Today marks the 10-year anniversary of the World Heritage listing of the spectacular Ningaloo Coast, an area much-loved by Western Australians.
The 604,500 hectare, marine and terrestrial area near Exmouth is home to a diverse range of wildlife and one of the world’s longest near-shore reefs.
The Ningaloo Coast’s World Heritage listing was officially announced on June 24, 2011, with its submission to UNESCO highlighting its natural beauty, significant geomorphic features and its biological diversity.
The Ningaloo Reef is home to more than 500 species of fish and threatened marine life including whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and dugongs.
Tourists flock to the region every year to admire this beautiful part of the world through an array of activities such as camping, snorkelling and hiking.
As stated by Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“It’s wonderful to celebrate such a milestone for this special part of our State.
“The Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area is well-known for its abundant marine life and rich cultural history.
“The McGowan Government is supporting the protection of this beautiful region, with nearly 50,000 hectares of new reserve added to the national park, as part of the Plan for Our Parks initiative.
“The Ningaloo Coast is a tourism drawcard, seeing thousands of tourists flock to the region every year, which generates local jobs, contributing to the economy.”
