Coral Bay

Coral Bay is a marine-lovers paradise and one of Western Australia's premier family holiday destinations.

Named Coral Bay due to the beautiful coral gardens which lie mere metres from the pristine white sandy beach, this tiny, laidback seaside location is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Coral Bay is all about the water and the coast, and it's hard not to fall in love with the picturesque town.

Coral Bay is approximately 12 hours' drive north of Perth along the Coral Coast Highway. For those looking to fly, it is a 2-hour flight with Qantas from Perth to Exmouth's Learmonth Airport and then a 90 minute drive south to Coral Bay, or a 2-hour flight with Regional Express Airlines from Perth to Carnarvon and then a 2.5 hour drive north to Coral Bay

Marine based activities

Coral Bay is renowned for its resident population of manta rays, with an estimated 80 of these mega fauna estimated to live in Coral Bay's waters, and manta ray swim tours depart from the town daily. Whale shark interaction tours run annually from March to June, and humpback whale interaction tours run annually from July to October. Guided snorkelling and diving tours allow guests to head further out on the Ningaloo Reef to discover incredible coral gardens, including massive cabbage patch coral, which are home to some of the 500 species of fish and 300 species of coral along with turtles and dolphins. Glass-bottom boat tours are a great option for those who want to experience the Ningaloo Reef without getting wet.

Land based activities

The area around Coral Bay is a 4WD-lovers delight, with epic coastline and many secluded beaches and mesmerising snorkelling spots only accessible by 4WD, including Oyster Bridge and Five Fingers Reef. The Ningaloo Coastal Reserves and Station Stays are located to the north and south of Coral Bay, offering 4WDers and campers the opportunity to get off-the-beaten-track and connect with nature in some of Western Australia's most incredible coastal locations. For those looking for connect with the area's culture and heritage, Aboriginal 4WD tag-along tours provide a unique insight into Coral Bay and its surrounds while getting off-the-beaten-track. Scenic flights showcase the incredible beauty of Coral Bay and the Ningaloo Reef from the air, creating an unforgettable experience.