Stuck on Xmas pressie ideas? Gift an adventure of a lifetime along Australia’s Coral Coast

Australia’s Coral Coast is the breathtaking stretch of coastline between Cervantes and Exmouth, encompassing the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.

The 1,100km journey is dotted with charming coastal towns and bookable bucket list experiences, including swimming with sea lions in Jurien Bay, watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean at Red Bluff, spotting wild dolphins in Monkey Mia and swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth, just to name a few.

If you’re not sure what to gift your loved ones this Christmas, consider a gift voucher or discount for one of these once-in-a-lifetime Coral Coast experiences – far more memorable than an overpriced candle!

Read on below for our handy little gift guide to helping your loved ones explore Australia’s Coral Coast:

Sail Ningaloo, Coral Bay

Gift the ultimate Ningaloo Reef experience by booking your loved ones a holiday on a luxurious (yet affordable) live-aboard boat. Gliding over the pristine reef, Sail Ningaloo offers three-, five- and eight-night all-inclusive tours, where you can spend your days snorkelling, kayaking or scuba diving. If you book a trip that leaves between the end of February to the end of March, Sail Ningaloo will knock off a whopping $250 per person on select tours!

Ningaloo Whaleshark Swim, Exmouth

A trip to Exmouth isn’t complete without a swim with one or more of the ‘Big 3’ – whale sharks, manta rays or humpback whales (sometimes all three in one day if it’s the right time of year) – and Ningaloo Whaleshark Swim can bring this dream to life. These bucket-list experiences can be on the pricey side, which is why a gift voucher to contribute to the experience is all the more special.

Trek Ningaloo, Exmouth

This experience is perfect for the hikers in your life. Trek Ningaloo offers guided one-day and multi-day hikes throughout the otherworldly landscapes of the Cape Range National Park. The experience will see you swimming, snorkelling, trekking and camping under the vibrant stars of the Ningaloo coast. You can currently nab a 15% discount off gift certificates if you book before Boxing Day.

RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park, Exmouth

Situated within walking distance of Exmouth’s townsite and the beach, the RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park offers newly renovated cabins, chalets and powered caravan sites for a laid-back up-north escape. The recently redeveloped park now has fresh camping sites, renovated studios and a brand-spanking new resort-style pool for the ultimate seaside holiday in the heart of Exmouth. Surprise your parents or friends with a gift voucher for Christmas they can use towards their next Exmouth holiday.

Exmouth Adventure Co, Exmouth

Discover the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast from the best possible vantage point – on a sea kayak and snorkel tour. Exmouth Adventure Co. offers a couple of half-day or full-day tours of Exmouth both in and out of the water. Choose your adventure with a kayak and snorkel experience, or work up an appetite first on a hike of Yardie Gorge before cooling off in Turquoise Bay. Gift vouchers are available for all of Exmouth Adventure Co. half-day, full-day or multi-day adventures.

Karijini Eco Retreat, Karijini

Is your friend dreaming of heading to Karijini National Park? Karijini Eco Retreat offers unique outback glamping within the spectacular national park, at the edge of Joffre Gorge (Jijingunha). The retreat caters to all tastes, whether you’re just after a simple campsite, or want to sleep more soundly in a cabin or safari-style eco tent. There’s also an onsite restaurant, and Karijini Eco Retreat offer great gift vouchers – so go ahead and spoil your parents for Christmas.

Mackerel Islands, Onslow

If you haven’t heard of the Mackerel Islands, these hidden gems are a collection of 10 islands and atolls dotted 22km off the coast of Onslow, only two of which are open to guests. Stay on Thevenard Island in a beachfront cabin, or for the ultimate off-grid experience, rent the entire Direction Island and stay in its sole beach shack.  Prove to your parents you’re the favourite child and buy a gift voucher for Christmas, so they can discover WA’s best-kept secret.

RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Monkey Mia 

In Monkey Mia, you can start your morning by watching dolphins gliding around in the shallow waters of the bay from the comfort of your beachfront accommodation. Sounds ideal, doesn’t it? RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort is known for its dolphin encounters, where guests can watch as wild dolphins come up to the shoreline to say hello (once you’ve purchased a national park pass from the DBCA website). Whether your budget allows for a hotel-style room or a campsite, the resort facilities and wild scenery are bound to blow your loved ones away, so give ‘em a helping hand and grab a gift voucher.

D’Guy Charters, Kalbarri

D’Guy Charters can guide you around the famous sights of Kalbarri, including the Kalbarri Skywalk, the Pink Lake, the masses of wildflowers and the many inland and coastal gorges. If days are already booked solid, catch a photo-worthy sunset at Meanara Hill, Red Bluff Lookout or Natural Bridge on one of D’Guy Charters’ sundowner tours – made easier with a D’Guy Charters gift voucher, valid for three years.

Kalbarri Scenic Flights

If you think the person you’re buying a gift for might prefer to catch Kalbarri from the skies, Kalbarri Scenic Flights is one of the best in the region, covering a wide range of experiences including the Abrolhos Islands, Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake and more. Their gift cards start at $100 to pitch in, or you can buy full experiences starting at $400.

Finlay’s Kalbarri, Kalbarri

If you have friends or family heading to Kalbarri next year, gift them a memorable evening at Finlay’s Kalbarri, a laid-back restaurant known for its locally caught seafood. The open-air restaurant is kid- and dog-friendly, a lively hub in the heart of town for craft beer, hearty meals and live music. No trip to Kalbarri is complete without a visit, so grabbing a gift voucher is a no-brainer, really!

Pink Lake Tours, Port Gregory

Sure flying over the spectacular pink lake at Port Gregory is cool, but do you know what’s cooler? Jumping on a side-by-side buggy tour to explore the Port Gregory coastline and climb the sand dunes to an elevated view of the Pink Lake, followed by a return through existing dune tracks while spotting local flora and fauna. They’re running a 15% off special in the lead-up to Christmas – learn more about it here.

Midwest Adventure Tours, Geraldton

Based in Geraldton, Midwest Adventure Tours can take you far and wide so you experience the most you can in the Midwest region. Whether you want to see the wildflower hotspots in Mullewa, Mingenew and Morawa, head to the famous Pinnacles Desert, discover Kalbarri’s Pink Lake and Nature’s Window or learn more about the town of Geraldton, Midwest Adventure Tours have you covered. In the lead-up to Christmas, Midwest Adventure Tours is extending a buy one, get one free offering for their guided twilight tour of Geraldton.

Shine Aviation, Geraldton

If Geraldton is looking like homebase for your potential travellers, Shine Aviation is a fantastic option to catch many of the Coral Coast’s most famous sites from the air. Flyovers at Pink Lake, Kalbarri Cliffs and the Murchison River are all on offer, along with their most popular – the Fly & Flipper trip to the Abrolhos Islands. They’ve got a Christmas special on that one running now, and you can check out the rest of your options here.

Skeetas, Geraldton

Geraldton is one of the places to enjoy truly fresh seafood along the Coral Coast, and Skeetas restaurant is one of the best to serve it up. Give the gift of a delicious seafood feast with one of their many gift card options, starting at just $20.

New Leaf Connect, Dongara

New Leaf Connect is Dongara’s only locally owned and operated small group tour and transport provider, offering off-the-beaten-track experiences for locals and visitors looking to engage in deeper, more meaningful connections with the people, places and produce of the Midwest. They’ve got a few different gift cards to choose from – check ‘em out there.

Sea Lion Charters, Jurien Bay  

With over 25 years of experience, Sea Lion Charters’ expertise ensures a good time is had by both sea lions and humans. The tour will anchor near one of three sea lion colonies, and you can snorkel and swim by the friendly sea lions (they’re called the puppies of the sea for a reason) or admire them from the boat. As Jurien Bay is only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Perth, you can do a day trip up to Jurien for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Turquoise Safaris, Jurien Bay

Hop aboard Turquoise Safaris’ tour and meet the beloved puppies of the ocean – sea lions! Jump into the clear waters to snorkel with them, or stay on the boat and watch these playful creatures somersault out of the water. A gift voucher here is another great option if the giftee is just looking to dip their toes into the Coral Coast given its proximity to Perth!

Lobster Shack, Cervantes

Another great day trip option from Perth, Lobster Shack is an iconic restaurant and lobster-processing facility offering an immersive lobster experience. Experience firsthand how WA’s Western Rock Lobster fishery works, jump on a Catching Tour and learn about the fishermen who are out there every day. This Christmas they’re offering a free tour of the Lobster Factory with every meal purchased – find out more here. 

RAC Cervantes Holiday Park, Cervantes

Have your friends always wanted to explore the Pinnacles? RAC Cervantes Holiday Park is just a 15-minute drive from Nambung National Park, home of the famous pinnacles. The park has everything you need, including beachfront caravan and campsites, cabins, a swimming pool and an onsite cafe. Surprise your parents or friends with a gift voucher for Christmas they can use year-round.

Nexus Airlines, Perth-Geraldton

Through new regional operator Nexus Airlines, you can give the gift of connection this year! Gift vouchers are now available to purchase for all Nexus flight services across the network, helping bring family and friends together throughout regional Western Australia, including direct flights between Perth and Geraldton – find out more here.

There are plenty of gift ideas and promotions to choose from, head to the Australia’s Coral Coast website for more inspo now.

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This article is sponsored by Australia’s Coral Coast and endorsed by us. Please see our Editorial Policy for more info.