Redevelopment - Ningaloo Reef Resort

A major transformation of an iconic destination

The Ningaloo Reef is the jewel of WA’s North West Region and Ningaloo Reef Resort has been providing accommodation to holidaymakers from near and far for decades.

Ningaloo Reef Resort requires a much-needed upgrade, with many of the resort’s facilities reaching the end of their life. RAC is planning to redevelop the property to provide an improved guest experience and help more people experience the wonders of Coral Bay and the Ningaloo Reef.

Aerial render of the proposed ningaloo reef resort — Render of Ningaloo Reef Resort redevelopment (subject to change)

The project

Our aim for this project is to improve the experience for locals and visitors, and enhance what makes Coral Bay such a special place.

The current Ningaloo Reef Resort would be demolished, making way for a new state-of-the-art resort.

With only a minor expansion to the overall property footprint, the maximum capacity of the resort would increase from 160 to 270 people.

The new resort would grow from 34 to 90 units, ranging between 1-bedroom units to 3-bedroom family options. Resort guests will have access to a new ‘clubhouse’, featuring a restaurant, bar, and alfresco and function space.

Subject to approvals, works are planned to begin in early 2024 and are expected to take around 24 months to complete.

Render of the proposed restaurant at Ningaloo Reef Resort (subject to change)

The environment

RAC is committed to responsible and sustainable development.

The Ningaloo Marine Park is an iconic World Heritage site, boasting a diverse array of precious marine life. Every aspect of the new Ningaloo Reef Resort has been carefully planned and managed in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Environmental assessments have been completed to meet regulatory requirements.

Current plans for the redeveloped Ningaloo Reef Resort include integrating renewable energy sources into the design, including a strong focus on solar and battery systems. Induction cooking appliances and heat pump hot water systems will be used, eliminating the need for gas. Plus, we’ll install electric vehicle chargers to help EV drivers recharge with ease.

We’ll also undertake the demolition of the old resort in the most sustainable way possible.

Supporting the community

We are focused on preserving the essence of the Ningaloo Reef and creating a resort that reflects the unique landscape of the region. We have carefully planned the construction process to minimise any impact on the local community.

Wuruwuru (Workers Accommodation Village)

A new, 42-unit staff accommodation village, named Wuruwuru (Baiyungu term for ‘Wave’) is now complete. During construction, the accommodation village will be used by contractors and other parties involved in the redevelopment.

Tourism benefits

Coral Bay relies on tourism, which contributes more than $138 million to the local economy each year – but accommodation options are limited, particularly for those wanting to be close to Ningaloo. 

As a major contributor to tourism in Western Australia, RAC is committed to improving accommodation and enhancing guest experiences to help encourage more West Australians to travel in their own backyard.

The new Ningaloo Reef Resort will provide an important increase to accommodation in Coral Bay with only a small expansion to the overall site footprint, ensuring more people can enjoy this beautiful part of the world.

Render of a proposed accommodation option at Ningaloo Reef Resort (subject to change)

Redevelopment FAQs

Q What will the redevelopment look like, and how much will it cost?
A
RAC is investing more than $70 million to undertake a major redevelopment of Ningaloo Reef Resort. The project will transform the iconic WA destination while boosting the tourism and economic opportunities in the region. The redevelopment will involve the demolition of the current ageing resort, to make way for 90 units, ranging from 1-bedroom standard rooms to 3-bedroom family options. The new resort will feature a pool and sunlounge area, a state-of-the-art restaurant, bar, alfresco area and multiple function spaces. The existing resort will be demolished, with construction of the new Resort expected to take 24 months.

Q How old is Ningaloo Reef Resort, and when did it become an RAC property?
A
The resort is more than 50 years old, and many of its facilities have reached the end of their life. RAC acquired the resort in 2015 and since then has welcomed more than 70,000 visitors.

Q When will demolition/construction begin, and when will the new resort be finished?
A
Demolition and the start of construction are scheduled to commence in early 2024, and the project is expected to take around two years to complete.

Q Will the demolition and construction impact the coastline and/or Ningaloo Reef?
A
The Ningaloo Marine Park is a World Heritage destination, and home to an incredible variety of marine life.

RAC is committed to responsible and sustainable development and ensuring the works involved in delivering the new Ningaloo Reef Resort are carefully planned and managed in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Building waste generated will be recycled for re-use where opportunities exist, with remaining material disposed of in the most responsible way possible.

Environmental Management Plans will be developed by environmental experts, and implemented by RAC during construction, to mitigate dust, noise and other environmental impacts while building works are underway.

Q What other accommodation options are available while the resort is closed?
A
There is a selection of accommodation and caravan park options available in Coral Bay. Visit the Carnarvon & Coral Bay Information Centre for more details. The RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park, located 90 minutes north, is also available for bookings.

Q How is the redevelopment expected to impact the Coral Bay tourism industry?
A
Coral Bay relies on tourism, which contributes more than $138 million to the local economy each year – but accommodation options are limited, particularly for those wanting to be close to Ningaloo.

The new resort provides an important increase to accommodation in Coral Bay with only a small expansion to the overall site footprint, ensuring more people can enjoy this beautiful part of the world.

While the new resort will deliver improved facilities and better-quality accommodation, it’s important to us to ensure the opportunity to experience Ningaloo and Coral Bay remains accessible.