Top things to do in Australia’s Coral Coast
Here’s a list of top things to do in Australia’s Coral Coast region – the must-dos to help you plan your WA holiday and make the most of your visit. Whether you’re visiting for just a week or touring for a month or two – add a few or all of these to your itinerary:
Pinnacles of Nambung National Park
A visit to Australia’s Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles is a must. These amazing natural limestone structures, some standing as high as six metres, were formed approximately 25,000 to 30,000 years ago after the sea receded and left deposits of seashells.
Swim with the Ningaloo big three
Join a mega-fauna tour leaving from Exmouth or Coral Bay to experience the ultimate wildlife encounters – right up there with some of the top things to do in Australia.
- Swimming with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world! Plan your visit to the Ningaloo Reef, between mid-March and mid-July.
- Not big enough for you? Well we also swim with Humpback Whales from July to October.
- Want something a little smaller? Our giant (but so gentle) Manta Rays can be swam with every day of the year in Coral Bay.
Follow a Wildflower Trail
The wildflower trails of Australia's Coral Coast lead you through some of the WA’s most breathtaking wildflower country - at their best between July and September. Read more about the must-do wildflower trails of Australia’s Coral Coast.
Meet the Monkey Mia dolphins
The friendly wild bottlenose dolphins have been swimming to Monkey Mia’s shores to interact with humans for over 45 years. They often visit up to three times a day – no wonder it’s renowned as one of the best and most reliable places for dolphin interaction in the world.
Get Pink!
Between Geraldton and Kalbarri in the tiny town of Port Gregory, you'll find our unique Pink Lake - also known as Hutt Lagoon. The lake changes colour depending on the day, learn more from this article on best time to visit.
Journey to the Abrolhos Islands
The Abrolhos Islands and their surrounding coral reef communities from one of Western Australia's most unique marine areas. The Abrolhos Islands lie about 60 kilometres west of Geraldton and Kalbarri, consisting of 122 gorgeous islands. A flight over the Abrolhos is unforgettable and a must do!
Snorkel the Ningaloo Reef
If you’re visiting Exmouth, Coral Bay or the oceanside stations north of Carnarvon, this is an absolute must do. Australia’s Ningaloo Reef is regarded as one of the last great ocean paradises on Earth, and you can access this watery wonderland by simply stepping off the beach and into the sea.
Have an Indigenous Experience
Be it dreamtime stories, legends, Indigenous art or local culture - be immersed in culture. Drive the Yamaji Drive Trail in Greater Geraldton and surrounds to see the sites of the Wadjari community or join the night tour under the stars Malgana tribe of Gathaagudu in Shark Bay, cooking up red mullet, playing the didgeridoos and conch shell.
Walk one our National Parks
Marvel at nature's ability to carve the landscape. Explore the depths and heights of the river gorges and sea cliffs and admire the floral beauty of the vast, rolling sandplains. From Lesueur National Park with its Wildflower displays, to Kalbarri and Francois Peron National Parks, or Cape Range which fringes Ningaloo Reef - there is lots to see.
Spend more time enjoying the local experiences like Swimming with Whale Sharks and attractions such as the Pink Lake. You don’t need a four-wheel drive to get off the beaten track – a simple sedan will allow you to experience what the Coral Coast has on offer.
