Where is Australia's Coral Coast?
Why is it called Australia's Coral Coast?
How do I get there?
Is it safe to drive?
Is there a fee to get into the national parks?
What's the weather like?
What are the Pinnacles?
Where can I see wildflowers?
Can I stay on the Abrolhos Islands?
What is Nature's Window?
What are Stromatolites?
Can I swim with the dolphins at Monkey Mia?
What are the Blow holes near Carnarvon?
Are Whale Sharks and Manta Rays dangerous?
Do I need a dive ticked to swim with the Whale Sharks or Manta Rays?
Do I need a liscence for fishing in Australia's Coral Coast?
Is Ningaloo Reef the same kind of reef as the Great Barrier Reef?
Q: Where is Australia's Coral Coast?
A: Australia’s Coral Coast in Western Australia starts 2 1/2 hours drive north of Perth at Cervantes and follows the beautiful Indian Ocean coastline as far north as Exmouth.
Q: Why is it called Australia's Coral Coast?
A: Australia's Coral Coast is a region full of natural attractions,coastal, marine and outdoor activities. The name Coral Coast identifies with these experiences.
Q: How do I get there?
A: There are various options, for getting to Australia's Coral Coast. You can fly with Skywest Airlines, Jump on a coach, hire a car and drive, or catch a tour with one of the many tour operators of the area.
Q: Is it safe to drive?
A: Australia's Coral Coast has sealed highways up the coast which make for perfect driving conditions. See Safe driving tips for more information.
Q: Is there a fee to get into the national parks?
A: In some national parks of Western Australia Entrance Fees and Day Fees apply, if you are planning on visiting a number of parks it may be beneficial to purchase a national parks pass.
For more information visit the Nature Base website.
Q: What's the weather like?
A: Australia's Coral Coast region, provides the ideal weather every day of the year with a Mediterranean climate in the south bordering on Sub Tropical in the north.
Q: What are the Pinnacles?
A: The Pinnacles are natural limestone pillars that reach up to 3 metres tall and are made from ancient shells. The Pinnacles are found in the Nambung National Park in the town of Cervantes.
Q: When can I see wildflowers?
A: Australia's Coral Coast is wildflower country all year round, however displays are at their best from June to November when inland areas explode into a carpet of brilliant colour as wildflowers blanket the region.
Q: Can I stay on the Abrolhos Islands?
A: There is no accommodation on the Abrolhos Islands at this stage, however Broadwater Resort is currently developing a site and is expected to be open in 2008. There are various tours available for scenic flights and charter boats to the Abrolhos Islands.
Q: What is Nature's Window?
A: Nature's Window can be found in Kalbarri National Park. It is a natural rock arch that superbly frames the upstream view, and is a 400m walk from the carpark.
Q: What are Stromatolites?
A: Stromatolites are ancient living fossils found in Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay. Shark Bay is one of only two places on earth where living marine stromatolites exist.
Q: Can I swim with the dolphins at Monkey Mia?
A: The dolphins of Monkey Mia are protected by DEC. The Dolphins come to the beach three times a day to feed. There are DEC Rangers that feed the dolphins and they will choose a member of the crowd to help them feed them.
Throughout the day the dolphins like to hunt for fish in this area and if you are swimming in the beach there is a chance one may swim by you, however it is not recommended to pat or touch the dolphins as they are wild animals.
Q: What are the Blow holes near Carnarvon?
A: The Blow Holes are a natural spectacle as waves are forced through sea caves before exploding out through holes in the rocks.
Q: Are Whale Sharks and Manta Rays dangerous?
A: Both Whale Sharks and Manta Rays are filter feeders, feeding on krill and plankton. The Manta Ray, has no barb in it's tail unlike the Sting Ray. The Manta Ray has a wing span of up to 4 metres in width, while the Whale Sharks can grow up to 19 metres in length.
Tours are available to swim with these majestic creatures and depart daily from Coral Bay and Exmouth (whale Sharks seasonal).
Q: Do I need a dive ticket to swim with the Whale Sharks or Manta Rays?
A: Both these graceful creatures swim close to the surface so only snorkelling tours are available, you should be a confident swimmer and snorkerller to participate in these tours. Most tour companies offer snorkelling equipment and wetsuits if needed.
Q: Do I need a liscence for fishing in Australia's Coral Coast?
A: In all of Western Australia a fishing liscence is required for the following:
Rock Lobster
Abalone
Marron
South-West Freshwater Angling
Net Fishing
Western Australia Fisheries department also a enforces limit to the quantity of finfish recreational fishers can keep. This is for conservation purposes.
Each Person may have a maximum of:
20kg of fillets or pieces of fish
or: 10kg of fillets or pieces of fish
or: two days' bag limit of whole fish
For more detailed information visit the Western Australian Fisheries Department website.
Q: Is Ningaloo Reef the same kind of reef as the Great Barrier Reef?
A: The Ningaloo Reef is similar to the Great Barrier Reef in the experiences and activities it offers, but that is where the similarities end.
The Ningaloo Reef is a fringing reef and is within metres from the shore, you can literally walk to the reef. (The Great Barrier Reef is only accessible by boat or plane).
The Ningaloo Reef is a snorkeller's and Diver's paradise as it encompasses 260kms of coastline and consists of 250 species of coral and is home to an array of marine life.
