Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is overshadowed by the Great Barrier Reef – but equally impressive.



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It is unfair, really, that the Great Barrier Reef of Queensland, Australia, has the word "awesome" in its name; Most travelers do not even realize that the Land Down Under is home to another world-class ranch of corals and large-scale marine animals. the Ningaloo, which translates roughly to "promontory"In a local indigenous dialect, is a sprawling peripheral reef skirting the undeveloped coastline of Western Australia, protected by not one but two UNESCO Heritage of the world mandates. Expect manta rays, thousands of sea turtles and dozens of sharks, such as whale sharks, hammerhead sharks and extraterrestrial wobbegongs. There is also a so-called "hump road", with some 35,000 whales who migrate through each season.

Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo's snorkeling and dive sites are located all along the coast. Sometimes they are so close that you can enter the water with your tank and explore them. In fact, the Navy Pier, near the town of Exmouth, is considered one of the best dive sites in the world. Ningaloo Diving takes groups of about 17 people at a time in the water to explore the huge schools of fish and sharks. But Navy Pier also signed a lease agreement expiring in November 2019, which means that there can only be 11 months of additional exploration guaranteed.

The undeveloped coast of Western Australia, where the Ningaloo Reef is located.
The undeveloped coast of Western Australia, where the Ningaloo Reef is located. Brandon Presser / Mic

A hidden gem

You do not have to go to the Australian Red Center to experience the ultimate outback experience: the cattle ranch Bullara Station offers honest bush accommodation to kindness. Set up a tent in the sand and listen to the roar of shy kangaroos, or settle into one of the rancher's cottages with aluminum shutters and cardboard shutters.

Initiatives favorable to animals

The city of Exmouth is the best base for trading with the legions of whale sharks that visit the reef each year. Its few operators offer day trips to find the biggest fish in the world, but education plays a major role in the day's activities. The time spent in front of creatures (an observer in a plane increases your chances of seeing at least one) is reduced to short encounters. When you are on the bridge, you must learn the details of the creature's biology and raise awareness of its endangered status.

Insider intel

Socially sustainable tourism is just as important as keeping the environment in mind. Support Aboriginal experiences that illuminate the rich cultures that flourished for tens of thousands of years before Europeans settled on the continent. Spend a day in the desolate dunes of François Peron National Park with Darren "Capes" Capewell, founder of Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures, explore the country and learn about its ancient local customs.

For more Mic Best places to travel in 2019, go right here.

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