The Great Barrier Reef may get all the limelight, but Ningaloo Reef–with its aquarium-like waters, dusty red cliffs and blindingly white sand–is well worth a sojourn to the West Coast
To spend time at Ningaloo Reef is to engulf yourself in nature’s abundance, to swim with wild animals, dine under the stars and sleep to the sounds of the wind whispering over the dunes and the sea slapping gently over the reef. Pristine and unspoiled, the Ningaloo coral reef—which extends for almost 300 kilometres, one of the longest in the world—teems with marine life, where dolphins, manta rays, humpback whales and whale sharks offer unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities and true back-to-nature relaxation and immersion.
The Gentle Giants of Ningaloo Reef
Step off the beach and the reef swirls in all its colour and vibrancy just below your feet. In just a few paces, and with a snorkel in your mouth, you can dive into the cool Indian Ocean and come face to face with a rich biodiversity of native marine-life, from the iridescent coral trout to the inquisitive green turtle.
But perhaps one of the most humbling and awe-inspiring experiences is swimming alongside the majestic whale sharks and humpback whales. Found just outside the fringing reef, these gentle giants of the sea frequent the waters of Ningaloo Reef in numbers not seen elsewhere, spend sun and sea-soaked days venturing into the world under the waves, feeling the meditational power of the ocean and the stresses of everyday life wash away.
Where Thriving Ocean Meets Barren Beauty
The great Australian outback stretches for thousands of kilometres, tumbling abruptly into the turquoise waters off the western coast of this vast continent. The contrast is startling and breathtakingly beautiful, the dusty outback morphing into golden dunes and azure waters. Hunker down in this unique landscape and get a true feel for the majesty and variety of Australia.
For the ultimate laid-back luxury experience, exclusive safari style wilderness tents–decked out with handmade jarrah beds and eco-ensuite bathrooms–offer a unique blend of comfort, simplicity and complete immersion in nature. Wake each day to the sound of birds calling, as you catch a glimpse of kangaroos grazing and hear the ocean lapping the shore.
Eco-Luxury in the Great Outdoors
To the unknowing eye, the Sal Salis beachside bush camp could be easily missed. Tucked into the dunes of the Cape Range National Park it is truly at one with its surroundings, its tented luxury suites creating barely a barrier between its guests and the great outdoors. In this magical place, days are spent snorkelling the reefs, hiking the gorge country of the outback, kayaking, watching humpback whales joyfully breach or relaxing in the hammock and watching the world go by, while listening to the sounds of the ocean and outback meeting in perfect harmony.
As Australians, this wild corner of our huge country gives us the chance to go back to our roots, to explore the land as it was once was, and to re-acquaint ourselves with the primordial forces of nature that make this country so special.
Contact Caroline today, call 1300 767 237 or email caroline@luxurybound.com.au.