Australia
S22 33 45 E113 48 37
Date of Inscription: 2011
Criteria: (vii)(x)
Property : 705,015 ha
Ref: 1369
News Links/Travelogues:
The 604,500 hectare marine and terrestrial property of Ningaloo Coast, on the remote western coast of Australia, includes one of the longest near-shore reefs in the world. On land the site features an extensive karst system and network of underground caves and water courses. Annual gatherings of whale sharks occur at Ningaloo Coast, which is home to numerous marine species, among them a wealth of sea turtles. The terrestrial part of the site features subterranean water bodies with a substantial network of caves, conduits, and groundwater streams. They support a variety of rare species that contribute to the exceptional biodiversity of the marine and terrestrial site.
The Ningaloo Coast is located on Western Australia’s remote coast along the East Indian Ocean. The interconnected ocean and arid coast form aesthetically striking landscapes and seascapes. The coastal waters host a major near shore reef system and a directly adjacent limestone karst system and associated habitats and species along an arid coastline. The property holds a high level of terrestrial species endemism and high marine species diversity and abundance. An estimated 300 to 500 whale sharks aggregate annually coinciding with mass coral spawning events and seasonal localized increases in productivity. The marine portion of the nomination contains a high diversity of habitats that includes lagoon, reef, open ocean, the continental slope and the continental shelf. Intertidal systems such as rocky shores, sandy beaches, estuaries, and mangroves are also found within the property. The most dominant marine habitat is the Ningaloo reef, which sustains both tropical and temperate marine fauna and flora, including marine reptiles and mammals.
The main terrestrial feature of the Ningaloo Coast is the extensive karst system and network of underground caves and water courses of the Cape Range. The karst system includes hundreds of separate features such as caves, dolines and subterranean water bodies and supports a rich diversity of highly specialized subterranean species. Above ground, the Cape Range Peninsula belongs to an arid ecoregion recognized for its high levels of species richness and endemism, particularly for birds and reptiles.
Criterion (vii): The landscapes and seascapes of the property are comprised of mostly intact and large-scale marine, coastal and terrestrial environments. The lush and colourful underwater scenery provides a stark and spectacular contrast with the arid and rugged land. The property supports rare and large aggregations of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) along with important aggregations of other fish species and marine mammals. The aggregations in Ningaloo following the mass coral spawning and seasonal nutrient upwelling cause a peak in productivity that leads approximately 300-500 whale sharks to gather, making this the largest documented aggregation in the world.
Criterion (x): In addition to the remarkable aggregations of whale sharks the Ningaloo Reef harbours a high marine diversity of more than 300 documented coral species, over 700 reef fish species, roughly 650 mollusc species, as well as around 600 crustacean species and more than 1,000 species of marine algae. The high numbers of 155 sponge species and 25 new species of echinoderms add to the significance of the area. On the ecotone, between tropical and temperate waters, the Ningaloo Coast hosts an unusual diversity of marine turtle species with an estimated 10,000 nests deposited along the coast annually.
The majority of subterranean species on land, including aquatic species in the flooded caves are rare, taxonomically diverse and not found elsewhere in the southern hemisphere. The combination of relict rainforest fauna and small fully aquatic invertebrates within the same cave system is exceptional. The subterranean fauna of the peninsula is highly diverse and has the highest cave fauna (troglomorphic) diversity in Australia and one of the highest in the world. Above ground, the diversity of reptiles and vascular plants in the drylands is likewise noteworthy.
Suggested bases:
Exmouth is a small town in Western Australia, halfway between Perth and Broome. The main reasons to visit are to dive the Ningaloo Reef, and to see Cape Range National Park. Exmouth is pronounced “EX-MOUTH” – without shortening the vowel sound. Exmouth is a small town of around 2500 people, with a population that doubles with the temporary workforce associated with the 4 month tourist season. It has supermarkets, coffee shops, dive shops and a couple of fashion stores. It is surrounded by endless beaches, national parks, and arid beauty. You can always find a beach and a reef to have nearly to yourself. Even in the peak tourist season it has a sleepy small town feel. Outside of the tourist season it is even quieter. The Exmouth area was visited by pearlers and whalers from the late 19th century. The area became a focus of attention during World War II, with the northwest of Australia considered to be under threat from Japanese invasion [read more].
Carnarvon is a town in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. Once a port for the shipping of livestock, it’s now a fruit & veg growing area and has a small fishing industry. It’s the last town of any size before heading north into arid country towards Exmouth and Port Hedland, so for travellers it’s a good overnight stop and chance to stock up. The TIC, downtown at 21 Robinson St, is open 9-5 Mon-Fri, to noon Sat. Do look up at the night sky especially if you come from a cold northern country where the skies are a smear of city light pollution and sleet. The moon and band of the Milky Way will be familiar but the constellations won’t be. Check online beforehand what’s likely to be in view and where: probably one of the giant planets, perhaps the International Space Station whirling west to east. See OTC Dish (Space & Technology Museum) [read more].
Onslow is a city in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Onslow has a population of around 900 depending on the time of year. During summer the weather is extremely hot, however from April to September it is particularly beautiful. Onslow is still a quiet Pilbara town, known over the years for its fantastic fishing and laid back lifestyle. Onslow is also the gateway to the Mackerel Islands, which is rated highly as “the place” to fish in WA. Now offering an underwater world, to dive, fish and snorkel. The clear water and surrounding reefs are full of life waiting to be explored. 10 islands make up the Mackerel Islands group, with accommodation and facilities on Thevenard and Direction Island. With Onslow’s population and small town set to grow, this prosperous town has much to offer. The town features the local pub, post office, a brand new sports centre doubling as a cyclone shelter for the town’s residents, supermarket and other small businesses, you should find all that you need [read more].
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