Historical sites, pristine coastline and incredible wildlife
Ningaloo Station is a pastoral lease and home to sheep and goats which co-habitate with kangaroos, snakes and goannas, all of which are protected.
The station has a host of fascinating historic sites, including the heritage listed Point Cloates Lighthouse, the long since abandoned Norwegian Bay Whaling Station, the sunken Fraser Island and numerous coastal shipwrecks.
The station adjoins a stretch of pristine ocean where you will encounter whales, dugongs, whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, turtles, varied bird life and an incredible range of fish species, most of which are edible.
The campsites stretch from Jane Bay at the southern end to Winderabandi Point at the northern end. There are colour coded locked gates that ensure your campsite is available and minimises overcrowding or damage to the environment.
Ningaloo Station has an extensive native tree planting program; composting and environmental enhancement activities which campers are encouraged to participate in.
All campsites have direct beach access; a pristine, natural, untouched with no infrastructure, coastline to enjoy a wilderness experience, living with and in harmony with nature and at the same time experience and enjoy wide open spaces, pristine beaches, rugged ranges, wild flowers, native fauna, fishing, photography, boating, snorkelling, whale watching, swimming, and the list is never ending.
Point Cloates Lighthouse
Point Cloates lighthouse was built in 1910 from local limestone on the hill near Ningaloo Station homestead. The lighthouse was particularly remote and the living conditions were cramped with the two lighthouse keepers living in one cottage with their families. The keepers had to be self reliant, growing a garden of vegetables, and hunting goat and fish.
The light was automated and demanned in 1933. It was severely damaged in the mid-1930s and abandoned, and sold to the Lefroys for £5. It is likely the damage was caused by an earthquake.
Winderabandi Point
Winderabandi Point is a very popular spot for camping, fishing and nature spotting where you may see dolphins and turtles come right in close to the shoreline.The beaches are pristine here; an ideal place to just relax.
The Whaling Station
The ruins of the Norwegian Bay Whaling Station are located at the remote Norwegian Bay and are a dominant landmark on the site, visible from the ocean and the surrounding dunes. The station was probably the most successful bay whaling station to ever operate in WA when it operated from 1915 to 1957. Its success led to the establishment of several other shore stations around Australia.
The whaling station is important for its association with Norwegian and other Scandinavian whaling men, three of whom are buried in the dunes near the site.
Visitors to the National heritage listed Norwegian whaling station ruins must register at Ningaloo homestead and obtain a key to facilitate entry.
Lefroy Bay
The 9km long beach at Lefroy Bay is south of Winderabandi Point. There are six camping areas within this bay and they are known as South Lefroy Bay, Point Billie and North Lefroy Bay. A 2.5km wide shallow lagoon fills most of the bay, with the reef beyond.