Today we drove around the Exmouth peninsula to explore the Ningaloo Reef region properly. As we rounded the tip we could see the13 tall radio towers of the Harold Holt Naval Communication Station, which provides very low frequency (VLF) communication to the US Navy and the Royal Australian Navy ships and submarines in the region. Built in a hexagonal design, this station is the most powerful transmission station in the Southern Hemisphere. We had read that one of the towers was taller than the rest but we couldn't figure out which one.
After driving by the transmission towers we took the road up the hill to see the view at the Vlaming Lighthouse. The lighthouse, which was built as a result of the shipwreck of the Mildura, was used to aid marine navigation along the west coast of Australia. The view from the top out across the Indian Ocean was worth the drive up, and we heard it was even more spectacular at sunset.
Next up we visited the Jurabi Turtle Centre, where we were able to learn more about sea turtles, the hatching process and life cycle and natural predators.
Time to hit the beach - next stop was the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp, which is where all the boat tours head out from. We ate lunch and decided that Gadi would spend some time here with Cadbury relaxing on the beach and going out in his kayak, while I went into the National Park to snorkel at Turquoise Bay. The beach was lovely, with white sand and a gorgeous curve of blue green water glittering in the sun. The real beauty, of course, lies beneath the water. What's special about snorkeling here is how accessible it is, as you can access the coral straight from the shore.
I had a quick swim and dried off in the sun before drying off and heading back. Later, we drove back to Turquoise Bay so Gadi could also enjoy a quick snorkel in the cool green water.
By this time it was almost sunset, so we stopped back at the Tantabiddi Boat Ranp and were treated to one of the best sunsets we've seen yet. The sky caught the reflections of the fluffy clouds, turning pink and gold with a flaming red sun sinking below the ocean line. We were mesmerized by the beautiful colours over the water and the sail boats in the distance.
We drove back to our caravan park in Exmouth in the dark, tired out from a long day out, but so happy it was capped off by such a beautiful sunset. We never tire of seeing one lighting up the evening sky, kind of like an encore after a performance when the performers save their best for last.
And on that note it's time to say good night. Adios xx