Nature's calendar

Western Australia's Coral Coast boasts a diverse landscape of awe inspiring beauty and is a natural paradise with an abundance of land and marine wildlife that inhabit this region.This is due to the protection and maintenance of the national parks and areas such as Jurien Marine Park, Shark Bay World Heritage Area and the Ningaloo Marine Park. Below is a useful guide to viewing this wildlife wonderland.

Marine

Coral spawning

In March and April divers and snorkellers can witness an amazing spectacle. Coral spawning occurs when coral releases eggs and sperm into the surrounding ocean approximately 10 to 12 days after the full moon. Swim, snorkel or dive amongst the colourful corals at Coral Bay where you can explore Ningaloo Marine Park.

Coral viewing

You can see all the underwater wonders at Coral Bay without even getting your feet wet on board 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.

Dolphins

Dolphins can be found all along the region's coastline. However it is at Shark Bay that you encounter the famous Monkey Mia dolphins that visit the beach daily and have been doing so since the 1960's. Today an average of seven dolphins visit each day. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established a dolphin interaction area to protect the animals as well as allowing for selected visitors to feed the wild dolphins each morning. An experience not to be missed.

Dugongs

The dugong population of Shark Bay is estimated to be approximately 14000,  representing one of the largest and most stable populations left in the world. For this reason the Shark Bay population is ideal to study and gain a greater insight into their unique existance.You can't help but be engaged by these graceful, if bizarre, looking creatures. Dugongs can be best viewed from a tour on Monkey Mia's wildlife cruises which depart daily.

Fishing

Australia's Coral Coast is a water playground with over 1,200km of coastline. Fishing is a key attraction of the region. Fishing areas include: Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Dongara-Denison, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Carnarvon, Coral Bay and Exmouth.

Manta rays

Manta rays can be found in the Ningaloo Marine Park all year round.These Majestic animals are filter feeders and unlike the sting ray have no barb, so they are completely harmless making it possible to dive and snorkel with them, as they glide elegantly through the water. Tours depart Coral Bay regularly.

Rock lobster

Rock lobster season for fishing is from 15 November until 30 June. Rock Lobsters can be found in abundance from Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Geraldton and the Abrolhos Islands.Geraldton also has a lobster factory.

Seahorse breeding

One of Kalbarri's newest attractions is the Seahorse Sanctuary.
Come face to face with these curious creatures at WA's only seahorse breeding stable.

Australian sea lions

You can see Australian sea lions basking in the sun on the beach at Jurien Bay, Green head and Leeman. Access can be restricted so it is best to join a Sea Lion viewing tour with Government Registered guides.

Snapper feeding

Each day head down to the beach at 3:30pm to feed the schools of norwest snapper that swim into shore at Coral Bay. Be sure to bury your toes in the sand!

Turtle hatching

Ningaloo Marine Park is home to the green, loggerhead, hawksbill and flatback turtles. Between December and February the turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Tourists can view these little critters hatching from their eggs by the light of the moon on a night tour with Jurabi Turtle Centre.

Whale sharks

Shortly after the coral spawnings during March, krill and other tiny sea life swarm to Ningaloo Reef to feast on the corals. Whale sharks will migrate up the coast to Ningaloo Reef to feed on the krill. The whale shark is the world's largest fish, growing up to 18 metres in length and can weigh 30 tonnes. These gentle giants are harmless, so many tourists venture up to Coral Bay and Exmouth to swim with the whale sharks, where tours depart daily during late March to June.

Whale watching

The seasonal migrations of the humpback whales, brings them close to the Kalbarri shoreline in winter and spring (June - December). The best vantage points are to be found high above the water at sites such as Natural Bridge, Eagle Gorge and Red Bluff. Charter Vessels operate tours out of Kalbarri and Exmouth.

Flora and fauna

Wildflowers

Australia's Coral Coast is home to many species of coastal and inland wildflowers, however it's best known for is it's everlastings. Fields of these lollipop-shaped flowers in yellow, pink and white are found in various inland areas, often along road verges. The 186,000 hectare Kalbarri National Park teems with wildflowers and visitors can also expect to see kangaroo paws, banksia, eucalypts and grevilleas. Coalseam Conservation Park is in the heart of the wildflower country. This park is a true wonderland in spring when stunning carpets of white, pink and yellow everlastings blanket the landscape in colour. The season for wildflowers is late June - October.

Emus

The emu is the largest bird native to Australia and can reach up to 1.9m tall and weigh up to 45kg. The Emu is covered in shaggy greyish brown feathers, has a long neck, a blue black coloured head and long powerful legs and can be found all along the Coral Coast. Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort has two resident emus which can be found around the grounds of the resort or you could take a tour of Cape Range National Park with Ningaloo Safari Tours.

Parrot breeding

Rainbow Jungle, in Kalbarri, is a world leader in the breeding of endangered species of parrots and is regarded as Australia's most beautiful parrot habitat. Walk through the largest parrot free flight aviary in the country.

Pelican feeding

Pelicans are large marine birds that are known for their huge bills, which they use to scoop up fish. Every morning there are pelican feedings on the beach at Monkey Mia at around 7:30am when the dolphins are also being fed. In Kalbarri you can feed the Pelicans their breakfast at 8:45am on the grass area between the mouth of the river and the Visitor Centre.

Red and western grey kangaroos

Australia's Coral Coast has two species of kangaroos: the Western Grey Kangaroo and the Red Kangaroo. Grey Kangaroos like to graze in grassy patches of bushland and forrest habitats and can be found in areas such as Cervantes. The Red Kangaroo prefers a more arid land and climate and can be found in areas such as Shark Bay. The best time to see Kangaroos is in the early morning or afternoon.

Thorny devils

The Thorny Devil is an interesting looking little fellow. This Australian reptile is covered in thorns and even though they may look quite dangerous they are actually harmless, feeding mainly on ants.Thorny devils grow up to 20cm in length and can be found in desert habitats such as Shark Bay, Carnarvon and Exmouth. The biggest threat to this little lizard are cars, so keep a lookout when driving in the region not to harm them.