-15 Geraldton-Greenough Sunshine Festival Geraldton-Greenough Oct-30 Blessing of the Fleet Geraldton Geraldton-Greenough Apr 2 Relay for Life Geraldton-Greenough Apr 9-10 Midwest Golden Bowls Carnival Weekend Mullewa Apr 16-17 Geraldton Boat, Caravan & Camping Show Geraldton-Greenough Apr 17 Indian Ocean Rowing Race Start Geraldton-Greenough Apr 16-17 Mullewa Autumn Roundup Weekend Mullewa Apr 18 May 23 “Syndicate” An Exhibition in Sculpture Geraldton-Greenough Apr 22-24 Jurien Easter Festival Jurien Bay Oct 15 Airing of the Quilts Northampton Apr 22-24 Cervantes Easter Festival Cervantes Oct TBC Gascoyne Dash Carnarvon Apr 22-25 Easter Tennis Carnival Geraldton-Greenough Oct 28-30 Cervantes Art Festival Cervantes Apr 23 Easter Races and Markets Dongara/Port Denison Nov 19 Geraldton May 7-13 Shark Bay Fishing Fiesta Shark Bay HMAS Sydney II 70th Anniversary Memorial Service May 15 National Motoring Heritage Day Geraldton-Greenough May TBC Tropicool Festival Carnarvon May 28-29 Whale Shark Festival Exmouth May 29 June 5 Carnarfin Fishing Competition Carnarvon Jun 5 Kalbarri Canoe and Cray Festival Kalbarri Jul 9 Speedway Far Western Championships Shark Bay Nov 12 Jurien Bay Tryathlon Jurien Bay Nov 12-13 Blessing of the Fleet Jurien Bay Nov 5 TBC Murchison River Music Festival Kalbarri Nov TBC Blessing of the Fleet Dongara Dec TBC Carols by Candlelight Geraldton-Greenough Regular Events Saturday mornings from 8am - 11.30am from May to October Gascoyne Growers’ and Craft Market Carnarvon May to September Carnarvon Race Round Carnarvon Once monthly - See notices in town for details Sunday Markets Jurien Bay Every Sunday morning April to October Exmouth Local Craft Market Exmouth First Saturday every month 9am – 1pm at Town Park Dongara Markets Dongara-Denison Check schedule with Kalbarri Visitor Centre Parrotiso’s Outdoor Cinema Kalbarri Every Saturday 8am to 12pm, Maitland Park Geraldton Farmer’s Markets Geraldton-Greenough First and fourth Sunday of the month Markets on the Mall Geraldton-Greenough Second Sunday of the month at the visitor centre Geraldton Craft Markets Geraldton-Greenough australiascoralcoast.com | Page 9 HMAS Sydney II Memorial The Pinnacles Desert Suggested Itineraries Yardie Creek Learmonth Airport 1 Day Cervantes Cervantes to Perth return (Approx 400km) Take the new Indian Ocean Drive north of Perth and head towards the beachside town of Cervantes. Take a detour to the Pinnacles Desert. The road into the Pinnacles is sealed, and there is a car park within walking distance of the limestone structures. Head to the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre to learn more about these mystical formations. Drive into Cervantes and spend some time relaxing at a beachside cafe. Between November and June, head to the Indian Ocean Rock Lobster Factory to join a tour of the factory and buy some fresh seafood. Wildflowers are prolific in this region, so be sure to look out for them, particularly between July and November. Day 3: Coral Bay to Exmouth (Approx 150km) Day 2: Time to head north. The sealed road takes you up the east side to Exmouth, 150 kilometres from Coral Bay. There are a range of tours on offer, join a dive boat, head out to Lighthouse Bay, or take a sea kayaking adventure. Between mid March and mid July, go for a swim with the world’s largest fish, the whale shark! Join a tour from Exmouth or Coral Bay. Surfers have a few breaks to choose from at either Dunes Beach, the ‘Bombie’ or further out at one of the reef breaks. There are also safe beach conditions for those wanting to learn to surf. Sunsets over the ocean from the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse are not to be missed. Keen divers might want to join a night dive trip before turning in. Overnight: Exmouth Dongara to Geraldton (Approx 66 kilometres) Take a stroll along Dongara’s 1.6-kilometre walk trail of historic buildings or head north to the Greenough Central Historic Settlement and step back in time as you stroll through the 11 restored pioneer buildings on site. As you continue your drive towards Geraldton, keep an eye out for unusual leaning trees on the Greenough flats. Overnight: Geraldton Day 4: Dandaragan New w Norcia Norc c Find more itineraries online at australiascoralcoast.com Page 10 | australiascoralcoast.com Day 2: Perth to Cervantes (See above itinerary for day one options) Day 3: Badgingarra Take an early morning flight to Exmouth (Learmonth). Transfer or drive to Coral Bay, a snorkeller’s paradise with calm, protected waters and hundreds of fish and coral species just metres from the shore. To explore further out, take a glass bottom boat trip or join a snorkelling tour. Spend the evening watching the sunset and dining at one of Coral Bay’s great restaurants. Overnight: Coral Bay Day 1: Continue north along the Indian Ocean Drive, stopping at Molah Hill and Grigson’s Lookouts. At Jurien Bay, jump aboard a sea lion charter or skydive and land onto the beach! Water lovers can explore the underwater wonderland of the Jurien Bay Marine Park, home to tropical fish and coral. On land, explore the caves of the Stockyard Gully National Park, accessible only by four wheel drive. Continue north to Dongara. Overnight: Dongara Coorow Learmonth to Coral Bay (Approx 120km) 4 Day Indian Ocean Drive Cervantes to Dongara (Approx 149km) Green Head Day 1: Stay another day in Coral Bay for more swimming and snorkelling or throw in a line for some beach fishing. Fishing safaris head out to sea regularly, and adventurous types can join a scuba diving trip, a manta ray tour or swim with the whale sharks from mid March to mid July annually. When it’s time to dry off, take a 4WD along the coast or hire a quad bike for some rugged adventure. Overnight: Coral Bay Option 2: Why not extend your stay and head further north along the Indian Ocean Drive? See below for additional touring options. Nabawa 5 Day Ningaloo Reef Adventure Geraldton to Perth (Approx 420km) Start your day at the recently upgraded Geraldton foreshore, which features a picnic area, playground and water park. Head up to the impressive HMAS Sydney II Memorial commemorating 645 sailors who died in World War II. Free walking tours are offered at 10.30am daily. Optional: Consider taking a scenic flight from Geraldton to the Houtman Abrolhos Islands where you can enjoy snorkelling and guided walks. After exploring Geraldton head back to Perth. Between July and October, consider taking the inland route to view wildflowers in bloom. Day 4: Spend another day fishing, swimming or diving because here’s your opportunity to try one of the best diving spots in the world - the Navy Pier. Or, if conditions are right, take a day trip out to the nearby Muiron Islands. Alternatively spend the day exploring the rugged gorges and canyons of the Cape Range National Park either on an adventure tour or a self drive. Turquoise Bay is a must, with excellent drift snorkelling. Stop at Milyering Visitor Centre for information about the marine and coastal range environments. In the afternoon, follow the marked walk trail up into the gorges of the Cape Range National Park and visit Yardie Creek, a highlight for walkers and nature-lovers. Overnight: Exmouth Day 5: Spend the morning enjoying Exmouth town and one last swim before transferring to the airport for your flight back to Perth. Kalbarri National Park Kayaking to the Blue Lagoon near Exmouth 4 Day Coastal Discovery 11 Day Ultimate Road Trip Day 1: Day 1: Day 6: Perth - Geraldton (Approx 420km) Perth - Geraldton (Approx 415km) Travel north along the Indian Ocean Drive (continues north from Wanneroo Road), through the coastal towns of Cervantes, Dongara, Port Denison and the Central Greenough Historic Settlement - a charming National Trust village. First stop is Cervantes and the unique Pinnacles Desert. Continue along the Indian Ocean Drive to Geraldton, where you’ll sample some of the freshest seafood in WA. Overnight: Geraldton Coral Bay Stay another day in Coral Bay for more swimming and snorkelling or throw in a line for some beach fishing. Fishing safaris head out to sea regularly, and adventurous types can join a scuba diving trip, a manta ray tour or swim with the mighty whale sharks (between March and July annually). When it’s time to dry off, take a 4WD along the coast or hire a quad bike for some rugged adventure. Overnight: Coral Bay Day 2: Day 7: Geraldton - Carnarvon (Approx 480km) This morning visit the impressive HMAS II Memorial providing sweeping views across Geraldton and the Indian Ocean. Continue north to the tropical fruit town of Carnarvon, a popular holiday spot for those chasing the sun in winter. Explore and sample the abundant fresh produce along the Gascoyne Food Trail, particularly the delicious Carnarvon bananas. Take an evening stroll along The Fascine (Carnarvon’s central waterway), taking in the magnificent sunset views before heading out for a locally caught seafood meal. Overnight: Carnarvon Coral Bay - Shark Bay (Approx 590km) Head south along the North West Coastal Highway to Shark Bay. Take in the interpretive signage of the Shark Bay World Heritage Drive, visiting the stromatolites of Hamelin Pool and Shell Beach, made entirely of millions of tiny shells. Visit the cliff top lookout at Eagle Bluff for superb ocean views. Enjoy a drink on the foreshore and watch a magical sunset over the ocean. Overnight: Denham Take the inland route north along the Great Northern Highway. Meander through the quaint historic, agricultural towns of Carnamah, Three Springs, Mingenew and Mullewa. Take a look at the lovely murals and heritage buildings including the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mullewa. Be sure to spot the carpets of everlastings covering the ground during wildflower season. Then head to Geraldton where you’ll sample some of the freshest and most renowned seafood in Western Australia. The impressive HMAS Sydney II Memorial is a must see providing sweeping views across Geraldton and the Indian Ocean. Overnight: Geraldton Day 2: Geraldton - Shark Bay (Approx 430km) On your way out of Geraldton, stop in at the historic town of Northampton, where you can experience a bygone era. The daring can visit Oakabella Homestead, considered Western Australia’s most haunted house. Travel north to Shark Bay, taking in the interpretive signage of the Shark Bay World Heritage Drive. Visit the stromatolites of Hamelin Pool and Shell Beach, which is made entirely of millions of tiny shells. Visit the cliff top lookout at Eagle Bluff where you may be lucky to see some of the marine life the region is renowned for. Relax and unwind on the foreshore at Denham or Monkey Mia, or aboard a sunset catamaran cruise. Overnight: Denham / Monkey Mia Day 3: Shark Bay - Kalbarri (Approx 380km) Spend some time at the water’s edge in Monkey Mia where you’ll meet the famous dolphins of Monkey Mia, but be sure to get there early as the first feed is usually at 7.30am. Continue your journey south to the popular coastal holiday town of Kalbarri, located at the mouth of the Murchison River and adjacent to the National Park. Kalbarri is an adventure lover’s playground, so why not join one of the many tours on offer, from horse riding to canoeing. At sunset, take a stroll along the coastal cliff walk trails, where the stunning rock face illuminates in the sinking sun. Overnight: Kalbarri Day 4: Kalbarri - Perth (Approx 577km) Spend the morning exploring the spectacular Kalbarri National Park by hiking, canoeing, abseiling, quad biking or just simply enjoying the spectacular views from key lookout points. Depart Kalbarri early afternoon and head south via Geraldton to Cervantes. Enjoy the majesty of the Pinnacles, located in the Nambung National Park, and perhaps stop for a swim at nearby Hangover Bay, before continuing south along the newly completed Indian Ocean Drive to Perth. Day 3: Carnarvon - Exmouth (Approx 370km) As you head north out of Carnarvon, be sure to stop at the Blowholes, where the sea water sprays metres into the air. Travel north to Exmouth where the nearby pristine Ningaloo Reef awaits just metres from the shore. Take a swim in the afternoon, or join a glass bottom boat tour to see the amazing coral gardens beneath the water. Marine enthusiasts may want to join a night dive or explore the amazing underwater gardens of the Navy Pier. Overnight: Exmouth Day 4: Exmouth Take a boat cruise or spend the day snorkelling on the reef. From late March to early July you can swim with the world’s largest fish, the whale shark. Surfers can catch a wave at Dunes Beach and also at ‘The Bomb’. Nearby Cape Range National Park offers scenery of deep canyons, limestone ranges and spectacular gorges. Before heading back to Exmouth, pick up some fresh prawns from the factory (in season), and catch the unforgettable sunset from Vlamingh Head Lighthouse on the west side of the cape. Overnight: Exmouth Day 5: Exmouth - Coral Bay (Approx 150km) Depart Exmouth early for your drive to Coral Bay. Here, the main beach is a snorkeller’s paradise with calm, protected waters and hundreds of fish and coral species just metres from the shore. To explore further out, take a glass-bottom boat trip or join a snorkelling tour. Overnight: Coral Bay Day 8: Shark Bay Spend some time at the Monkey Mia foreshore early this morning where you’ll meet the famous Monkey Mia dolphins. In the afternoon enjoy the resort facilities at Monkey Mia or take one of the many tours on offer throughout the region. Unwind on a sunset sailing cruise before ending your day wining and dining on the shores of Monkey Mia. Overnight: Monkey Mia Day 9: Shark Bay - Kalbarri (Approx 390km) Head south to the popular coastal holiday town of Kalbarri, located at the mouth of the Murchison River. Explore the magnificent Murchison River gorges of Kalbarri National Park, enjoy a fishing tour, river cruise or spend your day relaxing and taking in the sights of this unique coastline. Overnight: Kalbarri Day 10: Kalbarri Today join a tour and enjoy some of the action packed activities on offer, from abseiling and quad biking to sandboarding or canoeing. Relax under the stars at the popular outdoor cinema to watch one of the latest release movies. Overnight: Kalbarri Day 11: Kalbarri - Perth (Approx 590km) Check out the stunning views from the nearby coastal gorges before heading south towards Perth. Be sure to stop in for a photo at the stunning pink lake just south of Kalbarri before rejoining the Brand Highway to Perth. australiascoralcoast.com | Page 11 Roadside everlastings near the Chapman Valley Floral displays in the Kalbarri National Park Wildflowers Yardie Creek Learmonth Airport Australia’s Coral Coast is wildflower country all year round, however floral displays are at their best from July to November when inland areas explode into brilliant carpets of colour and the region’s wildflower hotspots are a treasure trove of unique species. Wildflower Hotspots No matter where you go along Australia’s Coral Coast, the diverse range of wildflowers will dazzle you - and you don’t even need to go off the beaten track. Many species delight simply by growing along the roadside. But if you’re after the places that are sure to put on a show, check out these wildflower hotspots below: Coalseam Conservation Park Coalseam Conservation Park, between Mingenew and Mullewa grows a remarkable variety of woody heath plants that flower profusely during the wildflower season. The real draw-card is the carpets of pink, gold, cream and white everlastings transforming the usually sparse understory of wattle scrub into a carpet of colour during the wildflower season. Nabawa Western Flora Caravan Park 2287 Wildflower EXPERIENCE Guided wildflower walks, 4.30pm daily, July to November. A true nature experience with all the facilities; chalet accommodation, powered and unpowered sites. Owned and operated by Lorraine & Allan Tinker. Western Flora Caravan Park Brand Hwy, 22 kms North of Eneabba Ph: +61 8 9955 2030 Email: wfloracp@activ8.net.au Everlastings Lesueur National Park Coorow Green Head Badgingarra Dandaragan New w Norcia Norc ca Page 12 | australiascoralcoast.com Mount Lesueur National Park is one of the most diverse and rich floral areas in the world. The park is home to almost 900 species, including many plants found nowhere else in the world. This biodiverse hotspot represents approximately ten per cent of the State’s known flora. Blue Leschenaultia Kalbarri National Park From July until November, some 800 species of native flora progressively burst into bloom around Kalbarri and within the National Park. Many of these are endemic to the region, including the Kalbarri Spider Orchid. Look out for wildflowers on the coastal cliff tops and in the gorge country. Kalbarri Spider Orchid Donkey Orchid Wildflower walk in Mullewa Suggested Wildflower Itineraries The Everlasting Trail The North West Trail Cape Range Trail Duration: 3 days minimum Duration: 5 days minimum Duration: 3 days minimum Highlights: Kangaroo Paw varieties at Badgingarra National Park, a myriad of orchids at Lesueur National Park, Mullewa’s wreath flower, fields of colourful everlastings at Coalseam Conservation Park. Highlights: The beautifully diverse Kalbarri National Park, Shark Bay daisies in and around colourful Francois National Park and the Kennedy Range National Park. Highlights: The grandiose Cape Range National Park, its unique brilliant red sturt desert pea and Australia’s largest fringing reef, the Ningaloo Marine Park. Base yourself: In and around Kalbarri, Shark Bay and Carnarvon. Base yourself: In and around Carnarvon and the Ningaloo Reef region including Coral Bay, Exmouth and nearby station stays. Base yourself: In and around Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Dongara–Denison and Geraldton-Greenough. Day 1: Depart Perth and head north along the new Indian Ocean Drive and turn off to the Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles. Here Tuart woodlands fill the valleys between vast areas of heath, acacia and myrtle, banksias and casuarinas. Head east from Cervantes towards Brand Highway and wander through the two-kilometre Badgingarra Nature Trail, promising to show off some of the season’s best wildflower displays including smoke bush, purple star flower, yellow buttercups, banksias, black, red and green kangaroo paws, one-sided bottlebrush, melaleucas and feather flowers in a rainbow of colours. Further north is Coomallo Nature Reserve, home to more than 200 wildflower species and just a short drive from Coorow, renowned for spectacular displays of dryandra. Day 2: Day 1: Head north towards Geraldton, past Dongara/Denison and the historically rich Central Greenough Historic Settlement. Colourful wildflowers of many varieties can be seen on roadside areas along this drive. Take the detour just north of Geraldton into the Chapman Valley where wildflowers abound on the road side and gourmet delights will entice you to stay a while in the region and explore. Travel along the coast to Kalbarri. Day 2: Drive to the nearby Kalbarri National Park, home to breathtaking coastal cliffs and deep river gorges that contrast with endless sand plains. The National Park has roughly 800 species of native flora, many of which are endemic species, including the Kalbarri spider orchid. Back near Kalbarri, take a stroll around the Kalbarri Wildflower Centre where a 1.8-kilometre walk trail has interpretive signage about the native flora. Just east of Green Head is the Lesueur National Park. Lesueur is widely renowned for its incredible floral diversity, featuring more than 800 species, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world. The National Park represents approximately ten per cent of the State’s known flora. Cockleshell Gully Road provides great views of the Lesueur National Park and is best suited to four-wheel drives. Alternatively, you can view many of the species along the highway between Eneabba and Dongara, in particular many varieties of banksias including the propeller banksias, meganta starflower, smoke bush, verticordias, hakeas, gravilleas and leschenaultias. Day 3 Day 3: The drive to Carnarvon will reward you with outstanding wildflower displays of parakeelya, purple vetch, northern bluebells and seasonal everlastings. Consider heading east to the Kennedy Range National Park. Along the drive you’ll find roadside displays of wildflowers. The Kennedy Range National Park is home to more than 80 species of annual wildflowers. Only accessible by four wheel drive. Head inland to Mullewa and explore the eight surrounding Everlasting Cultural Trails, rich with blooming flora and history. On the Wildflower Walk, everlastings carpet the ground with pink, white and yellow flowers. Mullewa and nearby towns Mingenew, Three Springs and Carnamah also offer spectacular displays of the wreath flower, considered the only place in the world to view them. Nearby, the wildflower hotspot of the Coalseam Conservation Park is often carpeted in stunning white, pink and yellow everlastings as far as the eye can see during wildflower season. Enjoy the picturesque rural drive back to Perth along the Great Northern Highway. Head north to Shark Bay, home to the friendly dophins of Monkey Mia. Visit Francois Peron National Park, where the contrasting colours of the scenery range from deep reds to ocean blues and are as vivid as the wildflowers. Those travelling north of the Peron Homestad will require a four wheel drive vehicle. Alternatively, join a tour of the National Park from Denham or Monkey Mia. The Shark Bay Daisy, wattles, Dampiera and purple peas are commonly found in this area. Day 4: Days 5: From Kennedy Range National Park head further east to Mount Augustus, the world’s largest rock. Alternatively head south via colourful displays of everlastings around Mullewa, before passing through Australia’s only monastic town, New Norcia on your way back to Perth. Day 1: North of Carnarvon at Minilya, the riverbanks offer the shade of river gums and coolibahs. On the sand dunes you’ll find grevilleas, hakeas and banksias while wattles cap the ridges. The 11-kilometre side trip to Coral Bay is well worth the trip to witness the unspoilt, natural beauty of the pristine Ningaloo Marine Park. Here the reef starts just metres from the shore, making it accessible for all ages. The flat plains area between Minilya and Lyndon River are good for spotting the the Minilya lily. Off Burkett Road, station stays and tours make a great overnight stop. The autumn rains generally produce abundant colourful masses of wildflowers in the area’s fertile red soil. Day 2: Continue your journey north toward Exmouth where the coastal plain of the Exmouth Gulf is a predominately wattle shrubland interspersed with occasional stands of mallee near dry creek beds. Bright red yulbah flowers are visible in summer while in winter there’s the golden hue of spring wattles, often infused with purple mulla mulla. You’ll find particularly scenic wildflower viewing areas within the Cape Range National Park. Displays are generally best at Mandu Mandu Gorge, Shothole Canyon, Charles Knife Canyon and Yardie Creek Gorge. Head to the Milyering Visitor Centre for more wildflower information or take a scenic river cruise on Yardie Creek. Day 3: The Cape Range National Park covers 50,581 hectares of stunning limestone ranges, deep rugged canyons and 50 kilometres of pristine beach. It harbours more than 100 species of land birds, native marsupials and around 630 species of flowering plants. Look out for the brilliant red sturt desert pea, which flowers in late winter. The red centred sturt desert pea is one of 12 endemic species that grow in the park. Other flowering plants include the pretty purple mulla mullas, wattles, everlastings, native fushias, fanflowers, Minilya lily, a shrubland of Cape Range kurrajongs and dampier. Adjacent to the land is the Ningaloo Reef. Over 500 species of fish and 250 species of coral inhabit the Marine Park just off the coast, with some areas of reef just metres from the shore. australiascoralcoast.com | Page 13 While you’re booking your bed, we’re checking for ticks. Get there faster... ...on the new, scenic Indian Ocean Drive Cervantes and Jurien Bay are now half an hour closer to Perth. We make sure that when you travel, your choice of accommodation meets the highest standards of service and professionalism. We check licences, practices, insurances and systems, and if they meet the standard, they earn the tick. So whether you’re choosing accommodation, tours or activities, look for the tick and you’ll know that we’ve checked them out before you check in! For more information contact Tourism Council WA or visit trustthetick.com.au Find out how to fill your days at australiascoralcoast.com 2169 Page 14 | australiascoralcoast.com With so much to do and see in Australia’s Coral Coast, it helps to speak to a team with the experience to recommend a holiday to suit your individual needs. One call books it all... Broome & The Kimberley Holidays are proudly Western Australian owned and operated, plus we’re as passionate about the Coral Coast as we are of our whole state! Whether it’s swimming with whale sharks, exploring the magnificent gorges of Kalbarri or feeding a Monkey Mia dolphin, we can do it all in just one call. Broome & The Kimberley Holidays BE INSPIRED BY OUR EXPERIENCE Call Broome & The Kimberley Holidays on 1300 245 565 Or visit www.broomekimberley.com.au 0413 ABN 37 053 109 185 Licence No. 9TA00613 DRIVE YOUR DOLLAR FURTHER IN THE CORAL COAST s Cars, Buses & 4WD’s s Latest Model Fleet s One Way Rentals s 24hr Roadside Assist s 13 27 27 www.budget.com.au Toll Free: 1300 305 888 reservations@budgetwa.com.au CARNARVON - EXMOUTH - GERALDTON - LEARMONTH Caravan Industry Association WA 2165 2452 Discover the Coral Coast from a different perspective Discover WA your WAY! Caravan Parks in Western Australia are located near or in the state’s most beautiful attractions. Whether travelling by caravan, camper trailer, motorhome or camping, a unique holiday experience is waiting for you. Find information on parks, products, destinations, towing tips and more, visit www.caravanwa.com.au and let your adventure begin! Caravan Industry Association WA PO Box 721 Balcatta WA 6914 Ph: +61 8 9240 8208 Fax: +61 8 9240 6291 Email: info@caravanwa.com.au Web: www.caravanwa.com.au For suggested travelling routes explore australiascoralcoast.com australiascoralcoast.com | Page 15 Cervantes PERTH The Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park Cervantes Cervantes is the gateway to the magical Pinnacles Desert at Nambung National Park. Great for a family getaway, Cervantes is perfect for kicking back and relaxing. With a wonderful parade of wildflowers in season at Nambung National Park, the area caters for a wide range of interests. The new Indian Ocean Drive Did you know? The township was named after the whaling ship, Cervantes, which was wrecked on the coast in 1844. Information Population: 503 Distance from Perth: 200km Pinnacles Visitor Centre Cadiz Street Cervantes WA 6516 Tel: 1800 610 660 visitpinnaclescountry.com.au Page 16 | australiascoralcoast.com Pinnacles Desert Desert Discovery Centre Cervantes is the gateway to the world famous Pinnacles in the Nambung National Park. These amazing limestone structures were created from ancient shells – remnants of another epoch rich in marine life. Over the millennia, natural processes have combined to remove surrounding material to result in the limestone pinnacles jutting out from their surrounds today. Such is their unusual nature that the Pinnacles appear otherworldly. In fact, Dutch sailors who first sighted the area in the mid 1650’s mistook the Pinnacles for ruins of an ancient civilisation. Take the drive yourself or join a tour from Cervantes. The Pinnacles are a particularly stunning sight in the glow of the setting sun. The road into the National Park is sealed, and there is a car park in close proximity to the Pinnacles. Take a stroll through the Pinnacles or opt to stay in your car and drive around the fourkilometre designated drive trail. Hangover Bay, located inside the National Park is a beautiful bay and a must see for all visitors. The clear blue water is great for a refreshing swim, and sometimes you can even catch a wave off the breakers. The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre, located in the Nambung National Park, houses interpretive information about the flora and fauna of the surrounding region - as well as information on other National Parks, nature reserves and a retail outlet offering a range of locally made gifts. The centre situated close to the Pinnacles, with a short walk way to the Pinnacles View lookout. The building has been created in a sustainable and environmentally sensitive manner. Open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Closed Christmas day. Indian Ocean Drive The brand new Indian Ocean Drive is now open, shaving approximately half an hour off your trip north between Perth and Cervantes. Stunning coastal vistas welcome you to the Coral Coast region. After exploring the Pinnacles Desert and Cervantes’ surrounding attractions, why not consider taking the beautiful coastal route linking Cervantes to Geraldton and stop on route at the quaint fishing towns of Jurien Bay, Green Head, Leeman and Dongara/Port Denison. Thirsty Point, Cervantes Emu Downs Wind Farm The Pinnacles Desert Indian Ocean Rock Lobster This wind farm provides a fantastic spectacle with 48 massive turbines extending almost 120 metres into the air when the blades are at their highest point. An informative display depicts staggering facts on wind and renewable energy sources. View the turbines and displays from the car park on Bibby Road, 30 kilometres east of Cervantes. Western Rock Lobster provide a lucrative industry for the coastal towns between Cervantes and Kalbarri. Between November and June crayfih boats head out to sea and return loaded with their bounty for processing. In Cervantes, a stroll past the jetties will take you to the Indian Ocean Rock Lobster Factory. Take a tour of the factory and learn how the lobster is processed, and be sure to pick Wildflowers & Wildlife up some delicious seafood to take away Made up of 17,000 hectares of coastal or stop for a bite to eat in the outdoor heathland, the Nambung National Park, picnic area. is home to a wide variety of native plant and animal species. Such is the diversity Lake Thetis & Stromatolites of these species, that it created a rich Located two kilometres south east habitat for the area’s Indigenous people of Cervantes, is one of only five sites who referred to the land as “Kwongan”. in Western Australia that features The richness of the area becomes even stromatolites. Growing in the lake, they are more apparent in late winter and spring made up of the oldest known organisms (July, August and September), as coastal on earth. Some fossil remains have been wildflowers burst into life. Kangaroo Point, dated as old as 3.6 billion years! Enjoy the located in the Nambung National Park is fantastic 1.5 kilometre walking trail with one of the best wildflower viewing areas. interpretive signage. Molah Hill Lookout Purchase fresh seafood in Cervantes Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre Lookouts & Walking Trails Located half way between Cervantes and Jurien Bay, Molah Hill offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding region. A path leads you up to the lookout, where to the east you can spot the distinctive Mount Lesueur and the wind farm. Looking west you can watch the sun set over the beautiful Indian Ocean. Stunning views of the ocean and natural environment are offered at many lookouts in and around Cervantes. The lookout at Hansen Bay, one kilometre south of town provides a magic view of the bay, Lake Thetis and the Cervantes townsite. For a different perspective of the bay and the islands, try the Thirsty Point or Molah Hill Fishing Lookout. Thirsty Point was given its name If you love to fish, you’ll love Cervantes. during the war when the coastline was Hangover Bay and Kangaroo Point guarded by the army and there was no renowned for an abundance of fish. drinking water to be found. Thirsty Point Lookout australiascoralcoast.com | Page 17 Cervantes Pinnacles Motel Pinnacles Caravan Park 0425 Under 2 hours scenic drive from Perth along the new Indian Ocean Drive, discover our pristine coastline in the heart of wildflower country. The Pinnacles Caravan Park in Cervantes, WA, boasts ideal beach-front holiday accommodation and camping. The closest park to the Pinnacles! With shady sites, room to move and a family friendly and pet friendly atmosphere we are the park of choice for many travellers. • Comfortable affordable rooms • Standard, self contained & family options available • Fully Licensed Restaurant open 7 days a week • Swimming Pool • BBQs • Ample Parking Cervantes Pinnacles Motel 7 Aragon Street Cervantes WA 6511 Ph: +61 8 9652 7145 Fax: +61 8 9652 7214 Email reservations.pinnacles@bigpond.com Only minutes from the Nambung National Park & The Pinnacles While visiting the park you can also take advantage of fantastic coffee and refreshments at Seashells Cafe. Located at the entrance to the park and overlooking the beach our cafe offers breakfasts, lunches and yummy treats not to mention giftware and shell displays. 2329 Pinnacles Caravan Park 35 Aragon Street Cervantes WA 6511 Ph: +61 8 9652 7060 Email: pinnaclespark@bigpond.com Web: www.pinnaclespark.com.au Pinnacles Edge Resort Turquoise Coast Enviro Tours Luxury Spa Suite or Studio getaways under 2 hours scenic drive from Perth along the new Indian Ocean Drive THE PINNACLES UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Guests can select from 2 bedroom 2 bathroom deluxe self-contained family apartments, corporate and honeymoon spa suites, and deluxe studio rooms. The Pinnacles Edge luxury resort is ideal for a short break from city life, and will appeal to guests who appreciate stylish simplicity and modern functionality. With 20 years experience as a National Park Ranger, owner/operator Mike Newton, can show you the best of this unspoiled piece of WA. 0000 Pinnacles Edge Resort 7 Aragon Street Cervantes WA 6511 Ph: +61 8 9652 7788 Fax: +61 8 9652 7214 Email reservations.pinnacles@bigpond.com 2462 Full Day or Pinnacle Tours... Your Choice! Turquoise Coast Enviro Tours 59 Seville Street Cervantes WA 6511 Ph: +61 8 9652 7047 Fax: +61 8 9652 7531 Email: miken@wn.com.au Web: www.thepinnacles.com.au Cervantes Pinnacles Holiday Units Cervantes Lodge & Pinnacle Beach Backpackers 0049 0301 Affordable Self Contained Units Offering the closest accommodation to the Pinnacles. Spacious, comfortable 1, 2 & 3 bedroom units. Weekly and overnight stays welcome. Centrally located, walking distance to shops and beach. Cervantes Holiday Homes Cnr Malaga Court & Valencia Road Cervantes WA 6511 Ph: +61 8 9652 7115 Email: enquiries@cervantesholidayhomes.com.au Web: www.cervantesholidayhomes.com.au Page 18 | australiascoralcoast.com WA Tourism Hall of Fame. Cervantes Lodge & Pinnacle Beach Backpackers Cervantes WA 6511 Freecall: 1800 245 232 Ph: +61 8 9652 7377 Email: pbb@wn.com.au Web: www.cervanteslodge.com.au 0120 Dandaragan PERTH Native flora, Dandaragan Dandaragan Dandaragan district boasts lush pastures and abundant crops produced from the fertile farming land. It also has a beautiful year round wildflower viewing area with most species flowering in the spring months. St Anne’s Church The Dandaragan Way This charming Anglican Church, constructed between 1885 and 1887 has an interesting gothic arch for its entry and is made from local soap stone from “Kayanaba”, a nearby property. This stone was soft when first quarried, so the blocks could be easily sawn into shape. Hardening occurred after contact with the air. The church is open to the public. A wonderful scenic tourist drive of running creeks, rolling hills, historic buildings, marri trees and flocks of white corellas and cockatoos, the Dandaragan Way is a recommended, alternative scenic drive to the Brand Highway from Regan’s Ford through Dandaragan to Badgingarra. Wolba Wolba or Aggie’s Cottage St Anne’s Church Did you know? The name comes from Dandara Spring, which was so named in 1849 by explorer Augustus Charles Gregory. Regan’s Ford A pleasant shady picnic spot on the banks of the Moore River located just off Brand Highway. The site of an old stone Situated on the Badgingarra Road only crossing constructed in 1876, the Windmill seven kilometres from Dandaragan, this Roadhouse is situated 300 metres north brick and stone cottage was erected in west of the bridge. 1871 and is still used today by local craft and historical groups. Only 50 metres Wildflowers away is a fresh water lake with many different species of water birds. Characteristic red and white gum trees and a spectacular array of wildflowers Historic Post Office attract people between September and Also made from local stone, the historic October annually. Temperatures start to post and telegraph office opened for rise but the soil is still damp from winter business in 1896. Although no longer rain. Why not visit a wildflower farm while open to the general public, it is an in the area, or join an organised tour from Perth? attractive sight from the road. Information Population: 657 Distance from Perth: 168km Shire of Dandaragan Bashford Street, Jurien Bay WA 6516 Tel: +61 8 9652 0800 dandaragan.wa.gov.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 19 ### Badgingarra PERTH Badgingarra farmland Badgingarra Badgingarra, just east of the Brand Highway, sits at the edge of the Badgingarra National Park, which showcases amazing flora during wildflower season. Badgingarra is renowned for its incredibly diverse bushland and becomes ablaze with the brilliant colours of wildflowers during spring. Panizza sculptures Did you know? Badgingarra is an Aboriginal word. ‘Badgin’ means ‘manna gum’ and ‘garra’ means ‘water’. Badgingarra National Park Vern Westbrook Walk The National Park, 13,121 hectares in its entirety, has been set aside for the preservation of many species of wildflowers including the black kangaroo paw (the Badgingarra emblem) which is found in this vicinity. It is also home to numerous reptiles, emus, kangaroos and a variety of bird life including bustards and the majestic wedge tail eagles. On the North West Road, between the original Badgingarra town site and the new town centre, is a one and a half kilometre heritage and circular wildflower walk. Explore the banks along Hill River and follow the footsteps of cattle drovers of a century past. The vegetation changes every time you cross one of the little bridges over the river. National Park Walk Information Population: 249 Distance from Perth: 205km Shire of Dandaragan Bashford Street, Jurien Bay WA 6516 Tel: +61 8 9652 0800 dandaragan.wa.gov.au Page 20 | australiascoralcoast.com A stimulating two kilometre walk trail has been established on the western side of the Brand Highway. Brochures can be obtained from the Badgingarra Roadhouse. The walk is over rugged terrain, featuring a steep hill with a lookout so a reasonable level of health and fitness is required. Allow one and a half hours for the walk, leaving your car at the service station car park and picking up a Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) booklet before you start. For further information contact the DEC Office in Cervantes on +61 8 9652 7043 or the Pinnacles Visitor Centre on 1800 610 660. Lang Lookout Take in expansive vistas of red earth and green rolling pastures from this elevated site on Watheroo West Road. A large rock at the lookout commemorates local farmer George Elliot Lang, credited for the introduction of modern-day farming techniques in the area. Panizza Sculptures Not wanting to waste good metal when teaching his children to weld, Mr Panizza uses scrap metals and together with his children has made numerous sculptures that you can see dotted over his property. ### Jurien Bay PERTH Jurien Bay Jetty Jurien Bay Jurien Bay is a blissfully relaxed fishing town and with a National Park to the east and a Marine Park just offshore, adventure is never far away. With perfect weather conditions for swimming, windsurfing, surfing, boating and diving, Jurien Bay is a water lover’s paradise. Lesueur National Park Jurien Bay Marine Park This 26,987 hectare park is home to exceptionally diverse flora and is special for many reasons. The park is home to almost 900 species, including many plants found nowhere else in the world. This biodiverse hotspot represents approximately ten per cent of the State’s known flora. The best time to visit is in spring, but there are flowers blooming all year round. Enjoy driving tracks, walking trails and picnic areas with inland views, a must during wildflower season. You may also like to try your luck fishing at Island Point. Tours to Lesueur National Park are available from Cervantes. The Jurien Bay Marine Park is sheltered by a string of islands and reefs that make the surrounding ocean perfect for marine activities. The Marine Park was created to protect a unique mix of tropical and temperate species. As well as sea lions, the Jurien Bay Marine Park is also a significant seabird breeding area and you’ll often see whales migrating each year along the coast. Join a fishing charter or get up close and personal on a tour visiting cheeky seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales. To help you make the most of your marine experience, around 100 interpretive signs are on display throughout the park, explaining accepted and prohibited activities, as well as providing information about the area’s ecological values. Sea Lions Approximately 20 per cent of the Western Australian population of sea lions live and breed around Jurien Bay and the islands in the Jurien Bay Marine Park. Watch them lazing on sandy beaches or ducking and diving through the water. The best way to interact with these captivating creatures is on a charter boat tour with a government registered guide which departs from Cervantes. Jurien Bay Marina Did you know? The bay was named in 1801 by French naval explorer, Nicholas Baudin in honour of Charles Jurien, an officer in the French Navy. Information Population: 1,472 Distance from Perth: 220km Jurien Bay Marina Take a stroll past the Jurien Bay Marina and greet the fisherman as they return with their daily catch. The marina has an excellent concrete boat ramp, a protected children’s beach, toilets and a shower. Walking trails extend north and south of the bay. Jurien Bay Tourist Information Bashford Street, Jurien Bay WA 6516 Tel: +61 8 9652 0800 dandaragan.wa.gov.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 21 Professionals Jurien Bayview Realty Skydive Jurien Bay 0444 2496 Australia’s Most Beautiful Beach Skydive Holiday Accommodation Surprise yourself with the most unforgettable experience of your life! Largest range in Jurien Bay from budget to executive apartments & family homes. Land on the beach at the beautiful Jurien Bay To book phone +61 8 9652 2055 or visit our website for availability www.jurienbayholidays.com Skydive Jurien Bay 36B Bashford St, (behind Lesueur’s Cafe) Jurien Bay WA 6516 Ph: +61 8 9652 1320 Email: jump@skydivejurienbay.com Web: www.skydivejurienbay.com Professionals Jurien Bayview Realty 34 Bashford Street Jurien Bay WA 6516 Sales & Rentals: www.jurienbay.com Jurien Charters Jurien Bay Tourist Park 0070 0161 Be Touched by nature Close to beautiful swimming / fishing beaches, 20 minutes from the famous Pinnacles. • Try Scuba dives • Dive Charter • Self drive boat hire We can take you on a tour of Jurien Bay Marine Park, with a government registered guide, to see some of the most fascinating marine creatures you will ever encounter, including Australian Sealions. Jurien Charters 3 Dorcas Drive, Jurien Marina Jurien Bay WA 6516 Ph: +61 8 9652 1109 Email: sealions@juriencharters.com Web: www.juriencharters.com 0070 • Excellent Fishing • Jumping Pillow • Warm Climate • Laundry • Walking Distance to all Amenities • Barbecue Facilities • Excellent Rates • Close to new Marina • Al Fresco Cafe • Flat Screen TV’s • Only 190km North of Perth Jurien Bay Tourist Park Luxury Chalets Robert Street, PO Box 303 Spa & Disabled Chalets Jurien Bay WA 6516 Ph: +61 8 9652 1595 Shaded and Powered Ph: 1800 119 239 Caravans Sites Fax: +61 8 9652 2724 Camping Email: stay@jurienbaytouristpark.com.au Relax, stay a while… Discover ways to unwind at australiascoralcoast.com Page 22 | australiascoralcoast.com Green Head PERTH Dynamite Bay Green Head Situated on a headland, Green Head’s bays of white sandy beaches are great for swimming and snorkelling. Offshore islands and reefs are perfect for fishing and scuba diving and inland areas are awash with wildflowers during spring. Sea Lions Dynamite & South Bays Fisherman’s Island, south of Green Head is a breeding colony and home to one of the largest population of sea lions in Western Australia. You will spot these captivating creatures lazing in the sun on the beach. Fisherman’s Island also boasts a variety of seabird colonies, Osprey and their nests being just one of them. Sea Lion charters depart from Green Head out to the island with a government registered guide. These secluded little bays offer peaceful retreats for people wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Dynamite Bay forms almost a perfect circle and offers safe protected swimming. South Bay is a long crescent shaped beach, ideal for those who like the solitude of walking along a deserted beach. Water Sports Green Head is a water lover’s paradise with protected bays for families and ideal weather conditions for the more adventurous at heart. Surfers can enjoy a good reef break at Point Louise and excellent wind surfing conditions when the breeze comes in. There’s also a good chance you’ll be able to catch your lunch fishing off the jetty or beach or by taking a charter tour. A protected concrete boat ramp is available by the main jetty and another in South Bay. Divers will enjoy a diverse array of northern tropical species, mixed with temperate water species of sea life. Australian sea lions Did you know? There are three Aboriginal middens situated on the headland, once used by the Yued people. Mount Lesueur National Park The Mount Lesueur National Park showcases the central west’s wildflowers and native fauna. Situated east of Green Head, Mount Lesueur National Park is one of the most diverse floral areas in the world. Dramatic land forms have been created by the Lesueur Fault and Cockleshell Gully formation. There is an 18 kilometre bitumen loop road providing a scenic look throughout the park. Coal can be found on the surface in some areas. Fires are not permitted within the park, and care should be taken not to spread jarrah dieback. Information Population: 300 Distance from Perth: 250km Shire of Coorow Tourist Information Leeman Administration Centre 20 Morcombe Rd, Leeman WA 6514 Tel: +61 8 9953 1388 coorow.wa.gov.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 23 Leeman PERTH Tee tree lookout, Leeman Leeman Leeman boasts turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and offshore islands harbouring a great diversity of marine life. The coastline caters for an array of water activities while the township supports a fishing fleet, which traverse the bountiful oceans in search of western rock lobster. Windsurfing Stockyard Gully Cave Did you know? Leeman records some of WA’s strongest summer winds which makes the area great for windsurfing. Information Population: 539 Distance from Perth: 260km Shire of Coorow Tourist Information Leeman Administration Centre 20 Morcombe Rd, Leeman WA 6514 Tel: +61 8 9953 1388 coorow.wa.gov.au Page 24 | australiascoralcoast.com Leeman is a windsurfing Mecca with strong summer winds providing excellent conditions. Some of the best in the business are attracted to the local windsurfing tournament held each summer. Contact the Shire of Coorow for further details. The conditions are also great for sailing. Sea Lions Australian sea lions are among the rarest of the world’s seal species. The waters surrounding Leeman are renowned for the significant sea lion populations. It’s not unusual to spot one of these captivating creatures lazing in the sun on the beach. Beagle Island, north of Leeman, is a breeding colony and home to the largest population of the Australian Stockyard Gully National Park Sea Lion in Western Australia, estimated at between 150-250 animals depending Cockleshell Gully Road leads you to the on the breeding cycle. Stockyard Gully Reserve, 20 kilometres inland of Leeman. Accessible by four Little Three Springs Reserve wheel drive only, be sure to take your torch and explore the fascinating, Little Three Springs Reserve is one of ancient belowground river system of the the last natural watering holes left on the Stockyard Gully Caves or join a tour from Old North Stock Route with picturesque Green Head or Cervantes. The caves natural springs set among the trees. form part of the Old North Stock Route, Some of the date palms around the once used by stockmen to drive their springs were planted by cameleers who stock from Walkaway in the north to North stopped in the area while taking their Beach in the south. As the caves form a camels through to the goldfields. The natural ravine, livestock could be kept on oasis-like picnic area is a delight to visit overnight stops. Caution is required when and you may even be lucky enough to visiting the caves, particularly after rain as see brumbies drinking at its banks. they are subject to flooding. Access is by four wheel drive only. Leeman Caravan Park Located amongst seven acres of shady trees and only 30 metres from the beach, we offer the perfect location to base your Àshing, windsurÀng, snorkelling and diving holiday. We offer a variety of accommodation options from units to Shady tent and Van sites • Guest Laundry Leeman Caravan Park Thomas St Leeman WA 6514 • Onsite Shop & Fuel Indian Oce an Dr • Free BBQ’s Thomas St Facilities include: Thomas St • Fish Cleaning Bay • Toddlers Playground Phone: (+61 8) 9953 1080 Thomas Street Leeman, Western Australia 6514 Email: leemancvpk@westnet.com.au Web: www.leemancaravanpark.com.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 25 2284 Coorow PERTH Coorow Hotel Coorow Coorow is a charming inland farming town, whose first settlers raised sheep and horses. Remnants of the previous farming history still stand around the town today, amid beautiful gardens and thriving wildflowers. Town Park Did you know? Pre-war local wheat farmer Gustav Leibe built The Budapest Opera House in Hungary and His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth. Information Population: 250 Distance from Perth: 300km Coorow Community Resource Centre Cnr Main & Bristol Street Coorow WA 6515 Tel: +61 8 9952 1266 coorow.crc.net.au Page 26 | australiascoralcoast.com Town Park Long Homestead Situated on the main street of Coorow is the delightful Town Park. Spend some time relaxing in the lovely surrounds, with well tendered gardens, a children’s playground and a rotunda where you can relax in the shade. The Long family were the first to settle in the Coorow area in 1862, creating a living for themselves by selling livestock such as horses and sheep. The ruins of their homestead can be seen just outside Coorow. Be sure to seek permission at the community resource centre to view the homestead, as it is now on private property. Alexander Morrison National Park Located on the Central West Coast Sandplain, just 50 kilometres west of Coorow, Alexander Morrison National Park boasts beautiful wildflower displays, particularly between August and November. The park consists of low scrub and heath on undulating sand plain hills, interspersed with rocky outcrops and small streams cut across the landscape. Tall eucalypts grow along stream beds making for beautiful, shady picnic locations. Mallee thickets are also quite common throughout the park as are heathland birds and mammals. No formal camping facilities are provided however, discreet camping is possible after consultation with the local ranger. Waddi Forest At nearby Waddi Forest there is a popular picnic spot which was originally used by passing drovers to rest their horses. The forest also once boasted its very own bush ranger, who used to waylay weary travellers and locals for their wares and food! Bird Watching Bird watching enthusiasts should take a trip to the Yarra Yarra Lakes, particularly in spring, when the area is a haven for migratory bird species. The Lakes Lookout provides breathtaking views all year round. Mullewa PERTH Wildflower Walk, Mullewa Mullewa Mullewa lies deep in the heart of wildflower country and is frequented by people wishing to view the best of the region’s dazzling wildflower displays. Mullewa is particularly well known for its carpets of everlastings and the stunning wreath flower that blooms between August and October. Image Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail Everlasting Cultural Trails Celebrating the enormous contribution architect-priest, John Hawes made to the region, the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail highlights 15 buildings of his design and other sites significant to his life. Mullewa presents one of the best examples of his work, the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Peter and St Paul. Considered his crowning glory, it took seven years to build, with Hawes its architect, stonemason and carpenter. Mullewa Wildflower Show This week-long event starting Sunday, 28 August at the local town hall brings the best of the bush to the town with all that is flowering in the region. Visitors can experience all the locally flowering plants in one place. Morning and afternoon tea is available, as well as souvenirs for sale. De Grey Stock Route This route, finishing in Mullewa was first gazetted in 1905. The trail takes in three of the southern-most government wells and a natural watering hole, Hughie Rocks. A total of 8.3 kilometres of walking trails surround Mullewa. Explore the breathtaking hinterland or historical townscape of Mullewa, by walking on one of the eight Everlasting Cultural Trails. Wind your way through low rolling hills, across creek valleys and rocky ridges, or traverse the paths of early settlers, and take time to picture how the town grew from the passion of the area’s pioneers. The 2.3-kilometre Bushland Trail highlights the area’s many natural features and provides panoramic views across the Mullewa townsite. The 1.4-kilometre Rail Heritage Loop showcases Mullewa’s once-expansive rail precinct, a hub for trains travelling between Geraldton and Perth via Morawa, while the Town Heritage Walk allows visitors to experience the history of the town and it’s pioneers. The 2.82-kilometre Wildflower Walk begins opposite the Mullewa Caravan Park and showcases the stunning flora that Mullewa is renowned for. Be sure to drop into the Mullewa Community Resource Centre for your free brochure and map of the trails. Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Did you know? Mullewa and the surrounding area is reportedly the only place in the world to spot the fascinating wreath flower. Information Population: 1,200 Distance from Perth: 452km Mullewa Community Resource Centre Jose Street, Mullewa WA 6630 Tel: +61 8 9961 1500 mullewatourism.com.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 27 Fields of flowers Mullewa Wildflower Walk Moorheads Local Artist Studio Coalseam Conservation Park Referred to as Ngyrlu Mulla-Mugah, Meaning: Our Place, Our Home, the Moorheads Local Artist Studio was created to give the women of Mullewa a place in which to paint, run programs and facilitate general meetings. The newly renovated building displays work by local artists and is also open to the visiting public. Visit the Mullewa Community Resource Centre for opening hours. Coalseam Conservation Park, between Mingenew and Mullewa, is in the heart of wildflower country and is considered one of the region’s wildflower hotspots. The park lies between the northern sandplain to the west, where a remarkable variety of woody heath plants flower profusely during the wildflower season and the arid lands of the Murchison, where winter rains can trigger a late flowering of winter annuals. Aptly named ‘Coalseam’, this well known geological site is where the first coal deposits in Western Australia were discovered by the Gregory Brothers in 1846. Wildflowers of all varieties are in abundance here, with carpets of pink, gold, cream and white everlastings transforming the usually sparse understorey of wattle scrub during the wildflower season. Magnificent views are offered from the lookout over the Irwin River. Picnic and toilet facilities are provided here making the Coalseam Conservation Park a perfect place to discover one of nature’s most exquisite landscapes! Mullewa Murals The Mullewa townsite is adorned with giant, colourful murals depicting different aspects of Mullewa’s history. They include the ‘Night Raid at Pindar’, ‘Raising Dough on the Farm’, ‘The Old General’ and ‘End of an Era’. You will see the murals by simply taking a stroll around the town. Scenic Drives Mullewa Wildflower Show at the town hall Local Indigenous art Page 28 | australiascoralcoast.com Enjoy the rolling hills and golden paddocks surrounding Mullewa on a leisurely scenic drive, where different pastures create a tapestry over the land. Take in the Coalseam Conservation Reserve, en route to or from the quaint and friendly farming town of Mingenew - a must see during the wildflower season. Murals also cover the main street of Mingenew and depict scenes of yesteryear. Head to the Depot Hill Reserve, a great wildflower viewing area. The reserve was used as a firing range for practice during World War I and II but now you can enjoy a relaxing picnic here with views of the Irwin River. Pick up a brochure detailing scenic driving routes from the Mullewa Community Resource Centre. Butterabby Grave The Butterabby grave site is representative of many places around Australia where conflict occurred due to the displacement of Aboriginal people from their traditional lands through the establishment of agricultural and pastoral properties. It is recognised by Aboriginal communities through their oral tradition as a site where five of their people were executed, and is listed in the Aboriginal Heritage sites register. DongaraDenison PERTH Priory Hotel Dongara-Denison The beautiful Irwin River meanders between the twin towns of Dongara and Port Denison, forming a scenic landmark. This serene backdrop continues along Dongara’s shady Moreton Terrace, which is lined with giant Moreton Bay fig trees, providing the perfect place to stop for a coffee. Port Denison Marina Fishermen’s Lookout The Port Denison Marina is home to a rock lobster fishing fleet. Enjoy the buzz of activity that characterises the marina by lazing back on the grassed foreshore, which comes complete with barbecues, shady seating areas and a children’s playground. This lookout at Port Denison features sweeping views of the ocean. Stand on the boardwalk and watch the waves rolling in over the reef in one direction or look over the hustle and bustle of the fishing boat harbour during crayfish season. The lookout also has an obelisk in memory of sailors lost at sea. Fishing Historic Buildings Dongara–Denison is best known for its fresh Western Rock Lobster, however the pristine waters are also home to a range of other marine delicacies. Try your luck at catching favourites such as tailor, silver bream, whiting and mulloway. The marina’s three jetties offer a great fishing location - especially for the kids. The best way of viewing Dongara’s charming historical buildings is on the heritage walk. Purchase a booklet from the visitor centre and begin your journey back in time. The 1.6-kilometre walk highlights 28 heritage buildings. Focal points of the walk include the Royal Steam Roller Flour Mill built in 1894, the Headmaster’s Residence built in 1888, the old Police Station built in 1870 and charming Russ Cottage, built in the late 1860s. South Beach Stroll along the wide white sandy beach, or if you don’t feel like walking, cruise along South Beach in your car. There are also plenty of off road tracks to explore including sand dunes, if you have a four wheel drive. The Drive-In The drive-in is one of two still operating in Western Australia and shows up to date movies fortnightly on Saturday evenings. A kiosk is open for dinner and snacks. Port Denison Foreshore Did you know? The town’s main street, Moreton Terrace, is lined with Moreton Bay fig trees which were planted in 1906. Information Population: 3,700 Distance from Perth: 349km Dongara Visitor Centre 9 Waldeck St, Dongara WA 6525 Tel: +61 8 9927 1404 irwin.wa.gov.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 29 A cafe at South Beach Irwin River Mouth Irwin District Museum Markets Housed in the old police station, the Irwin District Museum provides an insight into the hardships and triumphs of the region’s pioneers. The building itself was constructed in 1870 and served as a police station, courthouse and jail. The museum is open most mornings from 10am to 12pm and entry is $2.50. For the buzz and excitement of a bustling street market, stop in at the Dongara Markets, held on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm at the Dongara Town Park. Gourmet Delights Olive lovers will pick up some tasty treats and olive oil products at the local grove. Enjoy a cappuccino in the shade of the Dongara-Denison offers 12 different historic Moreton Bay fig trees (planted walking trails, traversing the twin towns’ over 100 years ago) lining Moreton most scenic locations. Stroll the banks Terrace, the main street of Dongara. of the Irwin River, enjoy incredible ocean views along the Shipwreck Trail Wildlife Encounters commemorating shipwrecks and mishaps along the Irwin Coast, or step back in time The delightful walks around Dongara and Port Denison provide many opportunities on the Historic Walk. to spot a large number of local and migratory birds that inhabit the region. For Priory Lodge a closer experience, head to a local animal This fine historical establishment is farm where you can interact with rabbits, sprawled just a stone’s throw from the Irwin River. Constructed in 1881 as a chickens and other farm animals. Near to single storey limestone building, it first Dongara you’ll even have the opportunity served as the Dongara Hotel before being to meet some friendly dingoes at a local run by the Dominican Sisters as a school wildlife park. Contact the Dongara Visitor and boarding college for 70 years. Visitors Centre for more information. Walking Trails South Beach Old Mill can now enjoy bar and restaurant facilities in this heritage building. Blessing of the Fleet Fishing off Port Denison Page 30 | australiascoralcoast.com Held each year on a Sunday in November is the entertaining and colourful Blessing of the Fleet. The annual event marks the beginning of rock lobster season and is a celebration to wish the fleet a bountiful season. On shore, the local Lions Club has stalls, activities and entertainment all day. Sport The Irwin District Sports Centre, located in a spacious complex offers facilities for squash, badminton and basketball, while nearby, tennis players can choose a grass or hard court. The Denison Bowling Club offers superb greens and a friendly relaxed atmosphere. The 18-hole Dongara Golf Course offers scenic views from almost every hole. Take the trail less travelled... Discover the region’s walking trails and touring routes at australiascoralcoast.com Situated in the heart of Dongara “The hotel now has an international flair which can be experienced through its kitchen. Visitors and locals should drop into Dongara’s best-kept secret for a hearty and delicious meal.” - Vivienne Ryan – Coral Coast Happenings, Geraldton Newspapers Pty Ltd. Call us on (08) 9927 1023 12 Moreton Terrace Dongara E: office@dongaramotel.com.au • • • • • • 28 room Motel Air conditioned rooms with separate ensuites Alfresco Bars • Swimming Pool • Central location Pensioner discounts • 10 minute stroll to the beach Renowned wildflower region • Pub Tab facilities Fox Sports in the Bar • Free Wi-Fi internet access www.dongaramotel.com.au Great food. Great service. Great location. RESTAURANT BAR ENTERTAINMENT 2622 Best locatio n in town FUNCTIONS Lock in the co-ordinates for great food, great service and good times @ Southerlys on the Port Denison Marina. Our menu uses fresh produce from the Irwin region including Dongara Crayfish (WA Rock Lobster) fresh from the sea at our door step daily, award winning Mid-West Olives, famous Dongara Bakery Bread and local Irwin region wines and the freshest seafood direct from Geraldton. Check out our regular live entertainment on the Mid-West events calendar www.midwestevents.com.au TAB Facilities • Finalists in 2008 & 2009 AHA Awards “Regional Pub of the Year”• Voted AHA Awards “WA’s Best Redeveloped Outdoor Area” Voted Coral Coast’s “Best country pub steak sandwich 2009 & 2010” 60 Point Leander Drive, Port Denison P: 08 9927 2207 F: 08 9927 1513 E: southerleys@bigpond.com Open 7 days a week from 11:30am. Meals served 12.00pm - 2pm. Dinner 6.00pm - 8.30pm. 0000 2494 australiascoralcoast.com | Page 31 Dongara Tourist Park Thalassa Beach House 0000 thalassa Your Retreat on South Beach. • Luxury Ensuite Cabins Beach House • Beautiful Ocean Views • Grassed, Shaded & Large Slabbed Sites • Dogs Welcome On Sites • Excellent For Group Bookings • WIFI Internet Access Dongara Tourist Park 8 George St Port Denison WA 6525 Ph: +61 8 9927 1210 Free Call: 1800 052 577 Email: stay@dongaratouristpark.com.au Web: www.dongaratouristpark.com.au 2163 Old Mill Motel 2222 Port Denison Holiday Units 2678 The Old Mill Motel, Dongara offers 28 comfortable ground floor ensuite rooms close to the town centre. Rooms are clean & comfortable with ensuite, A/C, heater, TV, kitchen facilities & more. Each has a patio area to park at your door, or to relax at your patio setting. All rooms have wireless internet access. We are family owned and operated with a licensed restaurant. Our pool area includes BBQs, solar heated pool and comfortable seating in tropical surrounds. At the rear of the property, there is ample off-the-street parking to safely park trailers, trucks and larger vehicles. Overlooking the Marina. • Reverse cycle air conditioning • Fully equipped, self contained, one and two bedroom units with linen provided • Kitchen includes microwave oven and cooker, Sitting Room/Dinette • Laundry and BBQ facilities Port Denison Holiday Units 14 Carnarvon Street Dongara WA 6525 Ph: +61 8 9927 1104 The Little Starfish Cafe´ Lazy Lobster Units & Chalets 2605 Lovely s/c accomm, modern interior, clean comfy affordable. Set amongst shady trees, lawn. BBQs. 150m to Marina, shops, restaurants, fishing etc. From $90 p/n. With linen. Pensioner Discount - Stay 7 pay 6 nights. Lazy Lobster Units & Chalets 45 Hampton Street Port Denison WA 6525 Ph: +61 8 9927 2177 Fax: +61 8 9927 2177 Email: lazylobster@westnet.com.au Web: www.lazylobster.net.au 0292 Irwin River Vineyard 2639 • 60 Metres from the ocean, shopping centre, tavern and restaurant Old Mill Motel 58 Waldeck St Dongara WA 6525 Ph: +61 8 9927 1200 Email: bevclarke@westnet.com.au Web: www.dongaraoldmillmotel.com.au Absolute waterfront Fantastic views Luxury Beach house 3 Bedrooms – sleeps 10 • Fishing • Snorkelling • Surfing – wind surfing • Bird watching Short walk to shops & Tavern Thalassa Beach House Mob: 0417 966 931 Web: www.thalassabeachhouse.com.au Boutique Local Winery Grapes grown, hand-picked, pressed and bottled on site Cellar door tasting and sales Open Friday to Sunday 12-5pm Or by Appointment Winners of the 2010 Australian Small Wine Makers Show- Bronze Medal Irwin River Vineyard 6 Foss Road Irwin WA 6525 Ph: +61 8 9927 5076 Email: caesia@westnet.com.au Silverdale Olive Orchard 2654 Smack on the Beach. • Open daily (except Tuesdays) all year round for breakfast and lunch. Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday (or by appointment) for tastings and sales • We offset a percentage of our carbon emissions Tucked away, just one kilometre off the Brand Highway some ten kilometres north of Dongara is Silverdale Olive Orchard and Olive Oil Processing Facility. If you are travelling north for a spot of fishing, or inland to enjoy the spring wildflowers, why not include Silverdale in your itinerary? ´ The Little Starfish South Beach Cafe White Tops Road Dongara/Port Denison Ph: 0448 344 215 Email: banksiadale@activ8.net.au Silverdale Olive Orchard 130 Melaleuca Road Dongara WA 6525 Ph: +61 8 9927 2674 Fax: +61 8 9927 2674 Email: silverdale@bordernet.com.au • Evenings on request • Now featured in the Lonely Planet • Join The Little Starfish facebook page Page 32 | australiascoralcoast.com Search for Australia’s Coral Coast GeraldtonGreenough PERTH Ellendale Pool, Greenough Geraldton-Greenough Geraldton is situated on Champion Bay along the spectacular Batavia Coast. Blessed with beautiful beaches and sunny weather, Geraldton is a Mecca for water based activities, while Greenough features historic charm, uncrowded beaches and a beautiful river. Greenough Leaning Trees You’ll spot an interesting sight as you drive along the Brand Highway through Greenough. Here, prevailing southerly winds have forced the trees to grow horizontally rather than upwards and the obscure sight has become something of an icon for the region. Look out for the two rest areas on the Brand Highway for photo opportunities of one of the most horizontal trees along the Greenough flats. Greenough River Nature Trail This scenic river meanders 250 kilometres through the countryside to meet the ocean at Cape Burney. It’s a haven for an amazing range of birds, from elegant egrets and herons to the majestic osprey. Bird watchers won’t be disappointed! Fishermen frequent both the river and the nearby beach to catch bream, tailor and mulloway. One of the best ways to experience the Greenough River is by walking or cycling the Greenough River Nature Trail or joining the local rowing club for a row upstream. Central Greenough Historic Settlement Step back in time by strolling through 11 beautifully restored stone character buildings, remnants of a once thriving community of 19th century pioneers. This National Trust treasure is surrounded by farm land and includes a café and visitor information centre. The Central Greenough Historic Settlement is open daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm (public holidays from 10.00am to 4.00pm, closed Christmas day), just a 20-minute drive south of Geraldton. Self guided tour booklets are available. Other charming historic buildings dot Central Greenough and its surrounding areas. Highlights include Clinch’s Mill, Gray’s Store, Convict Bridge and Wesley Church. Call in for a drink at the historic Hampton Arms Inn, built in 1864 and browse through their impressive collection of out of print books and the antique shop. Ellendale Pool This scenic watering hole is the ideal picnic location and is great for bird watching and photography. Giant gums and rocky cliffs surround the pool. Barbecue and camping facilities are on offer for a small fee. Leaning tree Did you know? The HMAS Sydney II Memorial was recently declared Australia’s second national memorial by the Prime Minister. Information Population: 37,000 Distance from Perth: 415km Geraldton-Greenough Visitor Centre Bill Sewell Complex, Chapman Rd Geraldton WA 6530 Tel: 1800 818 881 geraldtontourist.com.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 33 St Peter’s Church, Greenough HMAS Sydney II Memorial, Geraldton Flat Rocks Geraldton Located about 30 kilometres south of Geraldton, Flat Rocks is a must stop destination for keen fishermen and surfers. Such is its quality, Flat Rocks hosts a round of the State Surfing Championships each year. Greenough River Mouth offers another quality beach break for surfing throughout the year. HMAS Sydney II Memorial Museums Greenough Convent Located in a beautifully restored, two storey house alongside Maley’s Mill, the Pioneer Museum offers an insight into a bygone era. Open daily, you’ll find this treasure 19 kilometres south of Geraldton on the Brand Highway. For one of the best displays of railway memorabilia outside of Perth, visit the Walkaway Railway Station Museum in the Walkaway township. Open Every day from 9am-5pm except Christmas day. Point Moore Lighthouse Public holidays from 10.00am-4.00pm. This bold, red and white striped landmark has become something of a Geraldton Wind Farm icon. Overlooking waters at Point Moore, Head along the Nangetty-Walkaway the lighthouse stands 34 metres tall and its Road from Walkaway townsite to view beam can be seen 26 kilometres out to sea. the 54 giant turbines of the Wind Farm. The structure is the only one of its kind in A platform with interpretive signage Western Australia. Interpretive signage on provides an ideal location to photograph the lighthouse’s interesting history can be the wind farm against a backdrop of the found at its base. surrounding rolling hills. Olive Grove Flat Rocks Page 34 | australiascoralcoast.com Recently declared Australia’s second national memorial, this emotive landmark commemorates the loss of Australian sailors who met their fate in a World War II naval battle in 1941. After 66 years of mystery, the wreck of German vessel, the Kormoran was found in March 2008 and a few days later the Sydney was found approximately 250 kilometres from Shark Bay. The beautifully designed memorial features a silver dome of 645 seagulls to represent each sailor lost in this war time disaster. A wall displays photographs of the HMAS Sydney II and the names of her crew. To the north, a bronze statue of a woman gazes hopefully out to sea as she awaits news of her sailor at sea. Volunteer guides run tours daily at 10.30am for a gold coin donation. For a taste of the Mediterranean, visit one of the local olive groves set among landscaped gardens offering tastings of olive oil, tapenades, chutneys and pickled olives. Open between May and December for light meals and delicious homemade cake and coffee. St Francis Xavier Cathedral Built in stages from 1914 to its opening in 1938, the Byzantine style architecture of this cathedral is one of Monsignor Hawes’ greatest masterpieces. Guided walking tours are available for a small fee and the church is part of the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail. Contact the Geraldton-Greenough Visitor Centre for tour days and times. Batavia Coast Marina Geraldton Foreshore Batavia Coast Marina The Geraldton foreshore redevelopment has brought some exciting changes to the city. Visitors can enjoy the white sandy beaches and the huge multi-age children’s playground with shaded toddler area, complete with a water funpark. This redevelopment complements the refurbished Marine Terrace Mall, located one block away. Take in the coast by strolling the foreshore walk. Alternatively, ride or stroll along the cycle way, stopping at some of the beautiful beaches for a coffee at an oceanfront cafe, swim or simply to admire the scenery. Just 200 metres north, take a stroll through the Batavia Coast Marina where an artistically designed boardwalk follows the water’s edge, starting from the boat pens, past town houses and around the WA Museum Geraldton. Public artwork along the boardwalk also adds to the contemporary feel of this growing precinct. The Batavia Coast Marina is indicative of a new level of sophistication in the coastal city. Trendy residential housing and offices line the streets and the waterfront. An artistically designed boardwalk follows the water’s edge, starting from the boat pens, past town houses and around the magnificent WA Museum Geraldton. Public artwork along the boardwalk also adds to the contemporary feel of this growing precinct. Water funpark, Geraldton Foreshore St Francis Xavier Cathedral WA Museum Geraldton This state-of-the-art-facility on the Batavia Marina offers a fascinating insight into the region’s rich natural, social and maritime history. It also features visiting exhibitions and an excellent souvenir and book shop. Learn about the Dutch trading ship, Batavia, that became shipwrecked at the Abrolhos Islands, and the ancient culture of the Yamaji people. Opening Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage times 9.30am - 4.00pm every day except Located in the suburb of Bluff Point, the Wednesdays. cottage has been devoid of a lighthouse keeper since 1943, but has been well Markets and Shopping looked after. The Geraldton Historical Society has been occupying the cottage Geraldton-Greenough has some great since 1971, which houses a historical shopping facilities. The major shopping collection. The cottage opens to visitors precincts are the Marine Terrace Mall, for a small entrance fee. Check days and Centro Stirling Centre on Sanford Street, Centro Northgate Plaza on Chapman Road times with the visitor centre. and Sunset Shopping Plaza. Geraldton is Blessing of the Fleet also becoming increasingly well known as The Blessing of the Fleet heralds the start the place to purchase stunning Abrolhos of Geraldton’s productive rock lobster black pearls, individually or crafted into season in November. The Fisherman’s distinctive pieces of jewellery by local Wharf comes alive with stalls and artists. Craft markets are held in different activities. Don’t miss the opportunity to locations each Sunday and a farmers’ market is held each Saturday morning. sample local seafood delicacies. Point Moore Lighthouse australiascoralcoast.com | Page 35 Bootenal Family Tavern West Australian Museum Geraldton Local Indigenous artwork Page 36 | australiascoralcoast.com Sunshine Festival Meteorological Office Tours Indigenous Culture Ever wondered how the weather is forecast? Find out at the Geraldton Meteorological Office. See the giant weather balloon released and learn about the collation of data that formulates our weather forecasts. You’ll find the Geraldton Meteorological Office at the Geraldton Airport. Tours are free but need to be pre-booked. Contact the GeraldtonGreenough Visitor Centre for details. Gain an insight into the lives, past and present, of the local Yamaji people. Gain a historical perspective at the WA Museum Geraldton Mid West Gallery. For Yamaji arts and crafts call into the Yamaji Art Gallery in the Bill Sewell Complex, next door to the Geraldton-Greenough Visitor Centre. Bill Sewell Complex The Geraldton community celebrates its enviable climate every October school holidays. Capture the excitement of the Midwest Show and Shine, float parade, dragon boat races, market days and a host of other fun family activities. Don’t miss the impressive fireworks sky show finale on the foreshore. Sunshine Festival This beautiful historical suite of buildings in the heart of Geraldton was formerly the Victoria District Hospital and later the Geraldton Prison. The complex was constructed in stages beginning in the mid 1850s and today houses a host of businesses and organisations, including the Geraldton-Greenough Visitor Centre. Rock Lobster Volunteer guides run a one hour tour During the rock lobster fishing season every Tuesday and Thursday at 2pm. from November to June, Geraldton’s Arts, Theatre and Films waters burst into life as one of the Geraldton boasts vibrant artwork, often country’s premier fishing fleets goes by local artists whose work is seen about bringing in these ocean delicacies. gracing banners in the Marine Terrace Around 300 boats fish in the Mid West’s Mall, decorating roundabouts or in local waters and a large portion of these galleries. Be sure to visit the Geraldton boats are Geraldton based. See them Regional Art Gallery on the corner of come and go at the Fisherman’s Wharf. Durlacher Street and Chapman Road. You can gain a firsthand insight into You can also view local artwork at the the rock lobster industry on a guided Arts and Cultural Development Council tour through the Geraldton Fishermen’s Community Gallery, situated on Marine Cooperative Processing Factory. Tours Terrace. For the latest in film releases, cost $10 per adult and $5 per child. be sure to stop in at Orana Cinemas Tours run on weekdays at 9.30am from Geraldton. For theatre, musicals, concerts November to June only. Be sure to and more, check out what’s on at the sample some delicious fresh lobster at a Queens Park Theatre. local restaurant. Bill Sewell Complex Water Sports Golf Geraldton’s consistent summer winds have made the city one of Australia’s favourite windsurfing locations. Point Moore, Sunset Beach, St Georges Beach and Coronation Beach all provide excellent windsurfing conditions. Mahomets’ Back Beach and Greenough River Mouth offer good beach breaks, while Sunset Beach is popular during winter when bigger swells create better surfing conditions. You can hire or buy your surfing, windsurfing or kitesurfing equipment in Geraldton and also book lessons. Geraldton is home to two excellent 18hole golf courses in the Spalding Park Golf Club and the Geraldton Golf Club. Both welcome visitors and feature reticulated grassed fairways and excellent grass greens. Diving Geraldton offers a great base for diving opportunities at the South Tomi dive site and also the Abrolhos Islands. The South Tomi Dive Site, where the confiscated fishing vessel was scuttled three nautical miles from Geraldton shores in 2004, serves as an artificial reef and dive attraction. The hulls and holds which once housed a diverse mix of fishermen who plundered the high seas for Patagonian Toothfish now host newly growing corals and an abundance of marine life. Sunshine Festival Chapman Valley Chapman Valley is a charming agricultural region renowned for its fertile soils and beautiful landscapes. Take a drive through rolling green hills, breakaway country, rivers and pristine coastline. Just 20 minutes from Geraldton, head to Chapman Valley to enjoy local gourmet delights. Windsurfing in the Mid West Chapman Valley Museum Located in the heart of the Nanson Hamlet is the Chapman Valley Museum. Step back in time as you discover an impressive display of old farm machinery, vehicles, local history and photos. Open Wednesday’s from 9am until 12pm and Sundays 12pm to 4pm. Gourmet Delights Chapman Valley is fast becoming a destination for the gastronomically motivated. The local winery offers tastings and a great outdoor location Fishing to enjoy a glass of wine and bite to eat. The newly opened lavender farm also Geraldton boasts a host of quality river provides delicious meals and lavender and ocean fishing locations. Land based body products. fishing provides the ideal way to unwind. Point Moore and Separation Point are Chapman Valley Events good locations to fish for whiting and Check the schedule of local events herring, while the Batavia Coast Marina before visiting the valley. Local farms and and Fisherman’s Wharf are ideal for wineries hold several music events which draw large crowds from around the State. dropping crab pots. Lavender in the Chapman Valley australiascoralcoast.com | Page 37 InTown Apartments 2355 0000 Spacious self-contained holiday accommodation. Relax and enjoy all that Geraldton has to offer in clean and spacious self catering boutique style apartments situated close to the HMAS Sydney memorial, Centro Northgate and the new marina. The apartments are beautifully furnished and include everything needed for a comfortable stay. SELF CATERING InTown Apartments 75 Eastern Rd, Geraldton WA 6530 Ph: +61 8 9964 1750 Email: info@intownapartments.com.au Web: www.intownapartments.com.au Western Australian Museum - Geraldton 2443 Keep Your Eyes Open! When early explorers sailed the Western Australian Coast their advice was simple – keep your eyes open. The wonders of the desert to the sea are revealed at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton Batavia Coast Marina, Geraldton Tel. (08) 9921 5080 For more information including opening times and event details go to www.museum.wa.gov.au Western Australian Museum - Geraldton Museum Place, Batavia Coast Marina Geraldton WA 6530 Ph: +61 8 9921 5080 Web: www.museum.wa.gov.au Aboriginal Artworks 2356 Yamaji Art is 100% owned and governed Aboriginal Art Centre. The Art Centre offers work for sale by artists from or residing in Yamaji Country (Mid Western Australia), and includes work from more than five cultural groups. Open: Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm or by pre-arranged appointment Aboriginal Artworks from the Yamaji Region Bill Sewell Complex Corner Chapman Road and Bayly Street, Geraldton WA 6530 Ph: +61 8 9965 3440 Page 38 | australiascoralcoast.com M A R I N E R R E S O RT Geraldton, Western Australia Geraldton - take a fresh look The regional hub of the entire Mid West. Located about 450km north of Perth, the city is perched near beautiful coastline to the west and rolling hills and breakaway ranges to the east. The Chapman and Greenough Rivers frame the city to the north and south. This superb positioning, combined with the friendly feel of a country town, makes for a truly memorable holiday experience. To take advantage of our free accommodation, tour and scenic flight booking service, contact the Geraldton-Greenough Visitor Centre Cnr Chapman Road & Bayly Street Geraldton WA 6530 Phone + 61 8 9921 3999 Freecall 1800 818 881 Fax + 61 8 9964 2445 Email tourism@geraldtontourist.com.au Web www.geraldtontourist.com.au An initiative of Licensed Travel Agent No 9TA1464 australiascoralcoast.com | Page 39 2631 Best Western Hospitality Inn Geraldton Quality well appointed a/c motel rooms • • • • 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, spa rooms Free Foxtel (6 channels) & in-house movies Free wireless broadband Fully licensed ‘a la carte’ restaurant - The Emerald Room, cocktail bar • Centrally located - close to city centre and beach, child under 13 years stays FREE! • Pool, BBQ facilities, laundry, mini bar • Internet kiosk Best Western Hospitality Inn Geraldton 169 Cathedral Ave Geraldton WA 6530 Ph: +61 8 9921 1422 Fax: +61 8 9921 1239 Email: geraldton@hospitalityinns.com.au Web: www.hospitalityinngeraldton.com.au 0004 Lighthouse Artist: Bron Turner An inspiring collection of Western Australian Fine Art and Jewellery A gr eat place to visit 169 Marine Terrace, Geraldton Ph (08) 99646601 Mon- Sat 9am-5.30pm Sunday 9am-2pm Situated in the “evolving”, west end of town, this wonderful bright and spacious gallery invites you to take your time and appreciate the work of our local artists. Beautiful handcrafted jewellery featuring Abrolhos Island pearls and Argyle Diamonds of Australia. The originality of our amazing creations of natural beauty will take your breath away. www.latitudegallery.com.au LATITUDE GALLERY 2493 Belair Gardens Caravan Park Champion Bay Bed & Breakfast 0430 New airconditioned deluxe ensuited holiday units, some with ocean views. Spa units available. Heritage home with harbour views Spacious Park, Close to Town, Beachfront Location, En-suite Powered Sites, Jumping Pillow, Pool, Tennis Court, Sheltered Camp Sites, S/C Accom. No Dogs. Budget Accommodation available. Belair Gardens Caravan Park 463 Marine Tce Geraldton WA 6530 Ph: +61 8 9921 1997 Fax: +61 8 9921 1887 Email: bookings@belairgardenscaravanpark.com.au Web: www.belairgardenscaravanpark.com.au Page 40 | australiascoralcoast.com 0061 5 minutes walk to city centre, beaches and attractions. Ensuite & share bathrooms. Discounts available for weekly and whole house bookings. Champion Bay Bed & Breakfast 31 Snowdon Street Geraldton WA 6530 Ph: +61 8 9921 7624 Email: championbay@wn.com.au Web: www.westnet.com.au/championbay relaxed simple fresh home away from home Under new management and recently refurbished, Ocean West Holiday Units is located along Western Australia’s beautiful Coral Coast near one of the most popular beaches in Geraldton. Individuals, couples and families on work travel or holiday will find Ocean West relaxing and private. Some of the features of our rooms include: • • • • • Queen-sized beds Cooking facilities Microwave Separate bathroom and toilet in most rooms LCD Flatscreen TV’s • • • • • Foxtel Individual patio area for all three bedroom units Private car parking New swimming pool Undercover BBQ area Relax and enjoy your stay in accommodation that has everything you need all in one place. Ph 9921 1047 Email stay@oceanwest.com.au 1 Hadda Way Geraldton www.oceanwest.com.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 41 2596 Country Time Caravans Geraldton-Greenough Visitor Centre 0021 2337 DL No 19073 Take advantage of our free accommodation, tour and scenic flight booking service. Lic No MRB 1015 • Insurance & Warranty Repairs Friendly staff with expert local knowledge offering information on all there is to do and see in Geraldton and Greenough, including seasonal wildflowers, the Abrolhos Islands, historical and cultural attractions. Wide range of quality souvenirs, local products and maps available. • Parts & Accessories • Servicing Open 7 days Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm Weekends & Public Holidays 10am – 4pm Geraldton-Greenough Visitor Centre Bill Sewell Complex, Cnr Chapman Road & Bayly Street Free Call: 1800 818 881 Ph: +61 8 9921 3999 Fax: +61 8 9964 2445 Email: tourism@geraldtontourist.com.au Web: www.geraldtontourist.com.au Country Time Caravans 151-152 Flores Rd Geraldton WA 6530 Ph +61 8 9964 4224 Fax +61 8 9964 4624 Email admin@countrytimecaravans.com.au Web www.countrytimecaravans.com.au Licensed Travel Agent No 9TA1464 Sunset Beach Holiday Park 2490 Geraldton Air Charter 2638 Mahomets Village Holiday Villas 0000 Fully self contained 2 & 3 bedroom villas Absolute Beach Frontage • • • • Full range of accommodation. Chalets, Park cabins, Ensuite Sites. Plenty of shade. Disabled facilities available. • Games & TV room. • Large Campers kitchen. • Net 4 Wireless internet. Sunset Beach Holiday Park Bosley Street, Geraldton WA 6530 Ph: +61 8 9938 1655 Freecall: 1800 353 389 Email: info@sunsetbeachpark.com.au Web: www.sunsetbeachpark.com.au Also Weddings and Romantic tours, tours to Monkey Mia, Pinnacles, Kalbarri Cliffs Gorges & Pink Lakes Specialists in air charter, aerial survey and photography, freight, booking agents for helicopter service. Geraldton Air Charter Brearley Terminal, Geraldton Airport Geraldton WA 6530 Ph: +61 8 9923 3434 Email: geroair@midwest.com.au Web: www.geraldtonaircharter.com.au Salt Dish Cafe O’Brien 4WD Centre 2345 Daily Tours to the Abrolhos Islands 2650 • Linen supplied • Full cooking facilities • Washing machine in all villas • Each villa with own backyard • Undercover parking • BBQ available • Across the road from Back Beach & Surf Club • Stay 7 nights pay 5½ • Corporate rates available if staying 2 weeks or longer Self Rated Mahomets Village Holiday Villas ve Cnr Willcock & McAleer Drive Geraldton WA 6530 Ph: +61 8 9921 6652 Fax: +61 8 9921 6653 Email: mahometsvillage@wn.com.au Web: www.mahometsvillage.com Verity Jewellers 0315 0008 Lavender Valley Farm 2613 When Quality, Value and Service really matter it’s gotta be . . . Food lover’s home away from home Tucked away at the Northern end of Marine Tce, opposite the beautiful sea is Salt Dish Cafe, a food lover’s home away from home. • Mechanical Repairs & Service • New Aftermarket & Genuine Parts • 4WD Accessories O’Brien 4WD Centre 6 Boyd Street, Geraldton WA 6530 Ph: +61 8 9964 1068 Email: spares@obrien4wd.com.au D/L: 19424 MRB146 A bright red door, dark wooden tables, bent wooden chairs and a lush red wall fill Salt Dish with a warm, inviting feeling ideal for indulging in great food and friendly welcoming service. Open Mon - Sat 7.30am - 4pm Salt Dish Cafe 35 Marine Terrace Geraldton WA 6530 Ph: +61 8 9964 6030 Page 42 | australiascoralcoast.com Creative Design & Manufacture • Abrolhos Pearls • Broome Pearls • Diamond Rings • Diamond Jewellery • Swarovski Crystal • Watches & Clocks • Free Insurance Quotes and Valuations Gift Shop and Cafe. • Open Fri, Sat & Sun 10-5pm Apr-Dec (Bookings recommended for weekends). • Morning teas, light lunches. BYO. • Handmade local gifts and products. • Children’s play area. • Enjoy our native gardens. Verity Jewellers Shop 3 Terrace Arcade, Marine Terrace Geraldton WA 6530 Ph: +61 8 9921 7007 Fax: +61 8 9921 1492 Email: verityjewellers@iinet.net.au Web: www.verityjewellers.com.au Lavender Valley Farm 1852 Chapman Valley Road Geraldton WA 6530 Ph: +61 8 9920 5469 Ph/Fax: +61 8 9920 5069 Email: liz@lavendervalleyfarm.com.au ### Abrolhos Islands PERTH Abrolhos Islands Abrolhos Islands The Houtman Abrolhos Islands form one of Western Australia’s most unique marine areas. With 122 islands in all, the closest 55 kilometres off the coast of Geraldton, these islands are clustered into three main groups; Wallabi, Easter and the Pelsaert. Batavia Shipwreck The Abrolhos’ Wallabi Group of islands was the scene of the infamous Batavia mutiny in 1629. The Dutch East Indies trading ship, Batavia was wrecked on Morning Reef at the islands. The ship’s survivors made it to land, only to face a bloody mutiny. Avid divers an explore the site where the Batavia shipwreck rests, although the dive site is weather dependent and for highly experienced divers only. Alternatively, visitors to the WA Museum Geraldton can see part of the Batavia’s hull on display. Diving and Snorkelling The Abrolhos Islands showcase an abundance of marine life. Diving the coral gardens is like entering another world - an underwater fantasia of the most incredible colours. See everything from rays, to lobster, to clown fish. Many of the coral reefs’ most spectacular areas lie in shallow water and are just as easily enjoyed with a snorkel and mask, as with a scuba diving kit. It is recommended that you check weather conditions before heading out to the islands. Scenic flights and boat charters are available from Geraldton. Visit the Fishing Geraldton-Greenough Visitor Centre for The Abrolhos Islands’ bountiful waters touring options to the islands. have some of the ocean’s most prized eating fish. Baldchin groper, dhufish, Bird Watching snapper, coral trout and emperor are popular catches, as are pelagic fish like The Abrolhos Islands are known as one tuna and mackerel, not to mention the of the country’s best sea bird breeding sought-after western rock lobster. 22 of colonies. More than 90 species of seabirds the islands house fishermen who live there nest on the islands, among them crested from March to June each year during the terns, lesser noddies and white breasted islands’ western rock lobster season. sea eagles. Photographic enthusiasts will Check exclusion zones before fishing. love the up close encounters. Abrolhos black pearls Did you know? Australia’s oldest European buildings are located on West Wallabi Island. Information Population: Fishermen during Rock Lobster season Distance from Perth: 479km Geraldton-Greenough Visitor Centre Bill Sewell Complex, Chapman Road Geraldton WA 6530 Tel: 1800 818 881 geraldtontourist.com.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 43 ### Northampton PERTH Our Lady in Ara Coeli Church Northampton Northampton is one of the oldest settlements in Western Australia outside of Perth. It was declared a town site in 1864 and classified as a historical town by the National Trust of Australia in 1993. Visitors to Northampton will be delighted with the many attractions on offer. Surrounding farmland, Northampton Did you know? The Northampton shire is home to Western Australia’s most haunted house, Oakabella Homestead. Information Population: 813 Distance from Perth: 475km Northampton Visitor Centre 202 Hampton Road, Northampton WA 6535 Tel: +61 8 9934 1488 northamptonwa.com.au Page 44 | australiascoralcoast.com Historical Buildings Oakabella Homestead Be sure to grab a copy of the Hampton Road Heritage Walk brochure from the Northampton Visitor Centre. The centre itself is of historical significance, as it was formerly the Police Station and Court House, built in 1882. Step back in time at Chiverton House Museum. In the centre of town, you will find Our Lady in Ara Coeli Church (c. 1936) designed by the legendary Monsignor Hawes. Next door you will find the Sacred Heart Convent built in 1919, also designed by Hawes. The historic Northampton Family Store building is still operating as a drapery and manchester general store in its original style. The Northampton Motors and Machinery Restoration Shed houses a collection of over 200 small engines and machinery covering many vintages. Visit the most haunted house in Western Australia and take in the land of ghosts and its beautiful scenery. With the first lease taken up in 1851, this authentic, pioneering stone homestead is classified by the National Trust. Discover the old homestead and mini museum on a tour or simply stroll around the grounds. There is farm equipment, relics, farm utensils and Indigenous artefacts on display that represent life in the 1800s. Oakabella is closed to visitors for the month of February. Old Railway Station In 1879 the first public railway of Western Australia was opened between Northampton and Geraldton. The Northampton railway station has been restored with parts of the old track and bridges still visible. Airing of the Quilts If you are travelling in October, be sure to stop in Northampton for the Airing of the Quilts. The historic town’s main street comes alive with people and colour as lovingly made patchwork quilts are displayed from buildings, roadsides and shops. Enjoy the family entertainment, stalls, food, craft, street parade and carnival atmosphere. The Airing of the Quilts is always held on the last Saturday of the October school holidays. Feeling Freaky? Test your nerves at Western Australia’s most haunted house, located near Northampton. Brace yourself and head to australiascoralcoast.com Riverside Sanctuary Northampton Family Store Quality accommodation including self-contained houses and large Shearing Shed Camping area with clean ablutions on an operational family farm. Take a Step Back in Time Walk trails, native pets, bush landscapes, seasonal wildflowers and protected river systems. Inspiring guided tours tailored to your needs. Night tours and spectacular night skies. Built in 1910 and still very much original. Geoff, Joy and Penny Cripps at your service for clothing, manchester, haberdashery, knitting yarn supplies, footwear and gifts. Great location to break up the long trip to/from Exmouth & Coral Bay. Camping from $33 and houses from $132 per double per night. Sorry no dogs. Riverside Sanctuary 442 Coolcalalaya Rd Ajana WA Ph/Fax: +61 8 9936 1021 Mob: 0429 105 646 Email: info@riversidesanctuary.com.au Web: www.riversidesanctuary.com.au RIVERSIDE S A N C T UA RY 0002 Northampton Visitor Centre 2643 Northampton Caravan Park 2513 Northampton Visitor Centre ‘Great place to stay, visit & enjoy’ Powered/Unpowered sites with discount rates. Clean and tidy - Hot Showers, including Disability Ablutions. On site vans, 2 berth, 3 berth, 5 berth and 8 berth, all with Annex, Satelite TV and Air Conditioning - Self service laundry. Kitchen/Common Room - Entertainment Area - BBQ - Pet Friendly. Open: Mon to Fri 9am - 3pm Sat 9am -12 noon Northampton Visitor Centre 202 Hampton Road Northampton WA 6535 Ph: +61 8 9934 1488 Email: nortour@wn.com.au Web: www.northamptonwa.com.au 2319 Northampton Pharmacy 2318 Welcome to Northampton Visitor Centre in the Old Police Station, Hampton Road, Northampton, built in 1885. Our friendly staff provide visitors with a wealth of local information on this Historic area, the location of wildflowers and interesting activities including the Airing of the Quilts Festival. We carry a range of quality souvenirs and maps, children’s books and a book exchange. Northampton Family Store Hampton Road Northampton WA 6535 Ph: +61 8 9934 1250 Email: joy@northamptonstore.com.au Northampton Caravan Park North West Coastal Hwy Northampton WA 6535 Ph: +61 439 979 489 Web: www.northamptoncaravanpark.com.au Supporting your local community since 1966 Open Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm Saturday 8.30am -12.00 noon Northampton Pharmacy Lot 20 Hampton Road Northampton WA 6535 Ph: +61 8 9934 1007 Fax: +61 8 9934 2222 Email: northamptonpharmacy@westnet.com.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 45 ### Port Gregory Horrocks PERTH The Pink Lake, near Port Gregory Horrocks & Port Gregory You’ll instantly feel on holidays at the picturesque coastal towns of Horrocks and Port Gregory. Nestled along white sandy beaches, these two beachside towns provide the ideal family getaways with sheltered waters, rock pools and waves along the reefs. Both seaside towns boast fantastic fishing, diving and swimming. Horrocks Jetty Did you know? Beta carotene, which gives the Pink Lake its hue is also what gives carrots their orange colour. Horrocks Port Gregory Bowes River Pink Lake The Bowes River Mouth is a scenic beach favoured among surfers. The sandstone escarpment following the river is rich in Indigenous culture. Willigully Caves feature rock art created by the Nanda people to describe and communicate their traditions, ideas and values. Obtain directions from the Northampton Visitor Centre. Port Gregory is bordered by the beautiful Hutt Lagoon, known as the Pink Lake due to its colour created by the naturally occurring beta carotene. Offering stunning reflections of the land on still days and a pink haze through the skies on windy days, the lake is always an intriguing site. Beautiful sunsets on the changing colours of the lake are not to be missed. Whale Watching Information Population: Horrocks 130 / Port Gregory 46 Distance from Perth: Horrocks 469km / Port Gregory 520km Northampton Visitor Centre 202 Hampton Road, Northampton WA 6535 Tel: +61 8 9934 1488 northamptonwa.com.au Page 46 | australiascoralcoast.com Migrating humpback whales are regularly Lynton Hiring Station spotted in season, June to November, On the approach to Port Gregory is the historic Lynton Hiring Station. Tucked at from the whale watching lookout. the foot of rolling hills, the station’s stone Four Wheel Driving buildings once housed convicts who Four wheel driving tracks to Little Bay worked on the Geraldine Mine and local and Bowes River Mouth are picturesque pastoral stations. The convict facilities locations for picnics, fishing, wildflowers were built in 1853 and have been recently and bird watching. The Bowes River is restored. Inside, the etched initials of a significant habitat for bird life including convicts scar the cell walls. pelicans, black swans, ducks, heron, Boating egrets, eagles, terns and osprey. The town is protected by five kilometres Fishing of exposed coral reef. This protection Cast a line from the jetty or the beach provides safe anchorage and boat in search of ocean delights like tailor, launching areas for fishing and water mulloway, snapper, whiting and herring. sports. ### Kalbarri PERTH The Murchison River Mouth Kalbarri Kalbarri is a truly spectacular getaway situated on the Murchison River. Be as relaxed or as active as you want, leaving the hustle and bustle far behind. From strolling the foreshore to abseiling down rugged gorges, it’s no wonder Kalbarri has been a favourite holiday destination for generations. Chinaman’s Beach Pelican Feeding Right in the heart of town, the calm water of Chinaman’s Beach is a popular playground for families. Here, you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the white sandy shores. Beach fishing is also popular here. Each morning at 8.45am, Kalbarri’s resident pelicans head to the grassed area on the foreshore near the Grey and Wood Street intersection for their breakfast. Volunteer guides meet the pelicans with fish, allowing onlookers the opportunity to feed these majestic birds their breakfast. The tradition started with a local Kalbarri fisherman who cleaned his catch and threw the scraps to the pelicans. The pelicans became accustomed to their breakfast being served on the foreshore and have been waddling up the beach ever since. Fishing Kalbarri boasts some of the Coral Coast’s best shore and boat angling year round. Deep water adjacent to the shoreline and coastal cliffs provide an ideal fishing environment. Tailor and mulloway are the main targets for shore anglers, however whiting, gardie and samson fish are also reeled in. Estuary fishing may result in catches of whiting and mulloway, while dropping a net may yield blue swimmer and mangrove crabs. Further upstream decent sized black bream are also around. Fishing charters are extremely popular, satisfying both the serious angler and the novice. They regularly return with a bounty of fish including snapper, dhufish, cod, groper, tuna, Spanish mackerel, samson fish and dolphin fish. Jacques Point Jacques (pronounced Jakes) Point is renowned for its superb reef break, considered one of the best surf breaks along the Mid West coast. Waves break along the point, allowing spectators on the beach close up views of the surfing action. This break is best suited to experienced surfers. Nearby Jacques Bay offers safer waves for less experienced surfers and white sandy beaches for a day of fun in the sun. Pelican feeding on the foreshore Did you know? Kalbarri National Park is home to nearly 800 species of flora, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Information Population: 1,800 Distance from Perth: 577km Kalbarri Visitor Centre 70 Grey Street, Kalbarri WA 6536 Tel: 1800 639 468 kalbarri.org.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 47 Canoeing on the Murchison River Guided tours of the National Park Ross Graham Lookout Kalbarri National Park Z-Bend Kalbarri National Park is one of the most exciting and spectacular parks in Western Australia. Covering 183,004 hectares, the park is located on the lower reaches of the Murchison River. Over the past 400 million years the river has cut magnificent red and white banded gorges for 80 kilometres, as it makes its way to the sea. Explore the depths and heights of the river gorges and sea cliffs and admire the floral beauty of the vast, rolling sandplains. Most roads in the National Park are sealed, except for roads to The Loop and Z-Bend, however these are still suitable for all two wheel drive vehicles. An easy 500-metre walk from the car park brings you to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the National Park. From the safety of the lookout, the gorge plunges 150 metres to the river below where majestic river redgums provide a lush contrast to the earthy hews of the Tumblagooda Sandstone. River Gorges Murchison River, Kalbarri National Park Page 48 | australiascoralcoast.com Ross Graham Lookout This site provides the easiest place in the park to access the river, with a short walk from the car park bringing you to the tranquility of the shaded river’s edge. This provides an ideal location to take a dip in the river or walk along its banks. The Murchison River Gorges in the Kalbarri National Park have been carved over millions of years to form dramatic sandstone cliff faces which plummet into the Murchison River as it meanders towards Kalbarri. Hawk’s Head Nature’s Window and The Loop For those with greater levels of fitness and experience, there are many gorge hiking options available ranging from one day excursions to four or five day extended hikes. Further information about these hikes is available from the Department of Environment and Conservation office and it is a strict requirement that all overnight groups register with park staff before making the trip. Drinking water is not available in the National Park, so always carry your own supply. Hiking through the park is particularly spectacular between August and October when the park bursts into colour during wildflower season. Located just 400 metres from the Nature’s Window car park, this rock border beautifully frames the rugged upstream view. Nature’s Window marks the beginning and end of The Loop, a sixhour (eight-kilometre) walk trail, providing different views of the winding gorge below. The Loop is not marked, but the easiest route starts at Nature’s Window, heading east along the cliff top to the first river bend, then down along the ledges and flood plain at water level, returning to Nature’s Window, keeping the river to your right at all times. Enjoy the views from the picnic area or wander down the wheelchair accessible path to the lookout above the river. River Gorge Hikes Nature’s Window Coastal Gorges Eagle Gorge Kalbarri’s coastal gorges feature magnificent, towering cliffs that plummet to the waves below. From Red Bluff, named by Willem de Vlamingh in 1697, the spectacular coastal cliffs extend 13 kilometres to the National Park’s southern boundary. Numerous signposted walking trails allow you to explore the ruggedly beautiful coastline and look for migrating whales between June and November. Please take care and stay clear of cliff edges and overhangs. Pathways, lookouts and balustrades have been provided for your safety. Enjoy the panorama from the crest or wander down into the tranquil depths of the gorge, where you will discover a delightful beach. Watch as eagles soar in the updrafts searching for hapless prey below. Red Bluff Island Rock & Natural Bridge The rustic earthly hues of Red Bluff herald the start of the coastal gorges and the area is well known for its scenery, snorkelling, fishing and swimming spots. Red Bluff boasts a picturesque white sandy beach, contrasted against the rust red cliffs. The cliffs are particularly spectacular in the light of the setting sun. As the coastline slowly yields to the force of the Indian Ocean, the fracturing and decaying of the cliffs has sculpted these precarious rock formations. Stunning views can be enjoyed from the safety of the lookout enclosures provided, a short walk from the car park. A wheelchair accessible picnic shelter and toilets are now available. Pot Alley The view south from the carpark truly captures the splendour and beauty of this remarkable coastline, particularly scenic as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. Amble down the stepped path to the secluded beach below. Blue Holes Just south of the townsite is the snorkelling paradise of Blue Holes. Dozens of rock pools and swimming holes offer protected snorkelling and an array of marine life to view. Beach fishing in Kalbarri Wittecarra Creek South of the Kalbarri township is Wittecarra Creek - thought to be the site of the marooning of Dutch sailors punished for their part in the Batavia mutiny at the Abrolhos Islands in 1629. Wittecarra Creek is today a popular fishing spot. Kalbarri coastal cliffs Mushroom Rock Nature Trail See how nature has shaped this dramatic coastal landscape along the three kilometre Mushroom Rock Walk Trail. Marvel at the varied geological formations and witness kangaroos feeding (best seen at dawn and dusk) amid the beautiful coastal heath. Allow between one and two hours to stroll the marked circuit that connects Rainbow Valley and Mushroom Rock. The interpretive signage provides information on the botanical and geographical features. Whale spotting australiascoralcoast.com | Page 49 Local bird park Red Bluff beach Bigurda Trail Wildflowers Avid hikers can take in the entire coastal cliff area on the eight-kilometre Bigurda Trail. Arrange to be dropped off at Eagle Gorge and traverse south along the coastal cliffs for three to five hours, finishing up at Natural Bridge. From July until November, some 800 species of West Australian native flora progressively burst into bloom around Kalbarri and within the Kalbarri National Park. Here you’ll find an array of flowers mainly along the tops of coastal cliffs and gorges. Many species are endemic to the region including the Kalbarri Spider Orchid. Other flowers include river gums, gold and orange banksias, starflowers, grevilleas and eucalypts. Stop by the Kalbarri Visitor Centre for the latest wildflower hotspots and to pick up a map. Check out the Kalbarri Wildflower Centre and explore an easy 1.8 kilometre walk trail. Tours and Activities Flame grevillea Sandboarding near Kalbarri Page 50 | australiascoralcoast.com Kalbarri is an adventure lover’s hotspot, with so many places to explore, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Tour operators provide a host of activities, both in the Kalbarri National Park and at surrounding spots around the town. Canoeing up the Murchison River is the perfect activity for a sunny afternoon, while thrill seekers may prefer abseiling the National Park’s river gorges. Boat charters leave regularly for for whale watching (seasonally between June and November), fishing and river or sunset cruises. South of Kalbarri, explore the dunes on a sand board or quad bike. If those options aren’t enough to get the blood flowing, try horse riding, paddle boating, windsurfing or hire a dinghy. Call into the Kalbarri Visitor Centre for more information or to book one of the numerous tours on offer. Parrot Sanctuary Kalbarri is home to what is considered one of Australia’s best parrot habitats, and the country’s largest free flight aviary. Walk through tropical gardens which are home to hundreds of colourful birds from Australia and overseas. Outdoor Cinema When the sun goes down, enjoy an evening under the stars at the outdoor cinema. Located just south of town, bring a picnic or enjoy the licensed snack bar and gourmet wood fired pizzas made on site. Whale Watching Kalbarri Canoe & Cray Carnival The seasonal migration of humpback whales brings them close to the Kalbarri shoreline between June and November annually. The best vantage points are from the coastal cliffs of the Kalbarri National Park, or get up close and personal with these massive mammals on a whale watching charter. Kalbarri will become a hive of activity on June 5 for the annual Kalbarri Canoe and Cray Carnival. Held each year on the June long weekend, the festival sees locals and visitors race canoes 16.5 kilometres down the Murchison River. Other canoe races, entertainment and markets are held on the River Mouth foreshore. Kalbarri Cellars Liquor Store 2448 • Extensive Wine Range, Great choice of WA Wines, Huge Sparkling Selection • ‘Ready to’ Drinks, Spirits & Liqueurs, Cocktail Supplies • Australian, Boutique and International Beers • Gourmet Cheeses, Patés & Olives • Friendly Service OPEN 7 DAYS Monday to Saturday 10am - 8.30pm Sunday 12 noon - 8pm Kalbarri Cellars Liquor Store Grey Street, Marine Shopping Centre next to the Post Office Kalbarri WA 6536 Ph: +61 8 9937 1361 Email: kalbarricellars@bigpond.com Kalbarri Reef Villas Relax at a superb tropical paradise.... RAC Kalbarri Palm Resort is the perfect place for holidays, getaways and business. Centrally located, Kalbarri Palm Resort is just a short walk from the centre of town, the river and the beach. With 78 rooms, including spacious motel rooms and family apartments, there is a style to suit all tastes. With fantastic facilities over five acres, you can choose between two swimming pools, outdoor spa, shaded barbecue areas, a central playground, tennis, bowls and cricket. Why not enjoy delicious local fare at the Blackrock Cafe overlooking the water, just minutes from the resort. • Centrally Located • Cleanliness Guaranteed • Foxtel / DVD Players • Sparkling swimming pool • Gas BBQ facilities Fully self contained 2brm, 2 storey villas equipped with all you need, including ALL linen and towels, air-conditioner in both bedrooms. Reef Villas are a non-smoking establishment and smoking is permitted outside ONLY. • Wi-Fi internet available Kalbarri Reef Villas Coles Street, PO Box 34 Kalbarri WA 6536 Ph/Fax: +61 8 9937 1165 Email: reefvillas@wn.com.au Web: www.reefvillas.com.au KALBARRI REEF VILLAS 0009 Kalbarri Sandboarding 0327 Four Wheel Drive and Sandboarding Adventure Tours Kalbarri Sandboarding offers half day sandboarding and 4WD adventures operating daily from Kalbarri. The day starts with safety gear on, a few training lessons and then the fun begins. Once confident we take on the “superbowl”, a 280 foot high sand crater, and then enjoy a cool off swim and lunch in the safe water of the lucky bay lagoon. An action packed day with thrills, spills and speed catering for all age groups of 4 years and over. Porter Street, Kalbarri 6536 Freecall: 1800 819 029 Tel: (08) 9937 2333 or book online at www.kalbarripalmresort.com.au Kalbarri Sandboarding Ph: +61 8 9937 2377 Mobile: 0429 327 400 Web: www.sandboardingaustralia.com.au 0235 australiascoralcoast.com | Page 51 FLIGHTS FROM $59 • See the splendour of the Murchison River Gorges from the Air • Fly, Snorkel, Discover the Abrolhos Islands • Fly along Kalbarri’s Coastal Cliffs at Sunset • Feed the Dolphins of Monkey Mia - just 1 hours flight from Kalbarri Call 9937 1130 2336 FR EE S on tay ly 3 n pa ig y f hts or & 2! Visit www.kalbarricharter.com.au or call into 62 Grey St Kalbarri Brand new resort, luxury 2 bedroom apartments, 1 bedroom spa suites and motel rooms in the heart of Kalbarri. restaurant | dishwashers | spas | room service | king size beds | pool | gym | conference room Receive one night FREE - Stay 3 nights and only pay for 2! PLUS anytime during your stay come to our restaurant for a complimentary big Kalbarri cooked breakfast! *Breakfast one morning only. *Conditions apply. porter street, kalbarri freecall 1800 286 155 www.kalbarriedge.com.au email: info@kalbarriedge.com.au 2313 Kalbarri Adventure Tours Kalbarri Seafront Villas 0041 0043 Quality holiday accommodation in the heart of Kalbarri. With sensational river and ocean views, friendly service and comfortable accommodation - look no further than Kalbarri Seafront Villas. Large, spacious 1 and 2 bedroom units, 4 bedroom/2 bathroom townhouse and studio apartments. All units are well air-conditioned, with fans and are complemented by attractive gardens, pool and barbecue area. FOXTEL, SBS, Internet access and direct dial phones are available in all units. Explore the waterways in the free dinghy provided. Free secure offsite boat parking, with washdown facilities and freezer space. Complimentary pick up service from the bus terminal. Kalbarri Seafront Villas 108 Grey Street, Kalbarri WA 6536 Ph: +61 8 9937 1025 Fax: +61 8 9937 1525 Email: info@kalbarriseafrontvillas.com.au Web: www.kalbarriseafrontvillas.com.au Page 52 | australiascoralcoast.com Kalbarri’s National Park Specialists • Canoe the Gorges • Natures Window • Wildflower Wilderness • Group Charters The only tour in Kalbarri that takes you canoeing through the Gorges Kalbarri Adventure Tours Ph: +61 8 9937 1677 Email: kalcanoe@wn.com.au Web: www.kalbarritours.com.au Kalbarri Visitor Centre Murchison View Apartments 0115 Book with our local experts • Tour bookings • Souvenir sales • Transwa bookings • Accommodation enquiries and bookings Luxury spacious apartments with river & ocean views. • Skywest bookings • Greyhound bookings Superbly located, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments. Fully self contained with fully equipped kitchen, air con living area, ceiling fans in bedrooms, own laundry, linen supplied, TV, DVD Player plus Foxtel & microwave. Swimming Pool & BBQ area. Complimentary pick up from bus or Kalbarri Air Terminal. For all bookings and enquiries contact the Kalbarri Visitor Centre Kalbarri Visitor Centre Located on the foreshore Allen Community Centre, Grey Street, Kalbarri WA 6536 Licensed Travel Agent No TA 1098 Freecall: 1800 639 468 Ph: +61 8 9937 1104 Email: bookings@kalbarri.org.au Web: www.kalbarri.org.au 0018 Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park Blue Ocean Villas Kalbarri 0338 Murchison View Apartments Grey Street, Kalbarri WA 6536 Ph: +61 8 9937 1096 Fax: +61 8 9937 1522 Email: kmva95@hotmail.com Web: www.kalbarrimurchisonviewapartments.com.au 0146 Seven Luxury Boutique Villas • Foxtel • Air-con, TV, DVD, BBQ • Private laundry • Heated Saltwater Pool In a perfect location,100 metres from the water’s edge, close to restaurants and shops. Fully Self Contained Villas Private carport & courtyard. MODERN | SPACIOUS | COMFORTABLE Blue Ocean Villas Kalbarri Auger Street Kalbarri WA 6536 Ph: +61 8 9937 2442 Web: www.blueoceanvillas.com.au Blue Ocean Villas Kalbarri 380m from town centre • New 18m Swimming Pool • New 1 & 2 bedroom brick units • Playground & TV room • Ensuite powered sites • Backpackers accommodation • Ensuite chalets • Campers Kitchen • Park cabins • Wireless Internet • Tudor cabins • Small dogs welcome in park by arrangement. OFF PEAK. Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park Kalbarri WA 6536 Ph: +61 8 9937 1077 Fax: +61 8 9937 1720 Email: kalbarritudor@bigpond.com Web: www.kalbarritudor.com.au Pelican Shore Villas Rainbow Jungle Fully self contained two and three bedroom villas. Open Mon to Sat 9am-5pm & Sunday 10am-5pm 2094 Located in a superb position overlooking the mouth of the Murchison River and the Indian Ocean. Pelican Shore Villas offer spacious, fully self contained two and three bedroom villas available as single or double storey, set in beautifully maintained gardens. Features include air conditioning and ceiling fans, TV and DVD, Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchen, personal laundry, cot and high chair available. Covered parking, boat parking, pool, free gas BBQ. RAC ++++ Rating Pelican Shore Villas Cnr Grey & Kaiber Streets Toll Free: 1800 671 708 Ph: +61 8 9937 1708 Fax: +61 8 9937 2057 Email: enquiries@pelicanshorevillas.com.au Web: www.pelicanshorevillas.com.au Come experience a touch of magic at the amazing Rainbow Jungle - Australia’s Best Parrot Habitat. Wander amongst the parrots, along pathways, through landscaped tropical gardens, past waterfalls, fountains and lily ponds. You may like to spot passing whales from our whale watching tower or catch a night time movie at PARROTISO’S OUTDOOR CINEMA @ RAINBOW JUNGLE. • Free barbecue facility and picnic areas available • Ample parking • Unique souvenirs and gifts • Refreshments Rainbow Jungle Red Bluff Road Kalbarri WA 6536 Ph: +61 8 9937 1248 Web: www.rainbowjunglekalbarri.com 0?GL@MU(SLEJC 7KH$XVWUDOLDQ3DUURW%UHHGLQJ&HQWUH 0045 australiascoralcoast.com | Page 53 ### Shark Bay PERTH Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool Shark Bay Shark Bay is testimony to the wonders of the natural world. It became Western Australia’s first World Heritage listed area in 1991. Shark Bay is renowned for its white beaches, turquoise waters, rust red sand and marine life including whales, dugongs, turtles, dolphins, manta rays and more. Denham Night entertainment at Monkey Mia Did you know? Dirk Hartog Island was the first ever recorded landing of Europeans on Australian soil. Information Population: 984 Distance from Perth: 838km Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery and Visitor Centre Tel: +61 8 9948 1590 sharkbayvisit.com Page 54 | australiascoralcoast.com Shark Bay World Heritage Denham is the main service centre for the Discovery and Visitor Centre Shark Bay World Heritage Area. A small, friendly town, it offers safe swimming beaches and a range of accommodation, restaurants, shops, an airport and other essential services. It is also a gateway for exploring this beautiful and fascinating region. Cruises and tours to nearby attractions operate from Denham including Dirk Hartog Island, Steep Point, Shell Beach, Francois Peron National Park, and the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. Wildlife If you love wildlife, you will love Shark Bay. Some 17 species of mammals, 98 species of reptiles and amphibians and more than 230 species of birds have been recorded in the area. Whether on an organised tour or travelling on your own steam, you’re sure to spot some of the region’s fascinating wildlife. Project Eden is a conservation project aimed at re-establishing healthy numbers of endangered and threatened species on the Peron Peninsular. Find out more at the visitor centre. Shark Bay became World Heritage listed in 1991, after meeting all four natural criteria. It’s only one of a handful of places in the world to do so. World Heritage sites are created to preserve the diversity, history and beauty of the worlds treasures. The World Heritage site covers 2.2 million hectares of land and sea on the coast of Shark Bay. The colourful and diverse landscapes, rare flora and fauna and world class examples of earth’s ecological processes all contribute to the region being World Heritage listed. The Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery and Visitor Centre celebrates Shark Bay’s biodiversity of ecosystems and explores the area’s World Heritage listing, natural landscape, bays, islands, lagoons, marine and terrestrial landforms and animals. Also call into the centre if you require information regarding tours, accommodation and related bookings in the Shark Bay area. The centre is open daily from 9.00am to 6.00pm except Christmas day and Easter Sunday. Bottle Bay, Francois Peron National Park Hamelin Pool Stromatolites Eagle Bluff Hamelin Pool, located 90 kilometres south east of Denham, is one of only a few places on earth where living marine stromatolites (the oldest living organisms on the planet) exist. These rocky looking lumps in the water resemble the oldest and simplest forms of life on earth dating back 3.5 billion years. The water at Hamelin Pool is twice as saline as usual sea water due to sea grass banks situated across the bay’s entrance and rapid evaporation from the shallow water. Stromatolites are composed of bacteria and algae and animals that feed off these substances cannot tolerate such saline conditions. As a result stromatolites can grow here, undisturbed. Most stromatolites are extremely slow growing. Those in Hamelin Pool grow at a maximum of 0.3mm a year, so those which are up to a metre high are hundreds, if not thousands of years old. There is an excellent viewing platform out over the water and interpretive displays at the site and at the Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station nearby which houses a small museum. Just 20 kilometres south of Denham is Eagle Bluff. The scenic viewpoint features a 100-metre walkway along the top of a cliff face. The views from this vantage point are breathtaking and sharks, dugongs, rays and large fish are regular visitors in the shallow waters below. Shell Beach This unique beach located approximately 50 kilometres south east of Denham is made up of countless tiny cockle shells layered up to ten metres deep and stretching for over 120 kilometres. The shells were once quarried and used to build the walls of buildings in the area, some of which can still be seen today. On a still day, the ocean at Shell Beach transforms into a palette of the most intense greens and blues. Denham foreshore Peron Homestead Precinct Situated in the Francois Peron National Park, the Peron Homestead Precinct offers a taste of life from the 1950s when the park was a working sheep station. A self guided walk around the precinct explores the history of the area, visiting the shearing shed, shearer’s quarters and stock yards. Interpretive signs explain the station’s interesting history and an interpretive centre depicts stories of Indigenous inhabitants, European colonisation and current day conservation programs such as Project Eden. There is a natural hot tub fed from an artesian bore near the homestead that originally supplied water to the station’s stock and is now popular with visitors. The nearby barbecue and lawn is a great spot for picnics. Peron Homestead is accessible by two wheel drive vehicles. Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery and Visitor Centre Eagle Bluff, Shark Bay World Heritage Drive Follow the interpretive signage along the World Heritage drive to learn about this amazing area and how it satisfies all four of the natural criteria to become heritage listed. The World Heritage drive starts at the Overlander Roadhouse on the North West Coastal Highway and continues 180 kilometres through to Monkey Mia. Shell Beach australiascoralcoast.com | Page 55 Hire a sailing boat Indigenous tour at Monkey Mia Little Lagoon Francois Peron National Park Five kilometres from Denham towards Monkey Mia is Little Lagoon. This pristine waterway is a natural nursery for whiting. Beach and barbecue facilities provide for a peaceful day swimming, sun bathing, feasting on a picnic or enjoying the sunset. Francois Peron National Park lies just north of Denham, adjacent to the Shark Bay Marine Park. The park covers 52,500 hectares of arid shrublands, rolling sandplains and spectacular coastal scenery. Here, striking rust red sand dunes give way to brilliant white beaches and crystal blue ocean. The diversity of vegetation also provides a colourful spectacle in winter. The Wanamalu Trail stretches for 1.5 kilometres along the cliff edge between Cape Peron and Skipjack Point and is a 45 minute (one way) walk that provides excellent views of the coastline. Interpretive signs along the trail provide an introduction to the features of the area and two viewing platforms at Skipjack Point provide striking coastal views and the opportunity to view Shark Bay’s abundant marine life. Vehicle access to Francois Peron Park is from the Monkey Mia road, about four kilometres east of Denham. The road to the Peron Homestead is accessible for two wheeldrive vehicles but high clearance four wheel drives are essential for travel further north into the park. Designated basic campsites at Big Lagoon, Bottle Bay, Herald Bight Gregories and South Gregories lead to fishing spots along the coastline. Gas barbecues are supplied, wood fires are not permitted and visitors need to bring water supplies when visiting the park. The park was named after the French zoologist, Francois Peron, who arrived in Shark Bay in 1801 on the vessel Geographe, under Captain Baudin. Peron’s observations proved to be of great importance to the natural history of the region. Project Eden Francois Peron National Park Project Eden is a nationally significant project working to conserve the threatened and endangered species that inhabit the Peron Peninsular. The project removes introduced species in the area and as a result, there has been vast increase in the number of local fauna. Bilbies, mallee fowl and woylies have been successfully reintroduced to the region as a result of this project. Learn more about Project Eden at the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery and Visitor Centre. Shark Bay Pearls Shark Bay sunset Page 56 | australiascoralcoast.com Around the same time as the first pastoralists settled in Shark Bay, pearlers also arrived in the region in the 1850s. An American whaler first noticed oysters in the area and shortly after pearlers could be seen walking the sand banks in search of pearls. A working pearling station now operates off the coast of Monkey Mia and is one of the industries Shark Bay is known for. Tours to the farm provide an insight into how pearls are cultivated and you may even get the opportunity to taste pearl meat. Pearls can be purchased at the pearling station or in Denham. Meeting the friendly dolphins of Monkey Mia Monkey Mia Dolphins Monkey Mia Reserve is located on the eastern shore of Peron Peninsula about 23 kilometres from the town of Denham. Home to the world famous Monkey Mia dolphins, it’s a must stop for families and nature lovers alike. Monkey Mia also offers many other attractions and tours including beach camel treks, catamaran wildlife sailing cruises and Indigenous tours. Explore the area surrounding Monkey Mia on the easy, 1.5-kilometre walk trail starting at the Denham and Monkey Mia Visitor Centre and heading into the sand dunes before returning to the beach. Access to Monkey Mia Reserve is subject to a Department of Environment and Conservation National Park entrance fee. The dolphins of Monkey Mia are famous for their daily ritual of swimming to shore to interact with humans. As the bottlenose dolphins are wild, numbers and the exact time of their visit varies, however they usually visit the shore up to three times a day, usually starting at 7.30am. Seven dolphins regularly visit the beach with up to 20 others visiting occasionally. Monkey Mia dolphins are protected by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). Visitors may get the opportunity to feed the dolphins under the supervision of a National Park Ranger, though this privilege is not guaranteed. DEC has developed a management program that aims to ensure the dolphins maintain their hunting and survival skills. Therefore, the dolphins are only fed a maximum of one third of their daily intake of fish. Visitors can also learn more about the Monkey Mia dolphins at the Dolphin Information Centre located inside the Denham and Monkey Mia Visitor Centre. Souvenirs and postcards are also on sale here, proceeds of which support the Monkey Mia appeal trust. Indigenous Perspective Gathaagudu is the Aboriginal name for Shark Bay, meaning two waters. Long before Europeans landed and settled in the Shark Bay area, the land and waters of Monkey Mia and surrounds provided a livelihood for the local Nhanda and Malgana people. You can get an Indigenous perspective on Shark Bay by taking a walking tour departing from the Denham and Monkey Mia Visitor Centre several times a day. Learn about the Indigenous history of Shark Bay and its many plants and animals. Become an animal tracker and discover which plants make good bush tucker and medicine. Along the walk you will visit significant cultural sites including a shell midden and caves where archaeological evidence has dated Indigenous occupation back thousands of years. Sailing tour Canoe hire at Monkey Mia Pelicans at Monkey Mia Wildlife Cruises Be sure to join a wildlife cruise aboard a catamaran yacht tour. Sailing out into the rich waters of Shark Bay Marine Park, you may get the opportunity to get close to dolphins, turtles, dugongs and many more marine species. Alternatively head out on a sunset cruise and relax with a drink as the sun sets over the nearby rust red cliffs. Shark Bay beach australiascoralcoast.com | Page 57 Camel rides on the beach Image Image Sand dunes of Shark Bay Image Monkey Mia Jetty Page 58 | australiascoralcoast.com Shark Bay World Heritage Area Abundant Marine Life Dirk Hartog Island Shark Bay Marine Park covers 1500 kilometres of coastline, making it the largest marine embayment in Australia. On any visit you’re likely to spot turtles, dolphins, manta rays, whales and dugongs, be it on a boat or from the shore. The shallow waters support a diverse ecology, including the largest number and area of seagrass species in the world, providing nutrition and shelter for the marine fauna. Shark Bay is also an important turtle nesting location with up to 6,000 marine turtles living in the water including the precious loggerhead turtle, considered the most endangered turtle species in Australia. Tours are available, offering visitors the unique opportunity to witness Shark Bay’s abundant marine life. For those who like a little seclusion, Western Australia’s largest island, Dirk Hartog offers a peaceful retreat of beautiful scenery and private white sandy beaches. Dirk Hartog Island was the first recorded landing on Australian soil by Europeans. Captain Dirk Hartog announced his arrival by erecting an inscribed pewter plate at the site now known as Cape Inscription. A replica of this plate can be seen at the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery and Visitor Centre. Fishing is very good around the island. Scuba diving, snorkelling and walking are also great ways to explore the surrounds. The island is open to visitors from March to October. Air and land tours and accommodation need to be prearranged and bookings are essential. Dugongs Steep Point and Zuytdorp Cliffs Due to the vast sea grass meadows in the Shark Bay Marine Park, dugongs can be found year round near Shark Bay. The Shark Bay area alone supports 10 per cent of the world’s dugong population. They feed on the significant sea grass meadows that blanket the sea floor of the Shark Bay Marine Park. You can’t help but be enchanted by these graceful (if a little bizarre looking) creatures. Dugongs can grow up to three metres in length and weigh as much as 400 kilograms. Being mammals, they cannot hold their breath under water for very long, so they can often be spotted coming to the surface for air. You can experience dugongs on a wildlife cruise from Monkey Mia or on a scenic flight above Shark Bay to spot them. Spectacularly beautiful Steep Point is the most western point of mainland Australia and is a Mecca for fishermen. In fact it’s known to be one of the world’s most successful land based game fishing locations. Access is by four wheel drive only and visitors are advised to exercise caution and bring their own drinking water and supplies. This area also features the magnificent Zuytdorp (pronounced Zurtoff) Cliffs towering up to 170 metres above sea level. The Zuytdorp Cliffs that begin at Kalbarri to the south and end at Steep Point in the north make for some amazing scenery, including blowholes that shoot sea spray up to nine metres into the air. Land and scenic air tours are available to Steep Point and over the Zuytdorp Cliffs. Dolphins are just the beginning... lphin encounters. Absolute beachfront accommodation. Magical do World leading nature-based experiences. Only accommodation in Monkey Mia. freecall 1800 653 611 phone +61 8 9948 1320 monkeymia@aspenresorts.com.au monkeymia.com.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 59 0210 Monkey Mia Flash Backpackers 'HQKDP²0RQNH\0LD²6KDUN%D\ ++++3URSHUW\ Quality budget accommodation. Stunning beachfront location. 2FHDQIURQWURRPVZLWKSULYDWHEDOFRQ\ $OOURRPVKDYHNLQJVL]HEHGV )XOO\OLFHQVHGUHVWDXUDQW /RXQJHVDORRQEDUV &RQIHUHQFHDQGPHHWLQJIDFLOLWLHV 3RRODQGVXQEDNLQJGHFN 7HDFRIIHHPDNLQJIDFLOLWLHV 79)R[WHOIUHHLQKRXVHPRYLHV *XHVWODXQGU\ 'LVDEOHGIDFLOLWLHV 'ULYHWKURXJKERWWOHVKRS 2SHQVHFXUHFDUSDUNLQJIDFLOLW\ $LUFRQGLWLRQLQJ $70LQPDLQEDU +LUHFDUVDQGVFRRWHUV $LUSRUWWUDQVIHUVDYDLODEOH $OIUHVFRGLQLQJRQEDOFRQ\RYHUORRNLQJ WKH)UH\FLQHW%HDFK %URDGEDQGLQWHUQHWDYDLODEOH Unique, affordable, world-leading activities and facilities. Voted top ten flashpacker accommodation under $100 in Australia by Australian Traveller Magazine. monkeymia@aspenresorts.com.au t freecall 1800 653 611 ph +61 8 9948 1320 t monkeymia.com.au 7) .QLJKW7FH'HQKDP:$ (KUVE#ELJSRQGFRPt:KHULWDJHUHVRUWVKDUNED\FRPDX 2428 Page 60 | australiascoralcoast.com 0227 DISCOVER SHARK BAY WORLD HERITAGE Discover the wonder of Shark Bay’s world heritage attractions along the new Shark Bay World Heritage Drive. The 130km fully signposted drive commences at the Overlander Roadhouse on the North West Coastal Highway through to Monkey Mia. Here you can get in touch with the Earth’s evolutionary and biological history, its unique natural formations and seek out habitats where threatened species survive. Each attraction includes interpretive signage helping you to make the very most of your experience. DISCOVERY AND VISITOR CENTRE SHARK BAY Peron Homestead Monkey Mia World Heritage Little Lagoon Discovery Centre Denham Ocean Park Eagle Bluff Shell Beach Nanga Hamelin Pool Stromatolites HAMELIN POOL STROMATOLITES Stroll along the boardwalk, read about the history of Stumpy’s Stromatolite Family and take in the biology of these ancient organisms. How did a stromatolite change the world? What are Shark Bay’s very own land and sea animals? Why is Shark Bay World Heritage Listed? SHELL BEACH Not your everyday sand beach, Shell Beach is made of trillions of tiny shells. It is a sight to behold; tonnes of bleached white shells forming a beach up to 1km wide, giving way to crystal clear water of the most intense greens and blues. EAGLE BLUFF One of the best places in Shark Bay to view marine life. The shallow waters of Henri Freycinet Harbour below the boardwalk are teeming with life including rays, turtles, sharks and the occasional dugong, especially in the summer months. WORLD HERITAGE DISCOVERY CENTRE Your one-stop informative display covering all of Shark Bay’s natural and cultural features, this centre is a must-see for every visitor to the area. LITTLE LAGOON Almost perfectly circular in shape, this pristine waterway is a natural nursery for several fish species and a classified marine recreation zone that allows recreational fishing but prohibits the use of nets. PERON HERITAGE PRECINCT Located within the stunning Francois Peron National Park, the Precinct provides a self guided walk trail exploring the area’s history, visiting the shearing shed, shearer’s quarters and stock yards. MONKEY MIA World famous for its dolphin interaction experience, don’t miss the many other tours and attractions available for you to enjoy. Look out for these signs as you drive For a Shark Bay World Heritage Drive brochure call (08) 9948 1590 or visit www.sharkbayworldheritagedrive.com.au SHARK BAY VISITORS CENTRE Visitor Information on all the exciting Shark Bay experiences Book all your accommodation and tours with our helpful staff Open 7 days, 9am to 6pm (except Good Friday and Christmas Day) Ph: 08 9948 1590 www.sharkbayvisit.com 53 Knight Terrace, Denham WA 6537 Email: sbdc@sharkbay.wa.gov.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 61 2288 Join ‘Shotover’, the awesome 18 metre sailing catamaran, for Australia’s only pure sail, award-winning, wildlife cruises. Special deal: Take the afternoon wildlife cruise and get the sunset cruise for free. A full day in the Francois Peron National Park, adventuring in splendid isolation of stunning scenery, gobsmacking colour and incredible wildlife. Take a tour and save 25% on cruises. Specialists in getting you accommodation on the beachfront at either Monkey Mia or Denham from as little as $99. From the beach, explore our stunning universe in the vivid blaze of Monkey Mia’s night sky. bookings@monkeymiawildsights.com.au www.monkeymiawildsights.com.au Phone: (08) 99 481 481 Toll Free: 1800 241 481 0298 t Underwater Observation Windows t Family Concession t Free Boomnetting t Liquor Licensed t Visit the Black Pearl Farm (inclusive of tour) t See Dolphins, Dugongs, Turtles, Sharks and Rays t Snorkelling t See Steep Point, Dirk Hartog Island, Whales, Zuytdorp Cliffs 0005 BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE OCEAN PARK AQUARIUM AND LICENSED CAFÉ OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK · 9AM-5PM AQUARIUM 4WD TOURS OCEAN PARK LICENSED CAFÉ Open air interactive aquarium is home to some of the region’s most diverse and dangerous residents. Our experienced tour guides will show you the raw beauty and pristine coastline of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Relax with a refreshing beverage whilst soaking up the warm glow of the setting sun. Moray Eels, Logger head Turtles, Sea Snakes, Clownfish Rays, Pink Snapper, Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Rankin Cod, Golden Trevally, Tailor, Mulloway, Barramundi, Samson Fish, Cray Fish, Lemon Sharks, Sandbar Sharks, Reef Sharks, Lion Fish, Squid and many more. Ĕ Francois Peron National Park - Includes Ocean Park Aquarium tour & Snorkeling tour. Ĕ Steep Point - Includes the famous Zuytdorp Cliffs, Blowholes, South Passage, Thunder Bay, False Entrance & Bush Walk/Wild Flower tour. Internet connection available, the café is the ideal spot to stay in touch with family or make some new friends. * Conditions apply. 08 9948 1765 info@oceanpark.com.au oceanpark.com.au 2434 Page 62 | australiascoralcoast.com Shark Bay Fishing Club Bay Lodge 2647 2430 Shark Bay’s Annual Fishing Fiesta 7th - 13th May 2011 Absolute Beachfront International Backpackers & Family Accommodation • Great Fishing • Great Prizes • 1 & 2 bedroom bungalows • Doubles, singles, triples & quads • Swimming Pool • Great Entertainment • Daily Weigh-in’s • Barbecue area • Outdoor facilities • Airconditioning • Internet access • Public telephones • Free return courtesy bus to Monkey Mia Resort for dolphin feeding • Drink Can Regatta • Kids Activities • Fireworks • Markets • Bar Facilities • Food • Auction Bay Lodge 113 Knight Terrace Denham WA 6537 Freecall: 1800 812 780 T: +61 8 9948 1278 Email: baylodge@wn.com.au Web: www.baylodge.info Contact the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery Centre for any queries Shark Bay Fishing Club Ph: +61 8 9948 1590 Email: sharkbaytc@westnet.com.au Denham Seaside Tourist Village 0225 Discover stunning contrasts Absolute Beachfront Caravan Park • Budget Cabins • Ensuite Sites • Caravan Bays • Camping Bays • Deluxe Chalets - Modern, air conditioned, 1 & 2 bedroom, TV, DVD, microwave, fridge/freezer and verandah • Disabled facilities • Three ablution blocks (including unisex) • Fish cleaning facilities • Campers Kitchen • Dogs by arrangement • Close to boat ramps • SENIORS DISCOUNTS! Denham Seaside Tourist Village 1 Knights Terrace Denham WA 6537 Ph: +61 8 9948 1242 Fax: +61 8 9948 1196 Email: shark.bay@wn.com.au Web: www.sharkbayfun.com Carbla Station 2603 Historic Homestead and Unique Outback Experience The fully operational Carbla Station gives visitors the chance to experience the rugged and beautiful Australian outback. The Station encompasses over 100,000 hectares of picturesque rural land, with 20km of beautiful Shark Bay beach frontage. The Homestead provides Shearer’s Quarters and Camping, with Luxury Tents coming soon. From spectacular rocky outcrops and red sand dunes to sheep shearing, makes Carbla Station an unforgettable Australian outback experience! Outback Wilderness & Beach, Shearers Quarters & Camping* Luxury Tents (coming soon) *Conditions and restrictions apply. All Retreats - Incorporating Maitraya, Ocean Park, Carbla Station, La Terrisse. Carbla Station Shark Bay WA 6537 Ph: +61 8 9948 1765 Ph: +61 8 9942 5915 Email: info@oceanpark.com.au Web: carbla.com.au Choose from a range of activities and attractions at australiascoralcoast.com australiascoralcoast.com | Page 63 Shark Bay to Ningaloo… An area so extraordinary it’s been nominated as one of just 15 National Landscapes in Australia. Find out why at australiascoralcoast.com Blue Dolphin Caravan Park 2436 Oceanside Village 2263 Under New Management - Pet Friendly Denham Beachfront holiday accommodation in Shark Bay. Come and meet Barry, Trish and their faithful canine companion Buddy. The Blue Dolphin Caravan Park is centrally located, only 50 metres from the main beach & shopping areas of Shark Bay. Take a short walk to the Shark Bay Discovery Centre or meet the locals and enjoy the tasty delights of the cafes and restaurants. We are a pet friendly park with a fun, family orientated atmosphere. We offer shady, powered, unpowered caravan and camping sites, self contained units, budget cabins and cabins with external ensuites. Oceanside Village offers modern 3½ star self contained waterfront holiday villas at excellent prices, directly on the ocean in Denham right in the heart of the Shark Bay World Heritage Region. Blue Dolphin Caravan Park Denham WA 6537 Ph: +61 8 9948 1385 Fax: +61 8 9948 1368 Email: bluedolphin@westnet.com.au Web: www.ozpal.com/bluedolphin Oceanside Village 117 Knight Tce Denham WA 6537 Freecall: 1800 680 600 Ph: +61 8 9948 3003 Web: www.oceanside.com.au CARAVAN PARK Page 64 | australiascoralcoast.com We offer 22 (1 and 2 bedroom ) free standing, air-conditioned luxury villas in an extremely quiet location and we are just an easy 2 minute walk to supermarkets, restaurants and other shops. Free WiFi and selected Foxtel channels, swimming pool, guest laundry and ample parking for boats and trailers available. You couldn’t have a better location for your family holiday. ### Carnarvon PERTH Carnarvon One Mile Jetty Carnarvon Carnarvon is a subtropical oasis where fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood is plentiful. It is a great place to rest, relax and recharge, take in the Indigenous and pioneering heritage of the region. Base yourself in Carnarvon for visits to the rugged inland or the wilderness coast. The Fascine Gascoyne Growers’ Markets Carnarvon’s central waterway, known as The Fascine, was named after an 1800s building technique used to construct the embankment on the south arm of the Gascoyne River. Stately palms line the water way, making it a lovely spot for a picnic or a stroll. The sunset views are magnificent. You may even see a dolphin. The Gascoyne Growers’ Markets operate outside the Carnarvon Visitor Centre every Saturday morning from May to October. The market is run by the growers themselves, who often pick their produce the night before (or even that morning) so it comes fresh to you at the market. Purchase tropical fruits, homemade icecreams, a wide variety of veggies, herbs, honey, eggs, cakes, jams, relishes and plants. Enjoy a coffee and a muffin while you stroll through the stalls, listen to the buskers and pick up a few tips from the growers themselves. The markets are plastic bag free, so be sure to take along your green bags. Produce Plantations Carnarvon’s many plantations produce millions of dollars worth of produce annually, including more than half of WA’s bananas. The region’s mild climate, pestfree status and the fertile land near the Gascoyne River result in the production of top quality fruit and vegetables. Many plantation operators also produce a range of quality sauces, jams, pickled fruit, ice creams and dried fruit. Take a drive down North or South River Roads, join a tour to buy produce direct from the growers’ stalls or head to the Growers’ Market. Contact the Visitor Centre for tour information. Taste of the Gascoyne This annual celebration of local seafood and produce features celebrity and local chefs presenting new ways to enjoy the abundant supplies of this outback oasis. The first week in August will see a series of events showcasing the best of Gascoyne food. Banana plantation Did you know? Carnarvon is the only town in Australia where the central desert reaches out to the sea. Information Population: 6,085 Distance from Perth: 905km Carnarvon Visitor Centre Robinson St, Carnarvon WA 6701 Tel: +61 8 9941 1146 carnarvon.org.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 65 Tasty local produce Windsurfing Gascoyne Food Trail Fishing Enjoy a taste of regional produce on the Gascoyne Food Trail. The trail will take you to producer direct seafood and horticultural outlets as well as to venues incorporating local produce in their menu. Seasonally available produce includes mangoes, grapes, watermelons and a spectrum of fresh vegetables. Prawns, scallops, crab and fish can be purchased direct from the factories in Carnarvon during the winter months. Fruit ice-creams, preserves, dried and frozen products are available direct from producers all year round. Pick up a copy of the Gascoyne Food Trail brochure and map from the Carnarvon Visitor Centre. Carnarvon is renowned for its many recreational fishing locations. From the jetties along The Fascine to the One Mile Jetty and the beaches at Pelican Point and Dwyers Leap you can cast a line for whiting, tailor or mulloway. It is also a great location for putting your small boat in the water to explore the tidal creeks for mangrove jack or to try for snapper or groper in the bay. Head to the Carnarvon Visitor Centre for maps to point you to these locations. Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Culture Centre The OTC Dish People from the five Aboriginal language groups in the Gascoyne have come together to showcase their history, art and culture which you can share by visiting Gwoonwardu Mia. Not only can you meet local people and purchase artworks, you can delight in the innovative local cuisine available at the Yallibiddi, (Yingarrda for emu) Café. open weekdays 10am-3pm. OTC Dish Dominating the Carnarvon skyline is an Overseas Telecommunications (OTC) Dish, a testament to the significant role that Carnarvon played in the space race of the 1960s and 1970s. Messages to the Apollo mission that landed on the moon were relayed through installations in Carnarvon when the orbit passed the southern hemisphere. It was also from here that Australia received its first satellite television broadcast. The station closed in 1987 after assisting in tracking Halley’s Comet in 1986. The area offers a panoramic view of the town and surrounding countryside. Pioneer Park Seafood Red Bluff, north of Carnarvon Page 66 | australiascoralcoast.com A thriving prawn, scallop, crab and fishing industry operates from Carnarvon. During the months of May to October freshly caught seafood can be purchased directly from the factories. Pioneer Park has two enormous bones from a blue whale, forming an arch over the entrance to a pleasant picnic spot. Further along Olivia Terrace is Baxter Park, which hosts a great children’s playground. The Coffee Pot Train The Gascoyne Dash Carnarvon Tramway This locally run desert endurance motor race draws competitors from around the nation. The two day, 300 kilometre race along outback station tracks and down the sandy Gascoyne River bed stops the town. If you are nearby in late October, be sure to witness the Gascoyne Dash when motorcycles, quad bikes, custom built four wheel drives and buggies challenge themselves as well as each other. Winning is something, finishing is everything. This 2.5-kilometre walk trail connects the town with the heritage precinct. The Tramway Bridge across the south arm of the Gascoyne River was constructed during the 1900s to transport goods between the port of Carnarvon and the town centre. The full walk trail continues another two kilometres through the heritage precinct and up the One Mile Jetty. Signage on the local flora and fauna can be found along the trail. Carnarvon Heritage Precinct War Memorial Immerse yourself in local history, at the Carnarvon Heritage Precinct, located on the site of the 1890s Port of Carnarvon, just three kilometres from the centre of town. Step back in time to the early 1900s. Take a walk down memory lane through the Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottage Museum, restored to the times of our pioneers who looked after the lighthouse. Visit the Railway Museum - home of the fully restored Kimberley Steam Train that operated from the jetty to town in the 1950s. Don’t leave without enjoying a coffee or ice cream at the kiosk open daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm between April and September. The memorial was shipped from Perth and erected in 1923 to serve as a reminder of the tragic loss of life in the Great War. Plaques for the Second World War, Korean and Vietnam wars were added later. The Wall of Remembrance was unveiled on November 23, 1991 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Sydney II off the shores of the region in 1941. This event was the worst Australian maritime tragedy during World War II. HMAS Sydney II Memorial Drive was constructed at the south entrance to Carnarvon in 2001. This avenue of 645 plaques and palms along the road identifies the individual loss of lives. A cairn has been erected on Quobba Station where the Kormoran (the German raider that sunk the HMAS Sydney II) survivors landed on life boats. One Mile Jetty Shearers Hall of Fame Built in 1897, Carnarvon’s famous One Mile Jetty is one of the longest jetties in the southern hemisphere. Throw in a fishing line, walk its length or catch the quaint “Coffee Pot” train. Learn about the golden days of the Gascoyne’s shearing industry back in the 1950s at Western Australia’s first Shearing Hall of Fame. Discover the region’s efficient shearing techniques. Precinct Museums The blowholes The Fascine, Carnarvon australiascoralcoast.com | Page 67 Ningaloo coastline Surrounding attractions Quobba Station / Red Bluff and Gnaraloo The Blowholes and Marine Sanctuary Zone Located about 70 kilometres north of Carnarvon along sealed roads, the Blowholes form a natural spectacle as the ocean is forced through sea caves before exploding out through holes in the rock. Depending on the swell the spray can often reach up to 20 metres high. Just two kilometres south of the Blowholes is a calm coral filled lagoon where marine life abounds. Rocky Pool This deep, fresh water, billabong in the Gascoyne River, 55 kilometres east of Carnarvon is an ideal picnic site. The water is lined with majestic gums, which are home to a great range of bird life. All aboard! Red Bluff, Quobba The Kennedy Ranges Heading north of Carnarvon along the coast, you’ll find beachside hideaways at Quobba Station, Red Bluff and Gnaraloo. This magnificent stretch of coast boasts towering cliffs and sandy beaches, great fishing, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, swimming and sight seeing. In 2004 the Ningaloo Marine Park was extended to include the waters off this stretch of coastline. The coastal cliffs provide the ideal platform to view humpback whales just metres off the coast during their annual migration from June to November. Gnaraloo Station staff also work closely with DEC to protect the local marine turtles that come onto the station land to nest each year. 150 kilometres inland from Carnarvon, the Kennedy Range National Park is simply stunning. The ranges are 75 kilometres long, up to 25 kilometres wide and are the result of millions of years of erosion where the natural force of winds, rains and movement in the earth’s crust have combined to etch out valleys and push up spectacular cliff faces. Bush camping is permitted at designated sites. There are also several walk trails to particularly scenic places, and a tourist road leads to a picnic site where fossils can be found. Keep an eye out for the beautiful stones, opalite and mookarite. Your experience will be heightened if visiting between August and September, when a range of beautiful wildflowers burst into colour. Carnarvon Visitor Centre 0419 Your friendly, informative visitor’s centre. • Tours, Accommodation and Greyhound bookings • Maps • Souvenirs • Gifts • Internet Access • Local Products & Preserves Visit the Carnarvon Heritage Precinct and ride the ‘Coffee Pot’ train as it rumbles along One Mile Jetty. Make tracks at australiascoralcoast.com Conveniently located at the second roundabout, with ample parking for caravans behind the centre ### Page 68 | australiascoralcoast.com Carnarvon Visitor Centre Civic Centre, 21 Robinson Street Carnarvon WA 6701 Ph: +61 8 9941 1146 Fax: +61 8 9941 1149 Email: info@carnarvon.org.au Web: www.carnarvon.org.au V i s i t o r C e n t r e 9TA 00030 2433 C Ciin nd dy ya an nd dK Keev viin nB Ba arrrreetttt iin nv viittee y yoou u ttoo Stay awhile and relax in Carnarvon! LE, WHETHER YOU’RE CAMPING OR TRAVELLING IN STY YL WE HAVE THE ACCOMMODATION FOR YOU! For more details visit our website: www.carnarvonwa.com CARNARVON HOLIDAY RESORT H Fascine Lodge Fa SELF RATED ÌÌÌÕ Enjoy your stay in Carnarvon’s idyllic cl lim mate. Close Cl climate. to the CBD, scenic Fascine walkwa ays, tourist t walkways, attractions & so much more! AAA RATED x Swimming pool x Wireless internet x Restaurant & Bar x Ensuite aircon rooms & family suites x Executive rooms x Secure parking x Ideal venue for weddings, seminars & functions. Gateway to the Coral Coast ast Tel 08 9941 6900 x x x x x x Relax b by the pool in a Balinese setting Ideal for holiday and business stays Ensuite aircon motel rooms 2 bedroom self-contained apartments Wireless internet, children’s playground Licensed restaurant open daily. 379 Robinson Street, Carnarvon bookings@thegatewaymotel.com ÌFully self-contained motel-style accommodation on ÌShady sites ÌPrivate ensuites ÌSwimming pool ÌClose to shops ÌInternet café ÌPets welcome 34 David Brand Dr, Carnarvon bookings@fascinelodge.com 477 Robinson Street, Carnarvon bookings@carnarvonpark.com.au Tel 08 9941 8101 Tel 08 9941 0600 DISCOUNT RATES FOR WEEKLY BOOKINGS Best Western Hospitality Inn Carnarvon Ideally located on the banks of the Gascoyne River, just 800m from the city centre. Hospitality Inn welcomes you to air conditioned affordable comfort in one of their 45 well appointed rooms complete with fridge, tea & coffee, Foxtel & free in-house movies. Enjoy the on-site facilities including pool, playground, BBQ area and superb licensed Restaurant all set in attractive grounds. Best Western Hospitality Inn 6 West Street Carnarvon WA 6701 Ph: +61 8 9941 1600 Fax: +61 8 9941 2405 Email: carnarvon@hospitalityinns.com.au Web: www.hospitalityinncarnarvon.com.au 0006 Carnarvon Sea Change Apartments These brand new 1 & 2 bedroom apartments are centrally located on Olivia Terrace overlooking Carnarvon’s magnificent fascine waterways. All units are fully self contained with many modern conveniences including: • Air conditioning • Wireless internet access • Large 40” LCD TV • BBQ • Espresso Machine • Dishwasher & Washing machine • Double glazed • Wheelchair accessible Carnarvon Sea Change Apartments Olivia Terrace Carnarvon WA 6701 Ph: 0408 785 697 Email: jjdwyer@bigpond.net.au Web: www.carnarvonseachangeapartments.com.au 2357 Coral Coast Tourist Park Stay central at the only park right in town Located right in the heart of Carnarvon, you’re walking distance from the town centre and magnificent fascine waterways. Choose from our two bedroom and spa deluxe park homes and cabin accommodation or a grassed site with annex pad. A new camper’s kitchen and free barbecues are also available. Relax in our tropical swimming pool, hire a bike and amuse the children in our playground. Use us as your ideal base to explore all the sites and activities Carnarvon can offer. P +61 8 9941 1438 • F +61 8 9941 1448 E info@coralcoastpark.com • W www.coralcoasttouristpark.com.au 108 Robinson Street, Carnarvon WA 6701 0003 Page 70 | australiascoralcoast.com 2122 Carnarvon’s Premier Tourist Park Winner - Best Tourism Development Business 2009 & 2010 Carnarvon CCI Awards For your best stay in Carnarvon phone our friendly staff today 08 9941 8150 or Book Online www.wintersuncaravanpark.com.au ➤ RELAX in deluxe accommodation ➤ UNWIND on a shady grassed site ➤ ENJOY FAMILY FUN in pool, rec room & bowling green ➤ MAKE NEW FRIENDS at pool side camp kitchen ➤ KEEP IN TOUCH with wireless internet ➤ HOLIDAY with your pet (conditions apply) ➤ ASK OUR FRIENDLY STAFF about great off peak specials 546 Robinson Street | T: 1300 555 585 (National) | E: info@wintersuncaravanpark.com.au TOURIST PARK 2109 Carnarvon Central Apartments Capricorn Holiday Park 2432 Broome Karratha Caltex Carnarvon Town Centre Shell Park Homely, self-contained units at an affordable price. A great place to stop overnight or stay awhile & relax... • Enjoy our friendly park, in peaceful surrounds • Only minutes from the town centre • Fully self contained ensuite and standard cabins • Spacious shady grass sites with annex pads • Buses/motor homes welcome • Clean ablutions & laundry facilities • 24 hour shop nearby • Campers kitchen, including stove, fridge & TV • Pets welcome at Manager's discretion • Under New Management Short stroll to centre of town, airport and Fascine. Enjoy a relaxing holiday in Carnarvon - ‘Home of the Winter Sun!’. Children, business travellers and long stay visitors are most welcome. Perth Capricorn Holiday Park 1042 North West Coastal Highway Carnarvon WA 6701 Ph: +61 8 9941 8153 Email: stay@capricornholidaypark.com.au Web: www.capricornholidaypark.com.au 0013 Carnarvon Central Apartments 120 Robinson St Carnarvon WA 6701 Ph: +61 8 9941 1317 Fax: +61 8 9941 4184 Email: sunnywinters@westnet.com.au Web: www.carnarvonholidays.com australiascoralcoast.com | Page 71 Celebrating Indigenous Culture in the Gascoyne 0375 Telomac Tackle 2394 Gwoonwardu Mia • Cafe • Galleries • Artist in Residence • Conference Rooms & Meeting Space for Hire • Gallery Shop. Come and experience the Gascoyne’s Aboriginal history, art, heritage and culture visiting Gwoonwardu Mia. Walk through the ethno botanical gardens and explore a variety of flora native to the region and delight in the bush tucker cuisine available at the Yallibiddi Cafe. See us for Local Advice & Conditions. • FISHING • DIVING • CAMPING • ICE • GAS • BAIT Agents for Camec Caravan Parts. Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage & Cultural Centre 144-148 Robinson St, PO Box 929 Carnarvon WA 6701 Ph: +61 8 9941 1989 Fax: +61 8 9941 1929 Email: gahcc@gahcc.com.au Web: www.gahcc.com.au Telomac Tackle 348 Robinson St Carnarvon WA 6701 Ph: +61 8 9941 1873 Fax: +61 8 9941 1903 Email: telomac@bigpond.com Quobba Station 2656 Stock up on supplies! 80kms of WA’s most spectacular coastline 80km of WA’s most spectacular coastline. A family operated sheep station, offering land based game fishing, surfing, whale watching and snorkelling the Southern tip of the Ningaloo Reef. Accommodation / Camping to suit all requirements is available. Travel another 60km to experience the jewel of Quobba Station, Red Bluff. Quobba Station Gnarloo Rd Carnarvon WA 6701 Ph: +61 8 9948 5098 Email: quobbastation@bigpond.com Web: www.quobba.com.au 0014 Advanced EcoTourism Get your two fruit and five veg at the Gascoyne Grower’s market, held every Saturday between May and October, outside the Carnarvon Visitor Centre. The Fish and Whistle Backpacker and Motel Accommodation 0014 Located in the Centre of Town Located in the centre of town and within walking distance to the shopping centre & speciality stores, restaurants, cafes, hotels, banks, cinema, fascine, town beach and post office. Just 100m to bus terminal and many other essential services. Backpacker & Motel Accommodation • Motel rooms with private bathroom, fridge, airconditioning, TV, tea & coffee • Rooms with private bathroom, fridge & TV • Single, double & triple rooms • Shared bathroom facilities • No bunks • Spacious common areas • Games room • Large guest kitchen Other Features • Guest Internet - 24 hr access including wireless hotspot. • Work opportunities • Transport to work available • Guest laundry (coin operated) • Off street parking The Fish and Whistle 35 Robinson Street (Corner of Alexandra St) Carnarvon WA 6701 Ph: +61 8 9941 1704 Fax: +61 8 9941 1835 Email: stay@fishandwhistle.com.au Web: www.fishandwhistle.com.au Page 72 | australiascoralcoast.com For more details, visit australiascoralcoast.com ### Coral Bay PERTH Ningaloo coastline near Coral Bay Coral Bay As the southern gateway to the world renowned Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay is a marine paradise. Its dazzling underwater gardens start just metres from the pristine white shores, bringing this underwater fantasia within reach of even the youngest of swimmers. Ningaloo Marine Park Ningaloo Reef is Australia’s largest fringing coral reef. In some places it starts just metres from the shore. The Ningaloo Marine Park extends 10 nautical miles seaward and encompasses over 5,000 square kilometres of ocean. The shallow lagoons formed by the reef, and the deeper offshore waters create a diverse array of habitats for a multitude of colourful corals and species of fish. Over 200 species of soft and hard coral can be found on the Ningaloo Reef. Snorkelling/Scuba Diving A snorkel or dive experience on the Ningaloo Reef is a must on a trip to Coral Bay. At Bill’s Bay, you can explore the coral by just stepping off the sand. This makes experiencing the reef easy for all ages and levels of fitness. Incredible coral gardens start just metres from the shore. Further out, several hotspots are located just within the outer reef. Here the fish are colourful, sea life abounds and you’re likely to encounter manta rays and turtles swimming among the coral gardens. For Beaches a local’s insight, join a tour to experience Situated right on the doorstep of Coral some of the best diving hotspots. Snorkel Bay’s accommodation, Bill’s Bay is calm and dive equipment is available for hire and protected, making it an ideal family from Coral Bay. swimming location. This is a sanctuary zone; therefore no fishing is permitted, making the fish life abundant and the Coral Spawning snorkelling amazing. Here, the Ningaloo In March and April divers and snorkellers Reef starts just metres from the shore, can witness an amazing spectacle at night therefore is accessible for the whole family. with lights when the ocean glows. Coral Purdy Point is another safe swimming beach at the end of the fish sanctuary, spawning occurs when coral releases and is ideal for snorkelling. The crystal eggs and sperm into the surrounding clear waters and brilliant white sand give ocean approximately 10 to 12 days after the full moon. Paradise Beach its name. School of spangled emperor Did you know? Mantra rays have the largest brain of all fish, which may explain their inquisitive nature. Information Population: 192 Distance from Perth: 1,132km Exmouth Visitor Centre Murat Road, Exmouth WA 6707 Tel: 1800 287 328 exmouthwa.com.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 73 Image Explore the reef by canoe Snapper feeding, Coral Bay Ningaloo Marine Park Page 74 | australiascoralcoast.com Swimming with manta rays at Ningaloo Whale Sharks Turtles These gentle giants visit the Ningaloo Marine Park from mid March to mid July annually, following the mass spawning of coral at Ningaloo Reef. Several tour operators offer full day tours allowing you to swim with these amazing creatures. Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish and can grow up to 18 metres in length. They are filter feeders and are therefore harmless to humans. The Ningaloo Marine Park is considered one of the most reliable and easily accessible places on earth to swim with these gentle giants. The Ningaloo Marine Park is an important breeding ground for three of the world’s seven marine species, including loggerhead, green and hawkesbill turtles. Loggerhead turtles come ashore to the sheltered beaches of Coral Bay to lay their eggs during the summer months. In February and early March the turtles hatch and lucky visitors can watch them venture into the sea. Snapper Feeding Visitors can head down to Bill’s Bay daily at 3:30pm to feed the schools of norwest Manta Rays snapper that swim into shore. Be sure to Swimming with manta rays is an bury your toes in the sand! unforgettable experience. Manta rays inhabit Coral Bay waters year round Shark Nursery and their inquisitive nature makes it A 20-minute walk north of Bill’s Bay (past fun to jump in the water and swim the boat mooring area) will bring you to with these harmless creatures. Unlike Skeleton Bay. From October to March sting rays, manta rays have no barb the waters of the bay turn into a reef and are therefore safe to swim with. It shark nursery. Watch as up to 200 reef is spectacular to watch these beautiful sharks lurk in the shallow waters. and harmless creatures as they glide elegantly through the water. Manta rays Nudibranch often have a wingspan of several metres Nudibranchs, casually known as ‘sea wide. slugs’ are some of the most beautiful and diverse creatures in the ocean. Whale Watching The word “nudibranch” comes from the It’s not just whale sharks that visit Coral Latin word nudas meaning naked, and Bay but the mighty humpback whale the Greek word brankhia meaning gills. too! While you can’t swim with these Ningaloo Reef is home to a plethora of marine giants, Coral Bay is an ideal these colourful, slow moving creatures. place to view their annual migration Despite their vivid colours, nudibranch from June to November. Opportunities are often well disguised, so look for them to see this spectacle are available from in shallow rock pools or grazing on the coral reef. the sea and the air. Sunset over Bill’s Bay Coral Viewing Quad Bike Treks You can see all the underwater sights at Coral Bay without even getting your feet wet aboard a glass bottom boat. Marvel at the changing colours of the coral and the parade of tropical fish, turtles and rays as you snap photographs as a permanent reminder of the experience. See Coral Bay from a different perspective on an exhilarating quad bike ride. A self drive adventure like no other, you’ll explore the beaches, bush tracks, pristine bays, dunes and cliff-lines with a backdrop of a picture perfect sunset. Or if you prefer to have a guide, join one of the arranged tours from Coral Bay. Sea Kayaks Double sea kayaks are the perfect way to explore the sheltered lagoons, where the water is rarely more than three metres deep. They are smooth and quiet, allowing you to get up close to wildlife. You can hire kayaks off the beach or join a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Fishing With a mixture of subtropical and tropical fish species, Coral Bay offers some of the best game fishing in the world. Search for red emperor, norwest snapper or cod. Both deep sea bottom fishing and light game fishing are offered. There are also many good opportunities for beach fishing away from the main swimming beach. There are several sanctuary zones around Coral Bay so be sure to check fishing is allowed before dropping in a line. Liveaboard Choose from a range of liveaboard adventures that explore the pristine Ningaloo Reef. Enjoy swimming in untouched coral gardens, searching for wildlife and simply relaxing. Tours depart from Coral Bay and Exmouth. Four Wheel Driving A four wheel drive track approximately ten kilometres north of Coral Bay allows you to traverse the coast heading north. The track eventually hits Ningaloo Station at the southern end of Cape Range National Park. You can head the whole way to Exmouth via this route and explore secluded beaches and striking scenery along the route. Suitable only for competent four wheel drivers. Be sure to check with the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) that Yardie Creek is passable before you set out. Sailing catamaran tours Four Wheel Drive Safari Tours See the coastline around Coral Bay in the comfort of a luxury four wheel drive tour. Venture through the rugged landscapes of Cape Range National Park or take in stunning views of the crystal clear waters of Ningaloo Marine Park. Alternatively, enjoy an extended break from the coast and head inland to explore the ancient scenery of the Karijini National Park in the Pilbara. Day trips and extended tours to surrounding areas depart from Coral Bay and Exmouth. Quad bike trek at Coral Bay australiascoralcoast.com | Page 75 &RUDO%D\·V 7RXUDQG ,QIRUPDWLRQ 6SHFLDOLVWV &RDVWDO$GYHQWXUH7RXUV9LVLWRU&HQWUHDQG,QWHUQHW &DIpLVORFDWHGLQWKHKHDUWRIWKH&RUDO%D\6KRSSLQJ $UFDGHDQGRIIHUVDQDUUD\RILQIRUPDWLRQ 9LVLWRXUIULHQGO\VWDIIDQGRUJDQLVHDOO \RXUKROLGD\DUUDQJHPHQWV Superior Backpacker Accommodation &RUDO%UHH]H6QRUNHO&UXLVHV Best atmosphere in Coral Bay. Swimming pool. Entertainment area. Alfresco poolside dining. Licensed Manta Bar. Internet access. Tour bookings. Share kitchen. Laundry. RATES FROM $27.00 pp. -RLQ XV DERDUG RXU OX[XU\ VDLOLQJ FDWDPDUDQ IRU D KDOI RU IXOO GD\ VQRUNHOFUXLVHRUDUHOD[LQJVXQVHW VDLO6DLOWKHWXUTXRLVHEOXHZDWHUV RIWKH1LQJDORR5HHIVHHDQDUUD\ RIPDULQHOLIHDQGVLWEDFNHQMR\ WKHSHDFHDQGWUDQTXLOLW\ ADVANCE ROOM BOOKINGS: (08) 9385 6655 DORMS & This week’s availability : (08) 9948 5100 Email: bcb@coralbaywa.com Web: www.ningalooclub.com 4XDG7UHN$GYHQWXUHV 6HOIGULYH$79DGYHQWXUHVLVDXQLTXH DQG H[FLWLQJ ZD\ WR GLVFRYHU WKH VSHFWDFXODU\HWLVRODWHGFRDVWOLQHWKDW VXUURXQGV&RUDO%D\&KRRVHIURP DKRXUWXUWOHDGYHQWXUHRUVXQVHW WRXURUDKRXUVQRUNHOWRXU 3K)D[ 6KRS&RUDO%D\6KRSSLQJ$UFDGH (PDLOFRUDOEUHH]H#ELJSRQGFRP :HEZZZFRUDOED\WRXUVFRPDX Immerse yourself in nature & adventure. Bayview offers everything you need to make your holiday unforgettable. &RUDO%D\·VRQHVWRSUHOD[DWLRQVKRS Lodge • Villas • Chalets • Cabins Caravan & Camping sites (QMR\DLUFRQGLWLRQHGFRPIRUW PDNHLWDKROLGD\WRUHPHPEHU Ticket Office onsite for all your tour booking requirements, including Coral Viewing & Snorkelling tours on our glass bottom boat, Miss Coral Bay III and Manta, Nature or Whale Watching (in season) on our 40ft vessel, MV Ningaloo. 0DVVDJH )DFLDO7UHDWPHQWV 0DQLFXUH3HGLFXUH *LIW9RXFKHUV :D[LQJ +DLU7UHDWPHQWV&XWV&RORXUV :HGGLQJ3DFNDJHV %RG\7UHDWPHQWV +DLU%HDXW\3URGXFWV0XFK0RUH ADVANCE BOOKINGS: (08) 9385 6655 ONSITE : (08) 9942 5932 BOOK ONLINE: www.coralbaywa.com Email: bcb@coralbaywa.com Immerse yourself in the ultimate reef experience. 0284 Page 76 | australiascoralcoast.com )25$332,170(1763/($6(&$// :HDUHORFDWHGDW6KRS&RUDO%D\6KRSSLQJ$UFDGH 0401 Daily boat tours on the magnificent Ningaloo Reef for snorkelling, scuba diving and marine animal interaction tours. 1LQJDORR5HHI'LYH &RUDO%D\ All tours are guided by our highly experienced divemasters to ensure you enjoy the best the Ningaloo Reef can offer. • PADI Dive Courses • Whale Shark Tours • Manta Interaction Tours • Reef Dive & Snorkel Tours Email: info@ningalooreefdive.com Web: www.ningalooreefdive.com /LFHQVHH7RQMD3RZHOO &RPPHUFLDO/LF1R +4:6& +4&% Phone 08 9942 5824 Fax 08 9942 5836 2445 Whalesharks are just the beginning... Absolute beachfront accommodation. Mystical marine encounters. Internationally acclaimed coral reef experiences. Beautiful Coral Bay seascapes. freecall 1800 795 522tph +61 8 9942 5934tningalooreef@aspenresorts.com.autningalooreefresort.com.au 0319 Coral Bay Charter & Glass Bottom Boats Bullara Station Stay / CQR Station Tours 2335 2141 ‘An Essential Coral Bay Experience’ Outback station stay, bound for Ningaloo Coral Bay Charters, the original family glass bottom boat operators since 1973. We offer excellent tours for all ages, launching right off the beautiful beach in Coral Bay, including Coral Viewing & Snorkelling, Turtle Tours and Whale Watching (in season). Over 450 species of fish & 180 species of coral abound in the tropical waters of the Ningaloo Reef, only metres from the shore. Coral Bay Charter & Glass Bottom Boats P.O. Box 611 Claremont WA 6910 Ph: +61 8 9385 6655 Bookings: +61 8 9942 5932 Fax: +61 8 9385 6867 Email: tickethut@coralbaywa.com Web: www.coralbaywa.com Bullara Station stay offers a unique and NEW experience for those who wish to visit a working cattle station without venturing far from the pristine Ningaloo Coast. Stylish new accommodation in the “Shearers lodge” sleeps up to 16. Fully equipped communal kitchen, dining, bar and BBQ facilities, fabulous campground, caravans welcome. Station Tours. Bullara Station Stay Ningaloo WA 6701 Ph: +61 8 9942 5938 Fax: +61 8 9942 5850 Email: stay@bullara-station.com.au Web: www.bullara-station.com.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 77 Coral Bay Adventures Coral Bay Ocean Game Fishing Charters / Montebellos Sport Fishing Charters 0285 0267 Coral Bay Ocean Game Fishing Charters. We offer full day charters out of Coral Bay, to the outer waters of the Ningaloo Reef. Experience the unique opportunity to bottom and game fishing in the one day, on the biggest Boat in the Bay, the Mahi Mahi II. Ningaloo Reef Marine Interaction Specialists. Est. since 1994 Coral Bay Adventures offer: • Whale Shark Cruises • Manta Ray Cruises Montebellos Sport Fishing Charters • Humpback Whale Watching Depart from Exmouth from October through to March, 6 days live aboard, maximum 6 people, game, bottom, popper fishing, diving, snorkelling and sightseeing. • Coral Viewing • Snorkel Cruises For further information and bookings Contact booking office, Coral Bay Discoveries Shop 13, Coral Bay Arcade Shopping Centre Robinson Street, Coral Bay, WA, 6701 Tel/Fax: +61 8 99 425 874 Email: mahimahi1@bigpond.com Web: mahimahicoralbay.com.au • Learmonth Airport Transfers Coral Bay Adventures Shop 11, Coral Bay Arcade Coral Bay WA 6701 Ph: +61 8 9942 5955 Email: coralbay@bigpond.com Web: www.coralbayadventures.com.au Ningaloo Experience Sub Sea Explorer 2418 Join the Ningaloo Experience crew and discover the beauty and biodiversity of Ningaloo Reef. Coral Viewing & Snorkel Tours Join Ningaloo Experience to discover the beauty and bio-diversity of Ningaloo Reef. Enjoy a personal experience with our small groups of 12 passengers per tour. Join us on our “Outer Reef Experience” - snorkel with Manta Rays, discover beautiful coral gardens with abundant tropical fish on our guided snorkels, observe marine life such as Dolphins, Dugongs, Turtles, and Humpback Whales (July – November) or join us on our Whale Shark Experience (March – June). Located in Coral Bay, “the heart of the Ningaloo Reef”, join our experienced crew to discover the wonders this pristine environment has to offer. Peter Shaw Lic.HQ68743WSC Ningaloo Experience Coral Bay WA 6701 Ph/Fax: (08) 9942 5877 A/H: 0427 425 877 Email: info@ningalooexperience.com Web: www.ningalooexperience.com Nature Tourism 0409 Sail Ningaloo 2635 Step aboard Ningaloo Reefs only semisubmersible coral viewing vessel. Seated beneath the surface you get a divers view of the incredible reef in carpeted comfort, protected from the wind and sun. Well researched commentary and fantastic photo opportunities. Fish feeding on every tour. Sub Sea Explorer Shop 11, Coral Bay Arcade Coral Bay WA 6701 Ph: +61 8 9942 5955 Email: coralbay1@bigpond.com Web: www.coralbayadventures.com.au Sea Force Charters Coral Bay 2152 The all in one holiday. Accommodation. Sumptuous meals. Activities. Deep Sea & Sport Fishing Charters Licensed Fishing Charter Operators. Our live-aboard sailing tours allow you to experience Ningaloo Reef in your own time and away from the crowds, so treat yourself to some exclusive, affordable luxury. Sail Ningaloo offers sailing, snorkelling, kayaking, scuba diving, whale watching and fishing. Accommodating a maximum of 10 guests in comfortable and spacious cabins ensures your experience will be personalised and unique. Experience the extraordinary Ningaloo Reef like never before. • Bottom and light game fishing 3, 5 & 9 day tours depart from Coral Bay, March – October. 2011 Special Offer: Book a Tour and Get a Bonus Night FREE • 50ft vessel with shaded deck Shore Thing operates from Fremantle, November - February. • Skipper 30 years experience Sail Ningaloo Pty Ltd Coral Bay WA 6701 Ph: +61 8 9942 5869 Email: enquiries@sailningaloo.com.au Web: www.sailningaloo.com.au Sea Force Coral Bay Mob: 0429 034 540 Email: seaforcecharters@westnet.com.au Web: www.seaforcecharters.net.au Advanced EcoTourism Page 78 | australiascoralcoast.com • Full and half days • • • • All equipment provided Exclusive group bookings Reef Tours Bookings direct or at any Coral Bay ticket agent Exmouth ### PERTH Whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef Exmouth Situated near the grandiose landscape of the Cape Range National Park and the underwater wonders of the Ningaloo Marine Park, Exmouth offers a host of both land based and ocean attractions. Visitors come from around the world to swim with the awe inspiring gentle giants of the sea – the whale sharks. Ningaloo Marine Park Whale Sharks The Ningaloo Marine Park is a divers’ and snorkellers’ paradise. At its closest point the reef is within metres of the shore, meaning it’s accessible for all ages and swimming abilities. Extending 300 kilometres down the coast, it’s Australia’s largest fringing coral reef. The reef comprises 200 species of hard corals and 50 species of soft corals. Its close proximity to the shoreline means it is easily accessible but a range of charter operators can also take you to their favourite spots on the outer reef. You’re sure to encounter a fascinating array of marine life including whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, starfish, anemones and about 500 recorded species of tropical fish. From mid March to mid July each year, the Ningaloo Marine Park is home to the world’s biggest species of fish - the mighty whale sharks. Whale sharks congregate at the Ningaloo Reef to feed on microscopic creatures known as zooplankton. Despite their size (up to 18 metres long!) the whale shark is as harmless as it is majestic. The Ningaloo Marine Park is considered one of the most reliable and easily accessible places on earth to swim with these gentle giants. Tours operate daily during the whale shark season. Coral Spawning One of the most impressive natural events in the Ningaloo Marine Park is the annual mass spawning of corals. This is a remarkable sight for divers and snorkellers. This phenomenon takes place 10 to 12 days after the full moon in March and April. The remarkable sight can be seen at night with lights. Manta Rays Between May and November each year the graceful manta rays can be found in the pristine waters at Exmouth. The rays migrate in schools and feed on zooplankton. Divers and snorkellers can swim with these majestic and playful creatures. It’s amazing to watch these beautiful and harmless animals as they glide elegantly through the water with wingspans of up to several metres wide. Snorkelling the Ningaloo Reef Did you know? Ningaloo Reef is one of the best places in the world to swim with the world’s largest fish, the whale shark. Information Population: 2,400 Distance from Perth: 1,260km Exmouth Visitor Centre Murat Road, Exmouth WA 6707 Tel: 1800 287 328 exmouthwa.com.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 79 Tropic of Capricorn Humpback whale Fishing at Ningaloo Diving Whale Watching Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef are renowned for having some of the best natural and artificial reefs in Australia. Take a trip to the tranquil Muiron Islands, just 9.8 nautical miles off the tip of the cape. Here you’ll discover coral gardens, marine turtles, potato cod and much more. The Navy Pier, located just north of Exmouth, is one of the top ten dive sites in Australia. The pier has a maximum depth of 15 metres and caters to a wide range of divers. The site is still a working defence facility, so contact the visitor centre for tour information. Snorkel and dive equipment is available for hire or purchase in Exmouth town. Humpback whales migrate between summer breeding grounds near the North West Shelf and winter feeding grounds in the Antarctic. The seasonal migrations mean humpback whales are regularly spotted in the coastal waters of the Ningaloo Marine Park between June and November before they make their southerly migration. Watch them frolic from the viewing points at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, Town Beach and Bundegi Beach or take a closer look by joining a whale watching cruise. Boating Ningaloo coastline Page 80 | australiascoralcoast.com Fishing Exmouth is a fishing Mecca renowned for prized fish such as groper, coral trout, snapper and emperor. Game fishing for species like marlin, sailfish mahi mahi and mackerel is also popular. You can fish from the shores, from your own boat, on a charter or from a hire boat or throw in a line from the Learmonth Jetty. Exmouth has three boat launch areas. Exmouth Boat Harbour in town, Bundegi Beach Boat Ramp located 13 kilometres north of Exmouth and Tantabiddi Boat Ramp situated 36 kilometres from town on the western side of the cape. Bring Jurabi Turtle Centre your own boat or hire one from Exmouth. Located just south of the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, the Jurabi Turtle Centre Surfing provides information about Ningaloo marine turtles. There is a pictorial turtle Best swells for surfing off the North West display and shaded seating. From Cape occur from July to October so grab November to April annually, marine turtles your board, head north and catch some nest on the beaches of the Ningaloo waves. Dunes Beach is the most popular Marine Park. You can participate in a reef break in Exmouth. ‘The Bombie’ is guided experience from the Jurabi Turtle a bit of a paddle, but it’s well worth the Centre. Bookings are essential and can effort for a left handed ride. For beginners be made at the Exmouth Visitor Centre. and grommets (young surfers), Wobiri Visit ningalooturtles.org.au for more Access beach is ideal. information. Sandy Bay Cape Range National Park Vlamingh Head Lighthouse The beauty of Exmouth doesn’t end at the sea shores. On the west side of North West Cape you can experience an outback holiday in the ruggedly beautiful Cape Range National Park. Covering over 50,000 hectares, the National Park includes breathtaking canyons, limestone ranges and 50 kilometres of pristine beaches. Wildlife in the park is equally as exciting with emus and red kangaroos regularly sighted and wildflowers in late winter change the landscape. A diverse range of flora and fauna can be discovered within the park due to the North West Cape originally being an island, cut off from the mainland of WA. The cape now boasts 630 species of plants, including 12 endemic and six near endemic species with the Sturt desert pea and bird flower being highlights. There are also over 90 camping bays available which cannot be pre booked. Most of these are accessible by conventional vehicles, but with limited facilities, be sure to take along plenty of water and supplies. History and views in one. 19 kilometres north of Exmouth, this lighthouse was built in 1912 and offers sweeping views of the cape. Ruins of a world war radar are also visible at the site. Turquoise Bay Turquoise Bay is the ideal beach to just sit back, relax and soak up the beautiful surroundings and sunshine. The white, sandy shores give way to incredibly clear waters harbouring a plethora of marine wonders. The reef starts just metres from the shore and exploring it is easy at the snorkel drift. Jump in the water at the south end of the beach and let the current take you over the reef for a fantastic snorkelling experience. Currents can be strong, especially around the sandbar and at the southern most point of the bay, so take care. This snorkel site is suited to swimmers of average fitness and snorkelling ability in calm conditions. Oyster Stacks This snorkel site offers great views of marine life and is best accessed on a high or incoming tide. Be careful entering the West Side water as the oyster shells and rocky areas Milyering Visitor Centre can be sharp. It is best to enter the water The Milyering Visitor Centre is 52 at the end of the track and then snorkel kilometres from Exmouth in the heart of north or south. the Cape Range National Park. The centre Mangrove Bay offers interpretative information to open your eyes to the wonders of the National This sanctuary zone includes a bird hide, Park and nearby Ningaloo Marine Park. overlooking a lagoon area. A variety of birds It features a range of models, videos, roost in the lagoon at high tide and many a library selection and many graphic feed on small fish and other marine life in displays. There is also the Exmouth Visitor the shallow waters. You may even spot an osprey or brahminy kite while you are there. Centre located in town on Murat Road. Vlamingh Head lighthouse Sunset at Lighthouse Bay australiascoralcoast.com | Page 81 Yardie Creek Charles Knife Canyon, Cape Range National Park Mandu Mandu Gorge Shothole Canyon A three kilometre walk trail allows access into this dry gorge and follows the northern ridge of the gorge offering stunning panoramic views. The trail leads down into the creek bed where you follow the base of the gorge back to the car park. This canyon was named after the shot holes left by seismographic explosions during the search for oil in the 1950s. Access is from Minilya Road 16 kilometres south of Exmouth and the gravel road meanders over dry creek beds and the gorge floor, offering close examination of the colourful rock layers of the sheer canyon walls. Yardie Creek Gorge Four wheel driving in Cape Range National Park Snorkelling at Turquoise Bay Page 82 | australiascoralcoast.com This ancient landscape in the Cape Range National Park is just 90 kilometres from Exmouth. The rust red cliffs give way to deep blue waters, providing dramatic scenery. The gorge is home to an assortment of wildlife, including the rare black-footed rock wallaby. You can explore the gorge on walking trails or from the comfort of a cruise boat. The Department of Environment and Conservation run daily river gorge cruises that take roughly one hour. Times vary due to the tides, so contact the Exmouth Visitor Centre to book. Charles Knife Canyon Take this scenic journey for views across razor backed ridges and down steep gorges. Starting 23 kilometres south of Exmouth, the views during this drive change from dawn to dusk. Early birds will be rewarded watching the sun rise over the gulf from the top of the Charles Knife Road. Muiron Islands These two islands lay just 9.8 nautical miles off the tip of North West Cape. Abundant marine life surround them and the atmosphere is truly tranquil. You can camp on the islands but require permission. East Side Surfing and fishing tours regularly visit the Beaches islands. For more information contact the There are endless beaches to explore or Exmouth Visitor Centre. relax at around Exmouth. Town Beach is the Mildura Wreck closest to Exmouth itself and also provides for four wheel drive access. 12 kilometres From Lighthouse Bay you can see the north you’ll find Bundegi Beach, the start wreck of the SS Mildura, a cattle ship that of the Ningaloo Marine Park. This is an was lost en-route from the Kimberley during excellent location for swimming, snorkelling a cyclone in 1907. The hull sat on the reef and fishing. Surfers can head to Dunes undisturbed until World War II when allied Beach, 17 kilometres north of Exmouth. planes used it for bombing practice! These Lighthouse Bay offers great fishing and days it provides an ideal sanctuary for swimming. You can access it via tracks baby sharks. Salvaged timbers and irons can be seen today at Yardie Homestead. along the Mildura Wreck Road. Exmouth Cape Potshot Hotel Resort Holiday Park Caravan/Camping/Villas / p g/ D N A E R O L %SCAPIEENCEEXP%XMOUTH EXPER With tastefully appointed motel rooms, two bedroom family units and three bedroom luxury apartments. We also cater for the budget traveller, with a range of motel and backpacker accommodation. Our complex is located within easy walking distance of the town centre and is the perfect place from which to plan your visit to the world famous Cape Range and Ningaloo Marine Parks. Chat with the locals at Vances Bar, or simply relax with a drink in the tropical surrounds of the Pool Bar. Exmouth Cape Holiday Park 3 Truscott Cres (cnr Murat Road) Exmouth WA Tel: 08 9949 1101 Freecall 1800 621 101 exmouth@aspenparks.com.au Largest range of accommodation in Exmouth Features of the Potshot Hotel Resort: • 45 tastefully appointed hotel rooms, with ensuite, air cond, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, bar fridge, telephone • 20 Budget Motel rooms Great Value Dormitory Accommodation - modern clean facilities with linen provided. On-site dive shop, Outdoor Cinema, Swimming Pool and Volleyball Court. Blue Reef Backpackers 3 Truscott Cres (cnr Murat Road) Exmouth WA Tel: 08 9949 1101 Freecall 1800 621 101 exmouth@aspenparks.com.au for great value accommodation rates and on-line bookings please visit aspenparks.com.au 58274 2213 • 24 x 2 bedroom standard apartments, 2 & 3 bedroom luxury apartments all with cooking facilities • Range of budget and backpacker accommodation • Three swimming pools and barbeque facilities • Tour & fishing charters arranged • Car and boat parking • Guest laundry, Dive Shop Potshot Hotel Resort Murat Road PO Box 82 Exmouth WA 6707 Ph (08) 9949 1200 Fax (08) 9949 1486 Email potshotresort@bigpond.com Web: www.potshotresort.com 0121 australiascoralcoast.com | Page 83 We stock a huge range of fishing products and the largest variety of camping gear in Exmouth, all at fantastic prices! For top fishing and camping advice come in and see the team at 134a Maidstone Crescent, Exmouth or For all your Camping & Fishing needs... • Tents • Sleeping Bags • Swags • Gas Stove & Lights • Eskies • Camp Furniture & Accessories • Cooking & Lighting Equipment • Coolers • Knives • Quality Snorkelling Equipment • Bulk Stock of all top brand rods • Reels and Terminal tackle • Sales & Service • Gas Refilling 3+ ZZZH[PRXWKWDFNOHDQGFDPSLQJFRPDX 2249 0085 WS 000113 Peter McKossock Are you looking for the Best Whale Shark Experience in Exmouth? Want To Join The Leading Team? 100% Sighting’s for both 2009 and 2010 Seasons! Quality Tour, Unforgettable Experience 3 3 3 3 3 3 Offer 3 Year No Sighting Policy Luxury Vessel Safety Zodiac Gourmet Buffet Lunch Certified Guide Whale Shark WA Members 3 National Award Winners 3 Gift Pack & Whaleshark for every passenger Free Call: 1800 811 338 | Ph: 08 9949 1119 | Email: tours@ningalooblue.com.au Web: www.ningalooblue.com.au | www.youtube.com/WhaleSharkTv Ningaloo Reef Dreaming One of Western Australia’s leading dive operators. • Whale shark cruises (March – July) • Dive & snorkel tours on Ningaloo Reef • Whale shark cruises with a big difference! On average our customers spend longer in the water swimming with whales sharks because we have our own plane. Receive free photos of your day. • Dive & snorkel tours to Muiron Islands • Exclusive contract to the world renown Exmouth Navy Pier, one of the ‘Top 10 dive sites in the world’ • A range of modern, well equipped vessels Ningaloo Reef Dreaming Maidstone Crescent , Exmouth Ph: +61 8 9949 4777 Fax: +61 8 9949 4666 Freecall: 1800 994 210 (within Australia) Email: info@ningaloodreaming.com Web: www.ningaloodreaming.com Page 84 | australiascoralcoast.com • Day and overnight dive and snorkel tours • Internationally recognised dive courses • Friendly and experienced staff and crew Matthew Winter HQ68745WS 2147 Relax, unwind, rejuvenate... at Novotel Ningaloo Resort, Exmouth - Gateway to the Ningaloo Reef Set on the beach between the world renowned Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park. The unique resort includes a range of hotel rooms, and one and two bedroom self contained apartments. Three bedroom apartments are available on request. Also enjoy the lounge, resort swimming pool and gymnasium with stunning beaches right outside your door. Ideal venue for conferences, weddings and special events. 0369 Ph: +61 8 9949 0000 Email: reservations@novotelningaloo.com.au Web: www.novotelningaloo.com.au %HVW1HZ7RXULVP 'HYHORSPHQW /LFHQVHG'LQLQJ 5HVWDXUDQW&RXQWU\ %HVW5HVRUW6W\OH $FFRPPRGDWLRQ Ningaloo Reef Sea Kayaking Exmouth Visitor Centre 0296 0400 Exmouth Visitor Centre Gateway to Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park. For a year round reef & outback experience, book online at www.exmouthwa.com.au for all your All packages include transfers from your accommodation in Exmouth. • Accommodation • Tours • Car Hire • Coach & Flight Travel • Souvenirs and Local craft Exmouth Visitor Centre Toll Free: 1800 287 328 Email: reservations@exmouthwa.com.au Web: www.exmouthwa.com.au Eco-Adventure Tours Come and experience the magic of kayaking and snorkelling the pristine Ningaloo and Cape Range National Park. 3 hour and 1, 2 & 5 day tours available, all abilities catered for. Bookings: March - October Ningaloo Reef Seakayaking Ningaloo WA Ph: +61 427 485 123 Email: bookings@capricornseakayaking.com.au Web: www.capricornseakayaking.com.au Lic. 9TA00091 Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours Exmouth Camper Hire Swimming with Whale Sharks & Eco Sea Life Tours. 0295 At King’s Ningaloo Reef Tours we believe your experience swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Ningaloo Reef should be relaxing, memorable and above all, enjoyable. We take that extra step in making sure your day is exactly that, and guarantee our tours to be second to none, always. Take advantage of our companies 25 years of experience snorkelling with whale sharks, dolphins, manta rays, and other sea life, that make Australia’s Coral Coast their home, whilst also viewing humpback whales on their annual northern migration at play. King’s Ningaloo Reef Tours has a 20-metre vessel which is comfortable, spacious shaded deck areas, with environmentally friendly toilet facilities. Not to mention that the skipper and owner has the best knowledge and years of experience to get you to the right spot for your chance to swim with a whale shark. We also have 5 crew on board for your safety including a videographer to film your day. Come aboard our whale shark snorkel tour for an experience never to be forgotten. All tours include: • • • • • Pickup from accommodation at approx. 0730 Snorkelling gear and wetsuit Morning snorkel on the reef Morning tea Spotter plane to seek whale sharks, humpback whales, dolphins and manta rays Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours Ph: +61 8 9949 1764 Email: info@kingsningalooreeftours.com.au Web: www.kingsningalooreeftours.com.au License No: HW69181WS 2413 A Passion for Freedom. Camper Van and Camper Trailer Hire Exclusive to the Ningaloo area. • Swimming with whale sharks • Smorgasbord lunch featuring fresh local seafood and also catering to vegetarians and non seafood eater • Afternoon snorkel on Ningaloo Reef • Government DEC fee • Transfer back to accommodation approx 1630 Exmouth Camper Hire 16 Nimitz Street Exmouth WA 6707 Ph: (08) 9949 4050 Web: www.exmouthcamperhire.com.au australiascoralcoast.com | Page 85 Lighthouse Caravan Park Ningaloo Kite and Board 0117 2414 Situated 17kms from the town of Exmouth on the tip of the North West Cape, nestled at the base of Vlamingh Head Lighthouse - protected by the Cape Range and just a stones throw from the world renowned Ningaloo Marine Park. Ningaloo Lighthouse Caravan Park is close to surf beach, boat launching facilities and our magnificent Cape Range National Park. You will truly feel the peace and tranquility of outback living whilst enjoying your stay with us. Making the most of the wind. Retailing major Kite boarding brands to enthusiasts flying through Exmouth. Whether you are looking for an action packed stay, a fun-filled family adventure or a tranquil and relaxing holiday; we can point you in the right direction at the Lighthouse Caravan Park. We offer a wide range of self contained accommodation to suit all budgets. From the ‘Lookout Chalets to a Cabin’ we can accommodate your needs. So what are you waiting for? You can choose to bring your own tent, caravan or RV to any of our powered or unpowered shady sites and enjoy the brilliance of nature. Facilities Inc: Pool, tennis court, general store, tackle, bait, fuel, seasonal café, BBQ’s and campers kitchens Ningaloo Kite and Board 16 Nimitz Street Exmouth WA 6707 Ph: +61 8 9949 2770 Web: www.ningalookiteboarding.com.au Ningaloo Lighthouse Caravan Park Ph: +61 8 9949 1478 Email: lighthouse@nwc.net.au Web: www.ningaloolighthouse.com Ningaloo Lodge Exmouth Ningaloo Pearls 2465 BEST RATES IN TOWN $125 PER ROOM PER NIGHT DOUBLE AND TWIN ROOMS. Deep Sea Fishing & Eco Tours. LOCATED IN THE CENTRE OF EXMOUTH! Ningaloo Lodge is a great place to relax. All 36 rooms have private ensuites, TV, air-conditioning, fan and fridge. Other facilities include a swimming pool, wireless Internet available, games room, a large self catering dining room (do your own cooking), outdoor BBQ area and a guest laundry. No facilities for children. “We catch some of the Biggest fish in the world”. Ningaloo Lodge Exmouth Bookings Toll Free: 1800 880 949 Ph: +61 8 9949 4949 Fax: +61 8 9949 4900 Email: ningaloo.lodge@bigpond.com Web: www.ningaloolodge.com.au ) 5(( W WHUQH VV,Q OH :LUH 0359 Ningaloo Pearls PO Box 239 Exmouth, WA 6707 Mob: 0417 944 820 Email: ningpe@bigpond.net.au Web: www.ningaloopearls.com.au Ningaloo Whaleshark n Dive Ningaloo Safari Tours 2134 2293 Nature Tourism Explore the Reef in Style Top of the Range Safari • Whaleshark Adventures • Learn to Dive with the experts • Certified Diving • Introductory Diving • Snorkelling Tours • Whale watching and sunset cruising Join expert local guides on our “Top of the Range Safari” to explore the beauty of Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Marine Park. 4WD Safari includes Shothole and Charles Knife Gorge, exclusive boat tour of Yardie Creek and guided snorkeling at Turquoise Bay. Ningaloo Whaleshark n Dive Inside reception at Exmouth Cape Holiday Park Ph: +61 8 9949 1116 Fax: +61 8 9949 1113 Email: info@ningaloowhalesharkndive.com.au Web: www.ningaloowhalesharkndive.com.au Page 86 | australiascoralcoast.com Ningaloo Safari Tours 11 Maidstone Cres Exmouth WA 6707 Ph: +61 8 9949 1550 Email: tours@ningaloosafari.com Web: www.ningaloosafari.com Exmouth Escape Resort Karijini Eco Retreat 0439 2438 Exmouth’s Newest Resort. An Authentic Outback Experience! Ideally located 3km from the town centre, with a short walk to Town Beach and the Marina. Our relaxed, spacious, fully self-contained Deluxe Villas are the perfect base to explore the magnificent Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park. Each Villa has its own alfresco bbq area, in-house movies, cable TV, internet and air-conditioning. 100% Owned by Gumala Aboriginal Corporation • Unique Eco Tents, King beds, Linen • With en-suite! • Licensed Alfresco Restaurant • Tours Arranged • Campsites also available Facilities: • X Cafe and Restaurant • Conference room • Reception tour desk • In-ground Pool with children’s wading pool • Boat wash down & parking Exmouth Escape Resort 27 Murat Road Exmouth WA 6707 Ph:+61 8 9949 4800 Fax: + 61 8 9949 4899 Email:stay@exmouthescaperesort.com.au Web: www.exmouthescaperesort.com.au Karijini Eco Retreat Savannah Campground, off Weano Rd Karijini National Park WA 6751 Ph: +61 8 9425 5591 Email: reservations@karijiniecoretreat.com.au Web: www.karijiniecoretreat.com.au Ocean Eco Adventures Ningaloo Argo & Quad Tours 2420 2451 Spin.F.X. For The Ultimate Tour Humpback Whale Discovery and Sunset Cruise Earth to Sea, Red to Blue, navigate your way along winding red tracks to meet the crystal blue waters of Exmouth. Whale, Manta Ray, Fish and Bird spotting whilst cruising or climb aboard for a Wet ‘N’ Wild Amphibious Buggy Ride. Choose from our Awesome Tours have Maximum fun and Live the Outdoor Dream. Exmouth Gulf is regarded as a critical habitat for Humpbacks and provides the ultimate calm, protected resting place for them and their calves on the annual breeding migration. Join the Ocean Eco Adventures team and discover the beauty and magic of the Humpbacks as they perform tale slaps, breaches, spy hops and many other acrobatic performances.. Spin.F.X. Unisex MotoX Store Cnr Murat Rd & Pellew St Exmouth WA 6707 Ph: +61 8 9949 4488 Mob: 0488 537 011 Budget: +61 8 9949 1534 Email: 1behappy@westnet.com.au Web: www.ningalooargotours.com.au • • • • Hydrophone on board to allow you to listen to the haunting whalesong. Divine gourmet food served throughout the cruise featuring Exmouth Prawns. Available from August to end October Comfortable, well appointed 18m vessel “Keshi-Mer.” Ocean Eco Adventures Exmouth WA 6707 Ph: 0427 425 925 Email: info@oceanecoadventures.com.au Web: www.oceanecoadventures.com.au Three Islands Whale Shark Dive Ocean Eco Adventures 2421 0299 Whale Shark Discovery Explore the aquatic wonderland of Ningaloo Reef. 5 Star service is just the beginning of your Ocean Eco Adventures Whale Shark Discovery. From March to July enjoy a day of adventure and discovery with Three Islands Whale Shark Dive. Swim alongside whale sharks, snorkel the reef and spot seasonal sealife such as turtles, dugongs, manta rays, whales and more during this fun, safe and informative ecotour. • • • • • • • Exclusive use of private spotter aircraft allowing maximum time with the Whale Sharks. Complimentary DVD of your day as a gift. Comfortable, well appointed 18m vessel “Keshi-Mer.” Gourmet food featuring local produce. Safety Zodiac on hand. Available from April to end July. Owners in their 16th Whale Shark season. Full day reef experience also visiting several snorkel sites Ocean Eco Adventures Exmouth WA 6707 Ph: 0427 425 925 Email: info@oceanecoadventures.com.au Web: www.oceanecoadventures.com.au The friendly, professional staff at Three Islands Whale Shark Dive offer an exceptional level of service while delivering a whale shark interaction experience that you’ll treasure forever. Three Islands Whale Shark Dive Ningaloo Caravan & Holiday Resort Exmouth WA Freecall: +61 1800 138 501 Ph: +61 8 9949 1994 Email: info@whalesharkdive.com Web: www.whalesharkdive.com australiascoralcoast.com | Page 87 Australia’s Coral Coast Unspoilt • Uncrowded • Underwater WESTERN AUSTRALIA Perth follow us on Visit australiascoralcoast.com and subscribe to our e-newsletter for regular updates on holiday deals and competitions. 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