07 Feb Ningaloo Station, An off Grid Adventure.

DISTANCE FROM PERTH: 1,200 km approx 13-14hr drive

OOOOH Ningaloo Station is an absolute off the grid adventure. It would also have to be my absolute favourite place to visit. I know that’s a big statement to make but if you have been to Ningaloo Station before I’m sure you would agree with me. 

This is absolute prime beach camping. It is a stretch of land now owned by the state government and has a number of bays you can camp at. The Station is a little further north of Coral Bay and it is 4wd access only. You need to be fully self sufficient to camp here.

History of Ningaloo Station

The area used to be an old sheep station, owned by the LeFroy family. The family had a 99 year lease on the land. However, their lease has finished. Unfortunately after many years of fighting in court the land has recently been returned to the WA State Government. I believe the remaining Le Froy family still live on part of the land but they do not run the camping facilities anymore.

Camping adventure at Ningaloo station

Getting to the campsite is an adventure because you need a 4wd to access the station and you need ALL the gear to be self sufficient. You will need to take enough water, a chemical toilet, a power source, fridge and enough food. You are literal camping on the beach and there are NO facilities. Which in my opinion, is part of its charm. Getting back to basics.

If you are an avid camper you should have all the gear so it’s an easy set up to bring your solar panel to power the fridge and plenty of water. The trip into the station is a long one so made sure you bring sufficient previsions. It’s at least an 1 ½ hrs drive into the station from the main hwy. Its a rough corrugated road.

It is quite unpleasant at times and quite rough on the car, caravans and your gear. Ideally, once you are there and set up, that’s it relax and enjoy.

Getting to the station

Your Ningaloo Station adventure starts with the drive into the station. The entrance is 40 km’s north of the Coral Bay turn off. Its an unsealed road called Ningaloo Road. As mentioned, its a rough corrugated road for approx 30-40km. Might not sound all that daunting, however, when towing gear (like a boat or a camper) you need to take it slower and that can take quite some time. 

It is intermediate 4wdíng because there is no super soft sand until you get closer to the beach or on the beach. The rough long journey from the hwy to the beach is well worth the effort

Bays and Campgrounds

• Janes Bay
• South Le Froy Bay
• Point Billie
• North Le Froy Bay
• Winderbandi Point

You can now book online on the WA parks and dep website for $11 p/n which is super handy because you can see a little mud map of the sites to choose. 

All of these bays are slightly different. We have stayed at Winderbandi bay 3 years in a row so can only really comment personally on Winderbandi. 

Winderbandi Bay

We chose to stay at Winderbandi Bay, 3 years in a row. This is the northern most bay of the station and quite an adventure to get there.  ALL of the beaches at Ningaloo station are lovely and they all have their own individual uniqueness.

This bay is facing north and very protected from the majority of the winds (unless its a northerly or a NE of course).

So naturally the bay is very calm and usually flat as a tack! Its super family friendly because of the flat bay and pending the time of the year the tide is very low.

What is there to do at ningaloo station?

Not a lot… and that’s part of the appeal. The main attraction is the Ningaloo reef. It is not far off the shore so if you have a kayak you can paddle out to the reef and jump in and snorkel around the reef at low tide.

Fishing and diving is also a major appeal to a lot of people that have boats and tinnies. We have been up with and without a boat. Having the boat is a major advantage so you can head out fishing (outside the sanctuary zone) and also boat it way up the coast to explore some amazing coral reef spots. If you stay in South Le Froy Bay you can snorkel right off shore without a kayak or boat. 

You do need to make your own fun here, so bring toys, beach cricket, SUP’s, kayaks, fishing equipment, boats to create your own fun. 

Coral Bay

Coral Bay is the closest place to get provisions or you can make the 3hr trek to Exmouth. Coral Bay is just a large caravan park with a general store, bakery, restaurant/bar.

I’m not sure its really classed as a town, but if it is… its a small one. If you are looking for a more family friendly caravan park / tourist vibe maybe Coral Bay is the place for you. You can also hire chalets and villas at coral bay if you are not off grid adventure type people.

Getting Home

Plan your road trip carefully because it’s a long road trip back to Perth. IF you are going directly home, you can break it up by adding a few stops along the way like Wooramel Station or Carnarvon. If you need to stop for the night there free 24hr road stops along the North West Coastal Hwy that you can camp for free overnight.

There is one called Nerren Nerren which is nicely tucked in the bush so you have to keep your eyes peeled for it because it is easily missed, it is just before the Billabong Roadhouse, about 2 ½ hrs from Carnarvon. Or you can pay to camp at Wooramel Station which is a good pit stop.

Pro’s:

Literal beach camping with designated sand cleared patches in the dunes for camping. Sites very well spaced apart for privacy. The most stunning location and a great place to disconnect from society, forget your worries and re-connect with your friends and family. Or if you are looking for a little adventure, Ningaloo Station is definitely going to deliver the goods.

Con’s:

Pick your season well. In Oct – Dec it can get a bit windy and once that wind set in for a few days you might be stuck on a windy beach for a few days. From Dec -April it can be ridiculously hot. Ideal time to go is June to Oct, the weather is pleasant, the wind is mild (between 25-30 deg) and its a good sunny escape from the mild Perth winter. You need to be self sufficient so you need “all the things”. If you want a more easily accessible place to stay, you can stay in Coral Bay.