Attractions

The Horak family purchased the station in 1994 and had been breeding merinos for more than 20 years. At the height of their sheep production, they ran over 10 000 sheep.  The shearing would take place once a year, usually just before summer.  You can visit the shearing shed and old yards and still smell the lanolin from the wool.

From 2015 the arrival of wild dogs and dingos has unfortunately seen our sheep production's demise.  Our last shearing was in 2016 when we only had 5000 sheep.  The dogs also affected the feral goat population, which had been a handy source of income when the price of wool plummeted.  Today we are breeding cattle with a mainly Droughtmaster bloodline.

The style of farming cattle in Australia is very natural, with minimal human contact and chemical treatment.  The waters and fence lines are checked periodically, depending on the weather, and they are mustered once or twice a year, depending on what season the station is having.  A plane or helicopter is used, and several motorbikes drive the cattle to the yards.  The mustering work is more about the gathering of the cattle.  The mob needs to be settled, walked to the yards, and used low-stress stock handling techniques to calm the cattle.  The cattle are then put through a draft at the yards where the ones to be sold and the weiners big enough to be taken from their mothers are segregated.  They are returned to the paddocks as quickly as possible.

Life on a station can be very isolated. Most station kids don’t go to school but are enrolled in “School of the air”.  In the past, the teaching medium was HF radio.  However, today computers and satellite dishes have replaced radios.  The title “School of the air” remains and has been going for 50 years.

Any medical emergencies require the help of the RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service).  One of the children was bitten by a snake in January 2018 and had to be flown to Carnarvon by the RFDS for medical treatment.  The service is lifesaving in such an isolated and broad environment.

It may sound romantic, but first and foremost, it is about hard work for the men and women of the land.  Work starts before sunrise and continues after sunset, and there is no such thing as weekends or public holidays.    

Ningaloo Reef is a popular destination for recreational fishing. Species such as Spanglers emperor, Coral trout, Spanish mackerel and Trevally are just a few. 

Whether fishing for a delicious catch for dinner or catching and release, please refer to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development DPIRD Recreational Fishing Guide about the zones and various activities, including spearfishing. 

Be aware of Sanctuary zones; they are 'look but don't take' marine areas. They are protected nursery and schooling areas for important fish species. 

Fish Feeding Frenzies occur regularly and give the viewer the thrill of seeing Marine Mother Nature in jam-packed action. Sharks congregate in hundreds & sometimes whales too to feed on big black schools of pilchards which are herded into shore.

Tips

1. anchor on the sand, never on coral
2. boat launching facilities are available for use at Coral Bay
3. there are informal launch areas at 14 Mile beach, not suitable for launching large boats
4. Please note that private mooring in the marine park is not permitted without lawful authority from DBCA

Marine life is in abundance with whale sharks, migratory whales, manta rays, dolphins, turtles and sharks and countless other fish and marine animals.

Migratory Humpback Whales are a constant feature for several months of the year and can be easily seen from the shore, playing almost constantly on the reef’s outer edge. It is truly a fantastic sight to see one of these massive mammals launch their bodies entirely out of the water as they show off to all who are watching. Humpback whales migrate between summer polar feeding areas and winter tropical breeding and calving grounds. They are travelling along the coast from June to October. 

Ningaloo Reef is one of the few places in the world where whale sharks appear regularly and are easily accessible to observers. Coral Bay offers tours from March to July. 

Warroora Station is 266,000 acres of untouched rangelands, home to dozens of native animals, prolific birdlife and beautiful flora, mainly after rains when hundreds of acres are carpeted with wildflowers.

Visitors enjoy just watching the wildlife up close. Marvel at two young buck kangaroos having a "boxing match", or watch Old Man Emu manage his brood of up to a dozen young chicks.

Watch Sea Eagles and Ospreys hunt for a fish, or hypnotise yourself lying back and taking in the perfect symmetry of giant Wedge Tail Eagles hunting for their prey.

Safe walking tips

1. Carry adequate water (3lt per person) and wear sunscreen, long sleeves and a hat. 
2. Before leaving, tell a responsible friend or family member where you plan to walk and when you expect to return. Remember to let them know when you've returned safely. 

Warroora is currently working with the Baiyungy people on an exciting concept: a coastal walk that will bring to life the story of the castaways from the wreck of the Barque Stefano and how the early custodians of this land save them. 

There are many tours on offer in Coral Bay, including glass-bottom boat, diving, sailing, manta ray snorkel, whale watching & whale shark snorkel tours and quad bike tours.

The Ningaloo Visitor Centre can assist with bookings. You can hire a car, pick it up from the airport, and return the vehicle to the airport on your return home. https://www.ningaloocentre.com.au/visitor-centre/visitor-information.aspx

Coral Bay offers many great snorkelling opportunities at places such as Bill's Bay Oyster Bridge. For more information, please visit the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) Parks and Wildlife Service or see one f the many tour operators who offer snorkelling tours.

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