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Activities

The World Heritage Area of the Ningaloo Coast provides one of Australia’s great marine experiences, while the limestone back-drop of the Cape Range hides deep gorges of spectacular beauty.   The coral reef is literally on your doorstep and our guides are passionate and knowledgeable people who love showing you their backyard – over 500 species of fish, 250 coral species and 600 species of mollusc.  Ningaloo is known as one of the best places on earth to see and swim with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays. It is also a major breeding area for Hawksbill, Green and Loggerhead Turtles, which are seen daily in front of the camp.

Our aim is to inspire and provoke thought in the activities we deliver and to increase awareness of the dangers that may impact on this wildly beautiful and pristine place. 

Sea Kayaking

Kayaks are the perfect vessel for exploring the reef with minimal interference to the ecosystem. Travel by kayak to some snorkel spots further off shore where we drop an anchor in the sand to snorkel. 

Snorkelling

A drift snorkel just a few metres offshore reveals a wealth of life, with huge staghorn coral formations, anemones, Clownfish, rays and sponge gardens.  All snorkelling gear is provided.

Wildlife Viewing

Red Kangaroos, wallaroos, rock wallabies and Gould’s Goannas are resident in the park while the birdlife includes Pied Butcherbirds, Fairy Wrens, Kestrels, Zebra Finches, Reef Herons, waders, seabirds and the occasional Emu that strolls through camp. 

Guided Gorge Walks

Two kms behind the camp, a walk up Mandu Mandu gorge is a step back in geological history with fossil bearing limestone formations and spectacular views back to the coast.  The history of 30,000 years of human habitation in this area is slowly unfolding from studies of artefacts, middens and rock shelters.

Fishing (additional cost)

With the continental shelf being only a few kilometres offshore Ningaloo Reef is a spectacular and diverse fishing destination. We can arrange game, reef and bone fishing from the camp. 

Whale Shark charters (additional cost)

April to July is the season to swim with the Whale Sharks as they migrate through these waters. We have special Whale Shark packages available during this time.

Marine Wildlife cruises (additional cost)

From April to August wildlife marine cruises can be arranged to locate Manta Rays, Humpback whales, and Dolphins.  These are full day excursions departing on selected days.   

Yardie Creek

Take a guided cruise or walk through this spectacular multi-coloured gorge in search of Black-footed Rock Wallabies.  Yardie is the only gorge in the area with permanent water and its mangrove areas provide roosting sites for many bird species while the sheltered waters are a sanctuary for marine animals.

Star Gazing

Lie back on the beach and gaze at the Milky Way stretching from one horizon to the other.

Aboriginal History

Archaelogical evidence points to Aboriginal occupation of the North West Cape and Ningaloo coast for at least 30,000 years (Commonwealth of Australia, 2002).  Two and probably three tribal gorups occupied the Ningaloo coast and adjacent inland areas.  The Jinigudira people inhabited large areas along and adjacent to the northern end of the Cape.  The Baiyungu people inhabited coastal and inland areas south of the Cape (WAPC, 2004, CALM and MPRA, 2005, Morse and Wright, 1989) from Quobba to Point Cloates and included the coastal parts of Quobba, Warroora, Ningaloo and Cardabia Stations.  The Thalandji people are also believed to have occupied parts of the central Ningaloo coastal area and adjoining land further to the east.  The area is important in that it is the earliest recorded area of marine resource exploitation by humans in Australia (LeProvost Dames and moore, 2000, CALM and MPRA, 2005).  The journal of two Croatian sailors who survived a shipwreck off the Ningaloo coast near Point Cloates in 1875 with the assistance of two local tribes provides valuable evidence of aboriginal culture at the time of early European occupation of the North West Cape (Rateh, 1990).  

The Jingudira were reported to have died out through disease introduced by pearlers and other workers around the time of early European settlement.  The Baiyungu, although presumably also affected by disease, remained in the area and took up roles on nearby pastoral stations and in the pearling industry (Morse and Wright, 1989, Turner 1995, in LeProvost Dames and Moore, 2000).

Evidence of aboriginal historical occupation is found in numerous aboriginal sites such as burial sites, areas of geological significance, midden sites and fish traps (LeProvost Dames and Moore, 2000, CALM amd MPRA, 2005).  Over 100 sites have been identified in the Cape Range area alone (BHP Billiton, 2005).  Aboriginal people would have exploited the area's rich food resources and used the shelter offered by the rock overhangs, cave and gorges of the cape.  Unfortunately the indigenous cultural history and culture of the area has not been well documented and much remains to be learned about the area's first inhabitants. 

despite major disruptions to traditional life aboriginal people seek to retain social, traditional and ceremonial bonds with the land.  The Baiyungu still have a strong presence in the area and purchase the Cardabia Station lease near Coral Bay in 2004 with the assitance of the Indigenous Land Corporation.  The entire Ningaloo coast area and adjoining lands including Ningaloo Marine Park and Cape Range National Park is subject to a Native Title Claim known as Gnulli Claim (WC97.28, WAD6161/98) (ONT, 2006) made under the auspices of the Yamatji Land and Sea Council (Commonwealth of Australia, 2002).

Information supplied by Colin Ingram, Thesis 280508 

Weddings

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef is the perfect setting for a romantic beach wedding.  Sal Salis caters for small intimate weddings including accommodation, ceremony and reception.  We have a relationship with local suppliers and can assist with additional services, such as a priest or celebrant, photographer and florist, for your special day. 

Contact us for more information.