Ningaloo Reef – great life – retired got nothing on

Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef

Exmouth survives predominantly on water sports holiday makers; fishermen, jet skiers, divers, surfers, snorkelers, whale watchers, and those who like to swim with sharks in a controlled environment. Pre-accident, I would have jumped at the idea of swimming and diving with sharks and tortoises, but these days, I find it hard to get into water and do adventurous activity.

The town is busy with school holidays on and many families getting into the sun from Perth’s winter. Beyond Exmouth is where all the water sports and activity occur. There is a lighthouse atop the hill at the northern part of the peninsula with views to all directions. The road goes another 70km further south with lots of access points to small beaches from which you can snorkel or dive or be patient waiting for migrating whales to surface and play. There is an abundance of whales these days. Since the Japanese whale culling became unlawful, the numbers have increased enormously.

Yardie Creek Boat Cruise

At the end of the road from Exmouth, is a little boat that does tours up the Yardie Creek. The guy that drives the boat and does the commentary is a real oker guy with a warm sense of humour. All the kids get involved with finding the Rock Wallabies that inhabit the gorge. The kids counted around 30, some with young in the pouch.

We had made the decision to return to Bullara for their Friday Burger Night before we left for Exmouth and made a booking. Their scones and cream are worth more than one serve too. Our stay ended up being for 4 nights.

Coral Bay

Coral Bay has a reputation of being busy and expensive so we just did a quick 80km day drive from Bullara. They say some units are $1000 per week and campsites near $95 per night. The sandy beach is safe for shallow swimming and snorkeling. We still haven’t ventured in for a swim in West Australia.