How to view the total eclipse at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia this week

Some of Australia’s most pristine coastline is set to experience an ultra-rare experience that is the stuff of Instagram dreams. Here's how to see it.

Here’s everything you need to know about what to expect, how to see it and making the most of the remote world heritage site. 

Where and when is the Ningaloo Eclipse happening?

Perhaps the biggest drawcard for the Ningaloo Eclipse is its World-Heritage listed destination. Taking place across Exmouth in Western Australia, the remote region includes majestic national parks, stretches of rugged coastline and the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. Spanning 300 kilometres, Ningaloo Reef is home to humpback whales, turtles, whale sharks, and hundreds of unique species of coral fish native to the area.

The complete darkness that comes with a total eclipse is set to last just over a minute (62 seconds to be exact), but it will take the moon almost three hours to make its way across the face of the sun entirely, meaning that from 10am to 1pm on Thursday 20 April, the Exmouth region will experience a naturally unforgettable light show across the many areas of the peninsula.

Night sky viewing at Ningaloo Reef. Picture: Tourism WA

What will happen during the Ningaloo Eclipse?

While most of us have seen a partial eclipse or two in our times, total eclipses like that set to occur at Ningaloo are much rarer, not least because of its location.

A partial eclipse occurs when one planet moves into the shadow of another planet, which happens fairly regularly. But in the instance of the Ningaloo Eclipse, the sun, moon and earth will all be in perfect alignment, which happens a lot less often (and makes for a total eclipse). 

Far from being just a sky-gazing event, some pretty incredible things can happen on the ground during total eclipses, too. In addition to being able to see stars, planets and the sun’s corona during the alignment, animals are also known to behave strangely during the interruption to their natural daily patterns, you can feel a drop in the temperature. What’s more, in this instance, you can enjoy a light show play out across some of Australia’s most beautiful and iconic natural scenery.

Exmouth is set to welcome 25,000 visitors for the Ningaloo eclipse. Picture: Instagram @visitningaloo

Can I buy Ningaloo Eclipse tickets?

Those wanting to catch the magic can purchase tickets to the designated Ningaloo Eclipse viewing site in Exmouth which will offer unforgettable views as well as a delicious pre-packed lunch, access to essential amenities, your own pair of Ningaloo Eclipse glasses for safe viewing, and the option of coach transfers to and from Exmouth town centre of the nearby Learmonth Airport.

Ningaloo Beach & Sal Salis campsite.

How do I get to Exmouth for the Ningaloo Eclipse?

Part of what makes the WA region so beautiful is its remoteness, but that can make traveling to the Eclipse a serious undertaking. If you’re driving, Exmouth is around 13 hours from Perth, so it’s worth stocking up on snacks, petrol and a few episodes of your favourite podcast if road-tripping is your travel mode of choice.

Alternatively, you can fly from Perth to Learmonth Airport, which is a 25-minute drive away from Exmouth. From there, Exmouth has a number of caravan parks, campgrounds and motels, as does Coral Bay, which is a little over an hour’s drive away.

Ningaloo Reef is the stuff of dreams. This week, even more so. Picture: Sabine Zucculo

What else is there to do in the area?

As mentioned, Ningaloo Reef is one of the best locations in the world for snorkeling, diving, and if you’re game for it, swimming with whale sharks.

Onshore, watching the sunset at the Exmouth lighthouse while enjoying an ale from one of the region’s local micro-breweries is a must, as is spending some time in the Cape Range National Park, where you can expect to see emus, echidnas and kangaroos in droves.

The coastline is also home to countless incredible four-wheel drive tracks and for those wanting to start a little lighter but still get a taste of adventure, quad biking tours offer the chance to see the sights from new angles while also getting a serious hit of adrenaline.

Originally published as How to view the total eclipse at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia this week