Situated north of Perth, the Indian Ocean of Australia’s Coral Coast is teeming with a myriad of colourful marine life including humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, dugongs and schools of colourful tropical fish.

On your way north be sure to stop at the Nambung National Park to see the Pinnacles, regarded as one of Australia’s most unique landscapes. You can walk amongst these incredible limestone spires that rise eerily out of the sand, some several metres tall. It’s the only place in Australia like it.

Head further north to Ningaloo Reef or Exmouth - one of the best places in the world for swimming with the largest fish in the sea, the gentle Whale Shark. Whale Sharks grow up to 16 metres (52.5 feet) long. Ningaloo is one of very few regions in the world where Whale Sharks pass by each year from April to July following the mass spawning of coral in the area. Visitors can swim with these harmless gentle giants by joining one of the specialist whale shark tour boats that operate out of the small coastal towns of Exmouth and Coral Bay.

Ningaloo Reef accessible from shore and is the largest fringing reef in the world and one of the most biodiverse. Its unique attributes have attracted national and world-wide attention including a recent nomination for World Heritage listing.

It is home to a myriad of marine life, so there's the chance to swim with graceful manta rays, or snorkel over the reef which is only a few metres from shore. No overcrowded pontoons here – just slip on a snorkel or diving gear and swim in the clearest turquoise water imaginable. The pristine waters make visibility excellent and WA’s warm weather means you hardly ever need a wetsuit.

Dolphins are found along the coast and there are many opportunities to interact with these inquisitive creatures – feed them at Monkey Mia or watch them at play. Renowned for its amazing 40 year wildlife ritual, where wild dolphins come close to the shore, much to the delight of visitors. It is one of the best and most reliable places for dolphin interaction in the world – the dolphins visit almost daily, not just seasonally.

The Shark Bay World Heritage Area is one of only 16 sites worldwide that satisfy all four natural criteria for World Heritage listing – for its natural beauty, biological diversity, ecological processes and link to Earth’s history. Shark Bay’s sheltered waters are also home to the world’s largest dugong population, and 10% of the world’s dugong population are found here (as well as the world-renowned affable dolphins of Monkey Mia), the many bays and inlets in the region are ablaze with multicoloured sea life. The turquoise waters are so clear that docile dugongs, manta rays and marine turtles are easy to spot.

You’ll also find an array of interesting and enjoyable marine activities along the coastline. Explore deserted islands of the Dampier Archipelago and the Abrolhos Islands or chase some waves off Kalbarri and Geraldton.

Visit Shell Beach - one of only two in the world, formed from billions of the same tiny shells made from just one type of animal. Walk across the shells along a beach that stretches for approximately 110 kilometres (68 miles) and is between seven and 10 metres (23 and 33 feet) deep, then take a dip in the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Hamelin Pool in Shark Bay - one of only two places in the world with the oldest living marine fossils known to man - stromatolites. The mystery surrounding their origin has attracted scientists from across the globe, who have compared the find to that of a zoologist discovering a living dinosaur. Access to Hamelin Pool and the stromatolites is easy via a 200 metre (219 yard) boardwalk with interpretive signage along the way.

Inland, the wildflowers on display in between July and November, the wildflower season rivals the coral for colour and is one of the State’s best loved natural attractions.

For more information, visit http://www.australiascoralcoast.com/en/pages/home.aspx

All images copyright Tourism Western Australia.