Sal Salis

Exmouth on the Northwest Cape is an interesting, friendly outpost of 2500 people. It is considered as the gateway to Ningaloo Reef, a stunning marine park made famous for swimming with whale sharks. Other attractions include the little-visited Cape Range National Park, home to amazing red rock canyons and gorges. The giant communications base (designed to communicate with deep-water submarines) is one of the more unusual things you’ll see in the world!

Ningaloo Reef is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world and has gained a reputation as one of Earth’s last ocean paradises. Unlike many reefs, you can reach it just by stepping off the beach.

Encompassing a massive 5,000 square kilometres of ocean, it’s home to 500 species of tropical fish and 220 species of coral. Its most famous seasonal visitors are the whale sharks (docile, mysterious fish growing up to 18m long that visit the reef between April and June), rare turtle species (hatching in late January and February) and migrating humpback whales (June to November). In season, a whole range of eco-certified tour operators are available to see all this activity up close.

Your accommodation is designed to expose you to the sights and sounds outside your tent – a kangaroo grazing amongst the dunes, the beautiful song of a butcherbird or a humpback whale breaching just beyond the reef.

The tent structures are timber underfoot, spacious and naturally comfortable. Guests appreciate that an exclusive bush experience does not need to be 5-star in the traditional sense, so there are no TVs, telephones, minibars or other modern appliances. But it’s the few key comforts that make the experience so special – like the supremely comfortable bed, 100% cotton linen (500 threadcount), a choice of pillows, soft bathtowels, an ensuite bathroom, delicious food and great hosting.

All power is solar generated and each ensuite bathroom has a natureloo (marketing jargon for a state-of-the-art composting loo!). Water usage is very carefully managed and no waste material escapes into the surrounding ecosystem. Native herb soaps and ecologically sound shampoos are provided.

The main camp building is raised above the sand and coastal scrub with views out to the reef and breakers beyond. Dinner is hosted against a back-drop of rich orange sunsets over the Indian Ocean and the sight of kangaroos and wallaroos appearing from the bush for their evening graze.

The chef provides contemporary Australian cuisine with hints of bush food and native produce; guests may help themselves to the self-service bar at any time.