Ningaloo Reef is not only a paradise for adventure seekers but also an ideal destination for families looking to connect with nature and enjoy a variety of fun, family-friendly activities. From snorkeling with marine life to exploring national parks and discovering hidden beaches, Ningaloo offers endless opportunities for families to bond and create unforgettable memories. Here’s your guide to the best family-friendly activities in Ningaloo, offering something for everyone, from toddlers to teens.
1. Snorkeling at Turquoise Bay
One of the most iconic spots in Ningaloo, Turquoise Bay, is perfect for a family day out. With its crystal-clear, calm waters and shallow coral gardens, it offers an ideal environment for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Kids can wade into the water and snorkel right off the beach, exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, rays, and even sea turtles.
The Bay Loop is particularly family-friendly, with gentle waters that allow kids to safely swim and snorkel. For older children and teens, the Drift Snorkel provides an exciting experience, where they can let the current carry them over the reef. However, younger children should stick to the calmer waters of the Bay Loop.
Why it’s great for families: Shallow, calm waters perfect for kids, easy access to snorkeling directly from the beach, and abundant marine life.
Best for: Families with children of all ages, especially those new to snorkeling.
Tip: Be mindful of the currents at the Drift Loop and always supervise children while snorkeling.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
2. Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
For families with younger children or those who aren’t keen on snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat tour offers a fantastic way to explore the beauty of Ningaloo Reef without getting wet. These tours allow families to view vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, and even larger marine animals such as rays and sea turtles from the comfort of a boat.
Tours often depart from Coral Bay or Exmouth and are typically short and engaging, making them ideal for younger kids with shorter attention spans. The clear, shallow waters of Ningaloo ensure excellent visibility, giving everyone a great view of the underwater world.
Why it’s great for families: A safe and easy way to see the reef’s marine life, perfect for younger children or non-swimmers.
Best for: Families with young children, those who prefer not to snorkel, and anyone looking for a relaxed, guided tour.
Tip: Bring a camera to capture photos of the underwater life through the glass panels.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
3. Kayaking Adventures
Kayaking along the calm waters of Ningaloo Reef is a fun and active way for families to explore the coastline and marine life together. Turquoise Bay, Osprey Bay, and Coral Bay are excellent spots for kayaking, with clear, shallow waters and vibrant coral reefs just below the surface. Older kids will love paddling their own kayaks, while younger children can join parents in tandem kayaks.
Many family-friendly kayak tours also include snorkeling stops, allowing everyone to get up close to the reef’s fish and coral. Kayaking offers a peaceful and eco-friendly way to experience Ningaloo’s marine life and natural beauty at your own pace.
Why it’s great for families: Combines adventure with relaxation, and it’s easy to customize the experience based on the family’s skill level.
Best for: Families with older children and teens who are comfortable paddling or riding in a kayak.
Tip: Always wear life jackets and check weather conditions before heading out on the water.
4. Cape Range National Park: Wildlife and Hiking
Cape Range National Park, which borders Ningaloo Reef, offers a wealth of family-friendly activities, from wildlife spotting to easy hiking trails. The park is home to kangaroos, emus, rock wallabies, and a variety of bird species, making it a perfect place for kids to observe native Australian wildlife in its natural habitat.
One of the best spots for families is Yardie Creek Gorge, where you can take a guided boat tour through the gorge or hike along the easy Yardie Creek Walk, which offers spectacular views of the gorge and the surrounding landscape. The park’s shorter trails, such as Mandu Mandu Gorge, are great for families looking for an adventure without a strenuous hike.
Why it’s great for families: Opportunities for wildlife spotting, easy hiking trails, and stunning landscapes that kids will love exploring.
Best for: Families who enjoy nature walks, wildlife, and light hiking.
Tip: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats, as the sun can be strong in the park, especially during the summer months.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
5. Swimming with Whale Sharks (For Older Kids)
For families with older children (typically 10 and up), the opportunity to swim with whale sharks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ningaloo Reef is one of the few places in the world where you can snorkel alongside these gentle giants. Whale shark tours depart from Exmouth and Coral Bay between March and July, and spotter planes help locate the whale sharks for an up-close encounter.
These tours include full safety briefings and snorkeling gear, making it an unforgettable and safe adventure for families with older kids and teens. While younger children may not be able to participate, many tours offer observation options for non-swimmers to watch from the boat.
Why it’s great for families: A thrilling and educational experience that older kids and teens will remember forever.
Best for: Families with older children (10 and up) who are comfortable snorkeling.
Tip: Book your whale shark tour well in advance, as they fill up quickly during the season.
6. Coral Bay Beach: Perfect for Little Ones
For families with younger children, Coral Bay Beach is a fantastic spot for a relaxing day by the water. The beach’s calm, shallow waters make it safe for toddlers and younger kids to swim and play in the sand, while the nearby coral reefs provide excellent snorkeling opportunities for older children and adults.
Coral Bay’s gentle waves are perfect for paddleboarding or simply splashing around in the water. The town also offers plenty of family-friendly amenities, including cafés, picnic areas, and ice cream shops, making it a perfect spot for a laid-back beach day.
Why it’s great for families: Safe, shallow waters for young kids, and plenty of amenities for a fun family day out.
Best for: Families with younger children who want a safe and relaxing beach experience.
Tip: Bring sunscreen, snacks, and beach toys to make the most of your day by the water.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
7. Turtle Nesting and Hatching (Bundegi Beach)
If your family visits Ningaloo between November and March, you’ll have the chance to witness turtle nesting on Bundegi Beach and other nearby areas. Sea turtles, including green turtles, loggerheads, and hawksbill turtles, come to shore to lay their eggs, offering a unique and educational experience for children.
Later in the season, between February and April, families can witness the magical moment when turtle hatchlings make their way from the beach to the sea. Guided turtle tours are available, providing insight into the life cycle of these incredible creatures while ensuring that the animals are not disturbed.
Why it’s great for families: A unique wildlife experience that teaches kids about marine conservation and the natural world.
Best for: Families with nature-loving kids who are interested in marine life and conservation.
Tip: Book a guided tour for the best chance to see turtles and learn about their nesting and hatching processes.
8. Ningaloo Marine Park Discovery Centre (Exmouth)
For a break from the sun and a chance to learn more about the marine life of Ningaloo Reef, the Ningaloo Marine Park Discovery Centre in Exmouth is an excellent stop for families. The center features interactive exhibits, displays on marine conservation, and fascinating information about the reef’s diverse ecosystems.
Kids can enjoy hands-on learning experiences, including touch tanks and educational programs, while parents can dive deeper into the conservation efforts that protect Ningaloo’s marine life.
Why it’s great for families: Educational, interactive exhibits that teach kids about the reef’s marine life and conservation in a fun, engaging way.
Best for: Families with kids of all ages, especially those interested in learning more about Ningaloo’s ecosystems.
Tip: Plan a visit in the afternoon when the sun is strongest, giving you a cool and educational break from outdoor activities.
9. Beach Picnics at Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay is the perfect spot for a peaceful family picnic. With its wide, uncrowded beach and shallow waters, it’s an ideal location for families to relax, swim, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The calm waters are perfect for young children to play safely, and the quiet beach provides a serene atmosphere for a family meal by the sea.
There are no shops or restaurants at Sandy Bay, so make sure to pack your own picnic, water, and plenty of sunscreen for a fun and relaxed day by the water.
Why it’s great for families: Quiet and serene, with plenty of space for kids to play and swim.
Best for: Families who want a peaceful beach day with a picnic.
Tip: Bring all your supplies, as there are no facilities at the beach.
Final Thoughts
Ningaloo Reef offers an array of family-friendly activities, from snorkeling in clear waters to witnessing turtle hatchlings and kayaking along the coast. Whether you’re exploring the reef’s marine life, hiking through national parks, or enjoying a beach picnic, there’s something for every member of the familY.