Coral Bay is a small settlement that lies protected from the Indian ocean by the World Heritage listed Ningaloo reef. It is Australia's only fringing reef . In contrast to Australia's great barrier reef, the coral starts right at the water's edge. The fish and the coral are very accessible to all including small children. Fish and coral can be experienced either snorkelling or on one of the Coral viewing boats. It is about 50 km to the North of the tropic of Capricorn, some 150 km south of Exmouth in Western Australia. The weather is mild, without the humidity that is often associated with tropical climates. Coral Bay is a much loved holiday destination by Western Australians together with some overseas backpackers.


Perfect for snorkelling as well as lazy viewing from the glass bottom boats.

Places to stay include the Ningaloo Reef Resort Hotel, two caravan parks, Peoples Park nearer the beach and Bayview Coral Bay both of which have a varietey of accomodation options in addition to camp and caravan sites. Additionally there are some 21 houses available to rent.
A few of the things to do in and around Coral Bay






Key dates for wildlife
Whale sharks come to the area between March and June. The largest fish in the world, they can grow to 14 meters in length They are filter feeders that live off plankton and Krill and thus are entirely safe to swim with. From the months of June to October this area of the coast sees the migration of the Humpback Whales
There are several operators who organise tours both above and below the waterline
Turtle nesting occurs on local beaches between November and February. The Green, Loggerhead and Hawkesville turtles are often seen in the shallows and by the reef as part of one of the many tours operated locally.
At the end of the day
For the evening there are two small restaurants, Fins and the Reef Cafe, as well as dining at Bill's Tavern and at the hotel, Sails, where meals are served in an alfresco setting. Bill's Tavern and the Ningaloo Reef Hotel offer in house and take away alcohol sales and service
