Ningaloo Coast & Montebello Islands
A wild archipelago only accessible by sea.
Where red earth meets turquoise seas, Western Australia’s Coral Coast reveals a wilderness unlike anywhere else. From the serene bays and teeming mangrove systems of the Exmouth Gulf to the remote atolls of the Montebello Islands, this region delivers an extraordinary blend of marine wildlife, pristine reefs, luminous beaches and deep cultural history.
These are some of the remarkable locations our voyages explore.
Destination Highlights
The Bay Of Rest
A slice of the Kimberley tucked away in the Exmouth Gulf. The Bay of Rest sits on the eastern edge of the Exmouth Gulf and offers a calm, remote stretch of coastline known for its broad tidal flats, mangrove islands, shallow sand cays and winding creek systems. Long regarded as one of Western Australia’s best wilderness fishing areas, its waters support a mix of bluewater species and creek dwellers, alongside regular sightings of dugongs, turtles, manta rays, dolphins and whales. With oyster stacks, rocky points and quiet beaches to explore, the area remains largely untouched and provides a remote timeless environment for fishing, wildlife viewing and appreciating the natural and unique character of the Gulf.
Thevenard and The Mackerel Islands
A unique tourism experience right off the coast. The Mackerel Islands comprise ten remote islands and coral atolls known for their clear waters, abundant marine life and minimal human footprint. Thevenard Island is a key destination, offering fantastic snorkelling, diving and fishing, with coral reefs, rays, tropical crayfish, sea turtles, dolphins and, seasonally, migrating whales frequenting the area. Its long, narrow coastline makes it easy to explore on foot, revealing quiet beaches, rocky headlands and sheltered bays perfect for swimming, paddling and beachcombing. With little development and stunning night skies, the islands provide an isolated peaceful environment for nature-based activities and exploration.
Varanus Island
Varanus Island and its rugged outcrops is surrounded by ocean waters of deep blues and turquoise. The ocean floor slopes dramatically away, creating an underwater amphitheatre where golden trevally swirl in the blue, rays glide in gentle arcs and the deep contrasts brilliantly with the shallow, sunlit reefs closer to shore. The shallows themselves are alive with colour — coral bommies, sandy flats and shifting schools of fish create a snorkelling environment that feels surreal and immersive. Underwater you enter another world, calm, bright and wonderfully alive.
Hermite Island
The largest of this incredible collection of islands, Hermite Island is home to expansive patches of mangroves in sheltered tidal lagoons and channels. The most profound of these is the Willy Nilly Lagoon, a marine sanctuary area considered as the heart of the Montebello Islands, setting the foundations for it’s incredibly diverse ecosystem. A cruise through the shallows here sees you witness a hive of activity from crawling mud crabs and gliding rays, to soaring birdlife and everything in between. Contrasting Hermite’s striking natural environment, is the evidence of it’s profound history. In the early 1900’s cultured pearl farming commenced at the Montebello Islands, largely pioneered by Thomas Haynes. The notable pearler held a pearling license from 1902 – 1913 and evidence of his experiments in raising pearl oysters can be seen in the constructed shell pool on Hermite Island.
Alpha Island
The island is smaller than many of it’s neighbouring islands, but packed with lot’s to explore. Thanks to it’s central location in the archipelago, Alpha Island is surrounded by calm sheltered waters providing captivating snorkelling sites and peaceful beaches where you can rediscover your sense of bliss. From here you are a stone’s throw from the western reefs where vibrant coral shelves are abundant with crayfish. This tiny island also houses a momentous piece of history as it was the site of the largest ever Nuclear device to be detonated in Australia when Britain carried out atomic weapon tests here in 1956. Remains of these historic military activities, carried out over a number of years as part of the arms race of the time, can safely be seen on Alpha Island and are unique to witness.
Book your Voyage
Excited by Eclipse? Inquire now to book your expedition. Our friendly and knowledgeable team are ready and waiting to make your dream West Australian Coast holiday, a reality.
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