Coral Bay, Australia
Situated midway along the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef Marine Park on Western Australia’s Coral Coast is the settlement of Coral Bay. Built on the water’s edge of a beautifully picturesque little bay known as Bill’s Bay and surrounded by fringing corals, brilliant white beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, Coral Bay is an inviting and stunning contrast to the ochre red earth, limestone and spinifex landscape typically found in the region.
The settlement of Coral Bay appears like an oasis on the water’s edge of Western Australia's rugged north west coast. Brilliant white beaches give way to crystal clear turquoise waters teaming with brightly coloured tropical fish. Exquisite hard corals grow in abundance in the shallow warm waters only a few meters from the shoreline. The bay is densely packed with delicate coral structures of every imaginable shape and colour all the way to the outer edge of the reef, approximately 2km from shore.
Getting to Coral Bay
Coral Bay is 1120km north of Perth and 1354km south of Broome. Coral Bay’s closest town is Exmouth which is 150km to the north. SkyWest and Qantas fly regularly from Perth to Learmonth airport located 40km south of Exmouth and 110km north of Coral Bay. Approximate flight time is 1.5 hours.
From Learmonth airport there are a range of options available to get to Coral Bay. Shuttle bus, private transfer vehicle or hire vehicle options will take approximately 1 hour travel time. Scenic charter plane will take approximately 25 minutes travel time and is a great way to view the spectacular Cape Range National Park gorges and colours of the Ningaloo Reef.
Coral Bay is a 12 hour drive from Perth through some of Western Australia’s most iconic natural attractions, such as the Pinnacles, Kalbarri and Monkey Mia. Allowing between 2 and 3 days for travelling via road will give time to visit a few of the natural attractions of Australia's Coral Coast along the way.
Coral Bay Accommodation
Coral Bay has a maximum tourist bedding capacity of 2000 which has been implemented to preserve the surrounding environment. This can result in accommodation shortages during peak holiday periods. We recommend booking accommodation well in advance. There is no free camping in or around Coral Bay and the main accommodation providers are as follows;
- Caravan & camping: Peoples Park Village & Bayview Caravan Park
- Cabins & chalets: Peoples Park Village & Bayview Caravan Park
- Backpackers: Ningaloo Club
- Motel rooms: Ningaloo Reef Resort
- Houses: There are approximately 20 holiday houses to rent
Whilst in Coral Bay, all accommodation, services, tour booking offices, shops, eateries and entertainment are within walking distance so most people get around town on foot. There are two small supermarkets, gift and souvenir shops, clothing boutiques, newsagent, post office, and a fuel station along with three restaurants and the Coral Bay Bakery.
Services
A small wind farm has recently been established which provides approximately 90% of Coral Bay’s energy requirements. Coral Bay’s fresh water requirements are supplied by an artesian bore water desalination plant due to the unpredictable and small rainfall in the region.
Facilities available include a boat ramp, public BBQ’s and amenities, beachside parking, grassed park with shade shelters.
With a population of approximately 180, medical services are limited to the Coral Bay nursing post with the nearest hospital and police station located in Exmouth (150km north) or Carnarvon (220km south).
Coral Bay Weather
Coral Bay is situated within a small band of Western Australia’s coastline which boasts near perfect temperatures all year round. Far enough north to escape our cold winters and far enough south to escape hot tropical summers. Perfect all year round!
History of Coral Bay
The landing of the schooner Maud in 1884 is the earliest recorded European activity in the area. In 1896 a town site reserve was gazetted, a 500 meter long loading jetty and supply store was also built at the location known as Maud’s Landing which soon became the main loading and supply depot for the many sheep stations being established in the region. However a town never eventuated. By the early 1950s the jetty was in need of major repairs and was seldom used as road transport was replacing shipping as a quicker and more reliable option. Eventually the jetty was dismantled and used in the rebuilding of the Norwegian Bay Whaling Station at Ningaloo Station approximately 80km to the north.
Bill's Bay, 3km south of Maud’s Landing was becoming very popular with locals and adventurous travellers. In 1968 formal settlement began with the establishment of a hotel, caravan park and service station. The hotel was named “The Coral Bay Hotel” in reference to the abundance of beautiful corals in the bay, subsequently the settlement became known as “Coral Bay”. Development of the settlement has been strictly controlled resulting in a very natural and unspoilt feel. Kangaroos, emus and goannas are a common sight around town and only a few meters walk from your accommodation the amazing underwater wonderland of the Ningaloo Reef awaits you.
The great diversity of corals and marine life, near perfect weather all year round, crystal clear turquoise waters and brilliant white sand beaches has made Coral Bay a “MUST DO” destination for adventure travellers as well as those seeking a peaceful and relaxing getaway.
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