Ningaloo Reef, with its pristine beaches, vibrant coral gardens, and abundant marine life, is a photographer’s paradise. From dramatic coastal landscapes to underwater wonders, Ningaloo offers endless opportunities for capturing stunning images. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual enthusiast, the beauty of this World Heritage-listed site provides plenty of material for unforgettable shots. Here’s a guide to the best photography spots in Ningaloo, along with tips for capturing the magic of the reef and its surroundings.
1. Turquoise Bay: Crystal Waters and Coral Gardens
Turquoise Bay is one of the most photogenic locations on the Ningaloo Coast, with its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. The shallow, clear waters make it perfect for underwater photography, while the wide, open beach provides stunning shots of the coastline and sky.
For underwater shots, grab your waterproof camera or GoPro and capture the colorful coral gardens just a few meters from shore. Snorkeling here offers an incredible opportunity to photograph tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Don’t forget to take some landscape shots of the beach, especially during sunrise or sunset when the lighting is soft and golden.
Best for: Underwater photography, beach landscapes, sunrise and sunset shots.
Tip: Use a polarizing filter for landscape shots to enhance the colors of the water and sky.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
2. Mandu Mandu Gorge: Dramatic Landscapes and Wildlife
For those interested in landscape and wildlife photography, Mandu Mandu Gorge in Cape Range National Park offers a rugged and dramatic setting. The gorge’s towering red cliffs and rocky terrain provide a stunning contrast to the blue skies, making it a perfect location for capturing the beauty of Ningaloo’s outback.
The hike through Mandu Mandu Gorge also offers opportunities to spot wildlife such as rock wallabies, eagles, and other native birds, adding an extra dimension to your photography. The light in the gorge is best in the early morning or late afternoon when the shadows create a more dramatic effect and the temperature is cooler for hiking.
Best for: Landscape photography, wildlife shots, and sunset photos.
Tip: Bring a telephoto lens to capture wildlife from a distance without disturbing them, and shoot during the golden hour for the best lighting.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
3. Osprey Bay: Coastal Beauty and Stunning Sunsets
Osprey Bay, located within Cape Range National Park, is a fantastic spot for capturing both coastal landscapes and wildlife. The bay’s calm, shallow waters provide a serene setting for beach photography, with opportunities to photograph rays, sea turtles, and even dolphins close to shore.
Osprey Bay is also known for its incredible sunsets. The sun dips low over the Indian Ocean, casting beautiful reflections and creating golden light that illuminates the beach and surrounding landscapes. Sunset photography at Osprey Bay is a must for anyone looking to capture the natural beauty of Ningaloo at its most magical.
Best for: Sunset photography, wildlife, and coastal landscapes.
Tip: Use a tripod for sunset shots to keep your camera steady during long exposures and capture the rich colors of the sky.
4. Exmouth Lighthouse: Panoramic Views and Whale Watching
For a panoramic view of Ningaloo Reef and its coastline, head to the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse near Exmouth. The elevated location provides sweeping views of the reef, ocean, and the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal spot for landscape photography. During whale season (June to November), you can also capture images of humpback whales as they migrate along the coast.
The lighthouse is a fantastic spot for sunrise and sunset photography, with the early morning or late afternoon light casting a beautiful glow over the landscape. The combination of wide-angle shots of the coastline and close-ups of the lighthouse itself offers a variety of perspectives for photographers.
Best for: Panoramic landscape shots, sunrise and sunset photography, whale watching photos.
Tip: Bring a zoom lens for whale photography to capture close-up images of the whales breaching or tail-slapping in the distance.
5. Coral Bay: Underwater Adventures and Beach Vibes
Coral Bay is another gem for photographers looking to capture the essence of Ningaloo Reef. The beach’s soft, white sand and vibrant coral gardens provide a beautiful contrast for both landscape and underwater photography. With easy access to the reef just meters from the shore, you can photograph an array of marine life, including manta rays, reef sharks, and tropical fish.
For underwater photographers, Coral Bay’s clear waters offer excellent visibility, making it easy to capture the intricate details of the coral and the movements of marine creatures. On land, Coral Bay’s relaxed beach atmosphere provides a great backdrop for candid shots of people enjoying the water and the sunset.
Best for: Underwater photography, beach shots, and capturing marine life.
Tip: Use a wide-angle lens for underwater shots to capture the vastness of the reef and include both marine life and coral formations in your frame.
6. Yardie Creek Gorge: Wildlife and Scenic Boat Tours
For unique landscape photography and wildlife spotting, Yardie Creek Gorge offers dramatic scenery and a variety of subjects to capture. The towering red cliffs of the gorge contrast with the still, blue waters of the creek, making it an excellent spot for nature photography. You can explore the gorge by foot or on a boat tour, which allows for better access to the inner parts of the gorge and the chance to photograph native wildlife, including rock wallabies, birds, and reptiles.
The lighting in the gorge changes throughout the day, but early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to shoot due to the softer light and the increased activity of wildlife.
Best for: Wildlife photography, landscape shots, and boat tour photography.
Tip: Use a telephoto lens to capture close-up shots of the wildlife without disturbing them, and be patient for the perfect moment to capture animal behavior.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
7. Charles Knife Canyon: Aerial Views and Dramatic Landscapes
For photographers looking for jaw-dropping aerial and landscape shots, Charles Knife Canyon is a must-visit. The canyon’s rugged ridges and deep ravines create a dramatic backdrop that is ideal for wide-angle landscape photography. The drive along Charles Knife Road offers several lookouts where you can stop and capture sweeping views of the canyon, the coastline, and the surrounding plains.
During wildflower season (July to October), the area around the canyon is dotted with blooming wildflowers, adding vibrant color to your landscape shots. The combination of red rock, green vegetation, and bright blue skies makes this a unique and striking location for photography.
Best for: Landscape photography, aerial shots (if you have a drone), and wildflower photography.
Tip: The best lighting for landscape shots is during the golden hour, so plan to visit at sunrise or sunset to capture the canyon at its most beautiful.
8. Muiron Islands: Remote and Pristine Beauty
For a more remote and off-the-beaten-path photography experience, head to the Muiron Islands, located north of Exmouth. These islands offer pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, making them perfect for both landscape and underwater photography. The coral reefs around the islands are teeming with colorful fish, rays, and even turtles, offering plenty of opportunities for underwater shots.
The islands are less visited than other parts of Ningaloo, giving photographers a more peaceful setting to capture the natural beauty without the crowds. The beaches are also a great spot for sunrise and sunset shots, with the reflection of the water adding to the beauty of the scene.
Best for: Remote landscape photography, underwater shots, and marine life.
Tip: Plan a full day trip or join a guided tour to explore the islands and capture their beauty from multiple angles.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Photography Tips for Ningaloo
- Use Natural Light: Take advantage of the soft, golden light during sunrise and sunset for landscape shots. Midday can be harsh, so plan your photography sessions for early morning or late afternoon for the best results.
- Capture Underwater Magic: Ningaloo’s underwater world is one of its biggest draws. Use a GoPro or waterproof camera to capture the reef’s marine life up close. A wide-angle lens works best for capturing both coral formations and marine animals in a single frame.
- Bring a Polarizing Filter: For landscape shots, a polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky, reduce glare, and create more vivid images.
- Be Patient with Wildlife: Wildlife photography requires patience. Stay calm and quiet when photographing animals, and use a telephoto lens to capture detailed shots without disturbing them.
- Use a Tripod: For long exposure shots of sunsets, sunrises, or night skies, use a tripod to keep your camera steady and capture the sharpest possible images.
Final Thoughts
Ningaloo Reef offers a world of photographic opportunities, from the dramatic landscapes of Cape Range National Park to the vibrant coral gardens of the reef itself. Whether you’re focusing on the stunning sunsets, the diverse marine life, or the expansive coastal views, Ningaloo’s natural beauty is a photographer’s dream.