Just 150 kilometres to the north of Coral Bay is the larger town of Exmouth, a great base from which to explore the nearby marine and land based natural attractions.

As the northern gateway to the Ningaloo Marine Park, Exmouth boasts diving and snorkelling conditions that have been rated amongst the world's best. Like Coral Bay, there are plenty of snorkelling, diving and fishing tours available, as well as many calm and sheltered swimming beaches.

To the south of the town is the amazing Cape Range National Park where you can experience spectacular gorges, in season wildflowers and amazing wildlife. There are four wheel drive tours available from Exmouth or the adventurous can camp or stay in unique safari style accommodation. Entry and camping fees apply.

Diving among clouds of krill along the Ningaloo Reef, a whale shark swims with its mouth wide open, feeding on hundreds of the tiny sea creatures. Nearby, a boat load of snorkellers watch on, amazed at the grace and docility of this giant creature.

Swimming with the world's largest fish is just one of the awesome experiences available in the north west of Western Australia. For many visitors, it is a once in a lifetime thrill.

From April until June whaleshark tours operate out of Coral Bay or Exmouth on the Coral Coast, about 1,270 kilometres north of Perth. Flights to nearby Learmonth airport operate from Perth but driving to both towns is easy with quality roads including the Brand and North West Coastal Highways offering plenty of caravanning and roadhouse stops.