Coral Bay
Town
Population 192
Coral Bay is famous for one thing: its proximity to Ningaloo Marine Park. Ningaloo Reef boasts an incredible diversity of marine life and beautiful coral formations. At Coral Bay the coral gardens lie close to the shore, which makes access to the reef as easy as a gentle swim. Lying at the southern end of Ningaloo Marine Park, Coral Bay has pristine beaches and a near-perfect climate: it is warm and dry regardless of the season, and the water temperature only varies from 18°C to 28°C degrees. Swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, and beach, reef and deep-sea fishing (outside sanctuary areas) are available year-round.
Visitor Information
Coastal Adventure Tours, Coral Bay Arcade, Robinson St; (08) 9948 5190
Nearby national parks
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Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Marine Park
Cape Range National Park, on the western side of North West Cape, is a rugged landscape of rocky gorges edged by the stunning coastal...more
Nearby towns
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Exmouth
One of the newest towns in Australia, Exmouth was founded in 1967 as a support town for the Harold E. Holt US Naval Communications...more -
Carnarvon
Carnarvon is a large coastal town at the mouth of the Gascoyne River. The river and the fertile red earth surrounding it are crucial to...more -
Onslow
Onslow, on the north-west coast between Exmouth and Karratha, is the supply base for offshore gas and oil fields. This part of the coast...more
Nearby
Ningaloo Marine Park This park protects the 260 km long Ningaloo Reef, the longest fringing coral reef in Australia. It is the only large reef in the world found so close to a continental land mass: about 100 m offshore at its nearest point and less than 7 km at its furthest. This means that even novice snorkellers and children can access the coral gardens. The reef is home to over 500 species of fish, 250 species of coral, manta rays, turtles and a variety of other marine creatures, with seasonal visits from humpback whales, dolphins and whale sharks. Ningaloo Reef is famous for the latter, and from Apr to June visitors from around the world visit the reef to swim with these gentle giants. Tours can be arranged in Exmouth.
Point Cloates: the wrecks of the Zvir, Fin, Perth and Rapid lie on the reef just off the point; 4WD access only; 8 km N. Tours: glass-bottomed boat cruises, snorkel and dive tours, kayak tours, fishing charters, scenic flights and marine wildlife-watching tours to see whale sharks (Apr–June), humpback whales (June–Nov) and manta rays (all year); contact visitor centre for details.
Fishing spots near town
Exmouth 139 km
Situated about 1200 km north of Perth, Exmouth is Australia’s only known bonefish fishery. The Continental Shelf is only kilometres offshore and Ningaloo Reef runs for 250 km along the coastline, forming a giant... Find out moreQuobba 153 km
The 80 km Quobba coastline, which incorporates Quobba Station, is a mecca for land-based game anglers. However, the rock-fishing can be dangerous and should not be attempted without seeking local knowledge. The... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Swimming with manta rays 138 km
Unlike whale sharks, giant manta rays glide gracefully around the waters near Exmouth year-round, particularly congregating in the latter half of the year to breed. Although you are most likely to see mantas smaller than... Find out moreIndigenous tours - Carnarvon and Burrup Peninsula 193 km
With an Outback Coast Safaris Aboriginal heritage or dreaming tour you can learn about the Indigenous culture of the Gascoyne region. You will sample bush tucker and bush medicine, watch your guide hunting for lunch, and... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
Situated in the Ningaloo Reef Resort, the recently refurbished Shades cafe serves a selection of international dishes. The fresh seafood caught daily in the bay is always a popular choice. The atmosphere is laid-back and... Find out more
This local favourite features the standard Italian and seafood fare that’s popular to the region. The seafood on the menu was probably pulled from the same ocean you were enjoying right before dinner, and the... Find out more
Campsites around town
Warroora Station camping areas 38 km
Warroora Station camping area is an ideal place to experience the Australian outback in its most natural state. There are numerous camping sites for self-sufficient campers who enjoy surfing, diving, fishing and swimming... Find out moreThree Mile Camp camping area 79 km
Three Mile Camp camping area is on Gnaraloo Station, accessed via Blowholes Rd, 145 km north of Carnarvon. On the beach, it is a great spot for surfing and windsurfing, as well as swimming, boating and fishing.... Find out moreBoat Harbour camping area 86 km
Boat Harbour camping area is 500 m west of Yardie Creek Rd, 5.2 km south of Yardie Creek crossing. Access is 4WD, and you need to bring along a gas/fuel stove and drinking water.... Find out moreOne K Camp camping area 90 km
Access to One K Camp is 4WD, 4.2 km north of the Boat Harbour track. Bring a gas/fuel stove and drinking water. The camping area is 100 m west of Yardie Creek Rd.... Find out moreYardie Creek camping area 91 km
Yardie Creek camping area is off Yardie Creek Rd, 36 km south of the Milyering Visitor Centre. Come equipped with a gas/fuel stove and drinking water.... Find out moreOsprey Bay camping area 100 km
Osprey Bay camping area is 800 m west of Yardie Creek Rd, 26 km south of Milyering Visitor Centre. Bring along a gas/fuel stove and drinking water.... Find out moreRed Bluff camping area 105 km
At Red Bluff you can revitalise your body and mind by immersing yourself in the turquoise waters or relaxing on the beach while you take in one of the most majestic sunsets you will ever see, followed by gazing into... Find out morePilgramunna camping area 105 km
Pack a gas/fuel stove and drinking water when you head to Pilgramunna camping area, 500 m west of Yardie Creek Rd and 20 km south of Milyering Visitor Centre.... Find out moreNorth Mandu camping area 111 km
A gas/fuel stove and drinking water are essential equipment when you camp at North Mandu, 400 m west of Yardie Creek Rd. Milyering Visitor Centre is 14 km away to the south.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Minilya Bridge Roadhouse Caravan Park 78 km
At the rear of the Minilya Roadhouse is a small neat caravan park with good facilities including TV cables to powered sites. It is a great spot for an overnight stop. Furthermore, the roadhouse serves quality meals.... Find out moreExmouth Cape Holiday Park 138 km
Located close to the centre of town and alongside the main road, this is a good quality park near the tourist centre and not too far from the shops. It is a good base for exploring the region. Bookings are required in... Find out moreNingaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort 139 km
Located close to the town centre, this is a convenient base from which to explore the area, including Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park. The park has an extensive grassy area, good amenities and a wide range of... Find out moreNingaloo Lighthouse Caravan Park 152 km
Located 17 km north of Exmouth beneath the lighthouse at Vlamingh Head, this spot is just across the road from the ocean. The park has basic facilities and a cafe during peak season. There are pleasant views from the... Find out moreCapricorn Holiday Park 191 km
Capricorn is conveniently located at the junction of Highway One and Robinson Street, the main access road to town. This is a convenient park for an overnight stop or an extended stay to explore the area. Bookings are... Find out moreWintersun Caravan and Tourist Park 191 km
Wintersun is a quality park with good amenities and a wide range of facilities, including a lawn bowling green. It is a convenient base for exploring the greater Carnarvon region or simply to relax. Pets are allowed upon... Find out moreMarloo Retiree/Senior Tourist Caravan Park 191 km
This park specifically caters for retirees and seniors, without any facilities for children. There are lawn camping sites and very good amenities. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreOcean View Caravan Park 217 km
Situated on the beachfront, this park is ideal for fishing enthusiasts. It is also a good place for a rest, with clean basic facilities. In the busy season the park holds sausage sizzles once a week. Bookings are... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
You can practically taste the saltiness of Coral Bay and the Ningaloo Reef from the Ningaloo Reef Resort. Sleep in paradise comes in a variety of options, from motel-style rooms to self-contained apartments and a... Find out more
The Ningaloo Club caters to those seeking a laid-back hostel with a range of accommodation options, including dormitories and twin and double rooms, some with ensuites. The bedrooms are located around the central... Find out more
Rest areas around town
Lyndon River Rest Area 64 km
179 km SW of Nanutarra (R) or 49 km NE of Minilya (L) Large area just off the highway among some large trees. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S23 29.057 E114 16.588 ... Find out moreMinilya River Rest Area 79 km
1 km S of Minilya (R) or 141 km N of Carnarvon (L) Large area just off the highway among the trees on the riverbank. Good shade. GPS: S23 49.066 E114 00.631... Find out moreGiralia Rest Area 88 km
110 km SW of Nanutarra (L) or 118 km NE of Minilya (R) Large area just off the highway. GPS: S22 58.960 E114 36.823 ... Find out moreBarradale Rest Area 125 km
72 km S of Nanutarra (R) or 156 km N of Minilya (L) Large area just off the highway on the banks of Yannarie River. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S22 51.822 E114 57.242 ... Find out moreManberry Rest Area 126 km
50 km S of Minilya (R) or 92 km N of Carnarvon (L) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S24 15.004 E114 02.213... Find out more
