1. Activism
2. Animals
3. Birds
4. Book design
5. Climate change
6. Country
7. Culture
8. Deserts
9. Ecosystems
10. Endangered species
11. Environmental protection
12. First Nations people
13. Marine life
14. Nature
15. Nonfiction
16. Seas and Oceans
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21. Wonder

‘In the north of Western Australia, where the desert meets the sea, lies one of the last great wild regions on earth. The First Peoples of the region call it Nyinggulu. The rest of the world knows it as Ningaloo.’ So begins author and conservationist, Tim Winton’s picture book ‘Ningaloo: Australia’s Wild Wonder.’

Ningaloo is more than a coral reef. It is made up of three interconnected eco-systems: Ningaloo Reef, the Cape Range and Exmouth Gulf. Each support and rely on the others to maintain balance and strength for the whole environment. Geographically Ningaloo sits where the hot tropical zone of northern Australia meets the milder temperate zone of the south. This unique weather system has led to an amazing diversity of plants and animals.

Although much smaller than the Great Barrier Reef, the importance of the Ningaloo region cannot be underestimated. The reef is the longest fringing reef in the world, and the enormous biodiversity of the region makes it unique. Ningaloo Reef and the Cape Range are both national parks and both are World Heritage listed. This is yet to happen to Exmouth Gulf. The region’s traditional custodians are the Baiyungu, Wets Thalanji and Yinigurtura peoples and they play a significant role in the management of Ningaloo’s waters and lands.

The book is full of fascinating information about each of the three interrelated eco-systems. There are a number of important habitats existing within the three eco-systems. These include the mangroves, the karst habitat, seagrass, the intertidal habitat and the fossil reef habitat. All are vital to the interconnectedness of the whole environment. Each double page spread contains hand-painted detailed illustrations of the flora and fauna found in this region as well as small blocks of factual information and ‘Did you know’ facts about the flora and fauna set against landscapes depictions. The book includes maps and a glossary explaining the terminology used as well as an index.

Ningaloo is held to be one of the last wild places in the world and one of the best managed. This book is a heartfelt call to save and protect the region from possible industrialisation and its vulnerability to climate change.

Tim Winton AO is an award-winning author and conservationist and one of Australia’s best-known writers and patron of the Australian Marine Conservation Society. Cindy Lane is a Perth-based artist and illustrator who was shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year Award for New illustrator.

1. Fremantle Press Teaching Notes for ‘Ningaloo: Australia’s Natural Wonder’ by Tim Winton and Cindy Lane https://fremantlepress.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TN_Ningaloo.pdf
2. Fremantle Press teaching activity sheets for ‘Ningaloo’ by Tim Winton and Cindy Lane https://fremantlepress.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ningaloo_ActivitySheet_ONLINE.pdf
3. Paperbark Joy in Books 8 October 2025. Interview by Joy Lawn with Tim Winton about ‘Ningaloo’ https://paperbarkwords.blog/2025/10/08/ningaloo-by-tim-winton-illustrated-by-cindy-lane/
4. ReadPlus 15 October 2025. Kathryn Beilby reviews ‘Ningaloo: Australia’s Natural Wonder’ by Tim Winton and Cindy Lane https://www.readplus.com.au/reviews/ningaloo-australias-wild-wonder
5. Good Reading Magazine October 2025. ‘Tim Winton on his picture book ‘Ningaloo’ https://goodreadingmagazine.com.au/article/tim-winton-on-his-picture-book-ningaloo/
6. torylinks 12 October 2025. Mia Macrossan reviews ‘Ningaloo: Australia’s Natural Wonder’ by Tim Winton and Cindy lane https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2025/10/12/ningaloo-australias-wild-wonder/
7. Sandy’s Book a Day Blog 6 October 2025. ‘Ningaloo: Australia’s Natural Wonder’ written by Tim Winton illustrated by Cindy Lane’ https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/2025/10/06/ningaloo-australias-wild-wonder-written-by-tim-winton-and-illustrated-by-cindy-lane/
8. ABC Official trailer for ‘Ningaloo Nyinggulu,’ a three-part documentary on Ningaloo narrated and guided by Tim Winton. Full series is available on ABC iview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjY6kp-x5eg