History of Western Australia’s

Coral Coast

The history of Western Australia’s Coral Coast dates back millions of years, beginning with the formation of the region’s unique natural attractions. This ancient land has been home to Indigenous people for over 45,000 years, and the region boasts a fascinating and at times brutal maritime history, both before and after Europeans settled on Western Australia’s Coral Coast in the 1830s.

Natural history

Western Australia’s Coral Coast has some amazing and unique natural history dating back millions of years – here you’ll find the world’s oldest life forms, the stromatolites, the amazing Ningaloo reef system and stunning river… View more

Indigenous history and culture

The Indigenous history of Western Australia’s Coral Coast is rich in Dreamtime stories, legends and art that form a key part of one of the world’s oldest cultures, dating back over 45,000 years. View more

Explorers pioneers and settlers

Western Australia's Coral Coast is a region rich in history and heritage, influenced by the European explorers of the 17th century, and the pioneers and settlers of the early 1900s. View more

Maritime history

Western Australia’s Coral Coast has a fascinating and at times brutal maritime history - dating back to the 16th century, it includes the famously bloody mutiny of the Batavia, the first of the region’s shipwrecks. View more

Visit Three Islands Marine Charters' website to book your whale shark swim.

The Priesthouse Museum in Mullewa - one of many buildings on the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail

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