Ningaloo Reef
Where to stay for an unforgettable wildlife experience
Accommodation Guide
Ningaloo's accommodation is centred on the small town of Exmouth and the beachside hamlet of Coral Bay, 150 km to the south. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo is a fringing reef accessible directly from the shore, meaning even budget campers can snorkel world-class coral from their doorstep. Options range from bush camping to luxury eco-tents on the Cape Range coastline.
Top Places to Stay
From budget-friendly to ultra-luxury — hand-picked for wildlife enthusiasts
Ningaloo Reef Holiday Parks
BudgetCaravan and camping parks in Exmouth offering powered sites, basic cabins, and camp kitchens. The most affordable way to experience Ningaloo, with beach access just minutes away.
- Powered and unpowered campsites
- Basic cabin accommodation
- Camp kitchen and BBQ areas
- Minutes from Turquoise Bay
Potshot Hotel Resort
Mid-RangeExmouth's main hotel resort with comfortable motel-style rooms, a swimming pool, bar, and restaurant. A convenient base for whale shark tours and reef snorkelling day trips.
- Swimming pool
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Tour booking desk
- Central Exmouth location
Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort
Mid-RangeA beachfront resort at Sunrise Beach in Exmouth with apartments and hotel rooms, a lagoon pool, and direct access to the reef for shore snorkelling.
- Beachfront location
- Lagoon swimming pool
- Shore snorkelling access
- Self-catering apartments available
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
Ultra-LuxuryAn exclusive wilderness camp of 16 eco-luxe tents nestled in the dunes of Cape Range National Park, just metres from the reef. All-inclusive with guided snorkelling, kayaking, gorge walks, and gourmet bush dining.
- Eco-luxe tents on the beach
- All-inclusive with gourmet meals
- Snorkel directly from camp
- Whale shark swim-alongs in season
Bullara Station Stay
BudgetAn authentic outback station stay between Exmouth and Coral Bay, offering basic camping and cottage accommodation on a working cattle station. Stargazing is phenomenal.
- Working cattle station experience
- Incredible stargazing
- Between Exmouth and Coral Bay
- Bush camping and cottages
💡 Booking Tips for Ningaloo Reef
- Coral Bay is smaller and more relaxed than Exmouth but has fewer accommodation options — book early.
- Whale shark season (March–July) is peak season; book accommodation and tours months in advance.
- Sal Salis is Australia's top eco-camp experience but has just 16 tents — book 6–12 months ahead.
- Self-catering is recommended in Exmouth; supermarket supplies are limited and pricey.
- Cape Range National Park campsites book out quickly online — set a reminder for when bookings open.
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Where to Stay in Ningaloo Reef FAQ
Exmouth is the main base with the widest range of accommodation, while Coral Bay is a quieter village right on the reef with walk-in snorkelling from the beach.
Coral Bay caravan parks cost $30 to $50 per night. Exmouth hotels range from $80 to $250. Sal Salis luxury tented camp costs $800 or more per night.
Book whale shark tours 1 to 3 months in advance for peak April to June season. Accommodation during school holidays fills up fast.
Accommodation at Ningaloo is completely safe. The wildlife is marine-based, so there are no concerns about animals near your lodging.