Sal Salis

Where the outback meets the reef... With just nine luxury wilderness tents hidden amongst the dunes overlooking Ningaloo Reef, Sal Salis provides a unique place from which to explore Western Australia’s coral coast and one of Australia’s best kept natural secrets.

The attraction lies in the coral reef just a few yards off shore with its marine residents, including Whale Sharks and Humpback Whales.  Ningaloo is also acknowledged as the best place in the world to swim with the world’s largest fish, the Whale Shark, as these gentle giants migrate northwards every year. From August 2016, swimming with Humpback Whales will also be a highlight for guests at Sal Salis.

The coastal dunes and gorges in the Cape Range National Park provide a prolific terrestrial wildlife experience with Red Kangaroo, Euros and emus seen in and around the camp.

The camp’s ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ philosophy brings a touch of style to a remote and spectacularly beautiful wilderness region.  Safari guides are on hand to provide an immersive wilderness experience, and the ritual of sundowners is a time of laughter, sharing of exceptional local knowledge and wonder at the inimitability of Ningaloo. The resident chef ensures this is supported by the very best of Australian bush cuisine and a selection of fine Western Australian wines. The camp’s environmental credentials ensure a minimal footprint in this pristine environment.

Stay

Wild Bush Luxury: The focus at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef is the surrounding wilderness and its marine and land inhabitants. The tented accommodation is designed to meld with the sights and sounds of the bush outside the tents... a Red Kangaroo grazing amongst the dunes, the beautiful song of a Butcherbird or a Humpback Whale breaching just beyond the reef. However, key 'wild bush luxury' standards are key to the Sal Salis experience and are evident throughout the camp.

Each of the nine spacious wilderness tents is raised on a timber platform allowing the coastal breezes to naturally cool the rooms.  The en suite bathroom at the rear of the tent has a rustic and ecological simplicity to fit the surrounding environment.  Composting loos and solar powered showers ensure water usage is carefully and sparingly managed.

Linen is 100% organic cotton with 500 threadcount.  Guests have a choice of pillows.

The camp is 100% solar powered and as such each tent has an overhead fan (no air conditioning) and a power point for recharging cameras and laptops.  However, there is no mini bar, television or other modern appliance in the tents – the focus is on the surrounding wilderness.

One tent has an extended covered front verandah, which accommodates an extra 2 people with swags.  This is ideal for a family of 4.   The other 8 tents can accommodate one additional person in a swag. 5 rooms have twin bed configurations. 4 rooms have king beds.

All inclusive rates: Meals, beverages, airport transfers and all guided activities.

The camp is not suitable for children under the age of 4 years.

Sal Salis is usually closed from the end of November to mid-March. Please contact the lodge for exact dates.

Experience

Stretching for 280 kms along Australia’s west coast Ningaloo Reef is one of the world’s longest fringing coastal reefs.  Isolated by distance and a rugged arid hinterland, the vibrancy of the marine life, as soon as you dip below the surface of the water, is exhilarating.  Untouched by coastal degradation or pollution Ningaloo is arguably the best preserved reef complex in the world and it lies just a few metres offshore.

Each year the marine spectacle is enhanced by the arrival of the world’s biggest fish, the Whale Shark, on its migration northwards and Ningaloo is recognised as the best place in the world to swim with these gentle giants of the ocean.  The sight of a Humpback Whale breaching the surface just beyond the breakers of the reef is another unforgettable spectacle from the comfort of the camp. From August 2016, swimming with Humpback Whales will also be a highlight for guests at Sal Salis.

On shore the hinterland in the Cape Range National Park is dominated by a limestone spine that is dissected by deep rugged gorges that host a surprising variety and quantity of mammals.  Euros (wallaroos), Red Kangaroos and emus are all regular sightings in camp.

The sun and tide set the pace at Sal Salis.  At high tide take gentle stroll up the beach, dodging Soldier Crabs, before drift snorkelling back along the inner edge of the reef.  Or kayak out to the Blue Lagoon, a 5 metre deep natural aquarium where huge schools of fish, reef sharks and turtles swim amongst the coral formations.  Ningaloo is a major breeding ground for Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Green Turtles, which lay their eggs on the beach at night.  Between April and June, the ultimate experience comes with swimming with the Whale Sharks on their northward migration.

At sunrise take a guided walk up Mandu Mandu gorge to spot an elusive Black-footed Rock Wallaby and learn of the region’s ancient geological and Aboriginal history.  At sunset sit back on the dunes behind camp with a glass of chilled wine and watch the last rays of light disappear over the Indian Ocean.

Food and Wine

After a day exploring the reef or the Cape Range, the camp provides an oasis of comfort and sanctuary to chill out during or at the end of each day.  The resident chef prepares delicious meals peppered with local ingredients and highlighting fresh seafood while offering a select cellar of premium Western Australian wines.  In this relaxed and informal atmosphere meals are shared with other guests and hosted by the Sal Salis team.

An evening drive and sundowner on top of the Cape Range is a spectacular way to end the day otherwise sundowners are also served on the whale viewing deck above the camp.  For guests looking for more seclusion in the evening, dinner hampers can be prepared to take down to the beach for a romantic evening at the water’s edge.

Drinks are included in the tariff and include a selection of beers, spirits and premium Western Australian wines.

The ‘down to earth’ style of the camp means that guests can help themselves to drinks from the open bar at any time of day.