This article was written by @_wherestheremote.
3 Months in Coral Coast Heaven
Since our time spent on the Coral Coast in 2015, we would dream of the day that we could stock up on supplies, head out to a station and set up camp for weeks on end, with no time restrictions, crowds or places to be. This year we have done exactly that, living out of our 79 Series LandCruiser and converted Ex-Military trailer.
While our original plan for 2020 was to live on the road across Australia, COVID had other plans in store for us and the rest of the world. Upon reflection, we were blessed with months of time and space in one of Australia's most unique and breathtaking regions, and have since been lucky enough to continue exploring all that Western Australia has to offer.
Australia's Coral Coast is vast desert meeting wild waves. It is watching a full moon rise over a dune as the sun sets simultaneously behind the opposing horizon. It is one of the few locations on the planet in which one can find world-class waves simply minutes from protected reef surrounded by water with visibility that is second to none.
The Coral Coast is home to stars brighter and skies wider than most would ever dream of sleeping under. It grows the most flavoursome fresh produce and provides Carnarvon with exceptional, affordable fruit and vegetables. The marine life in and around the Ningaloo Reef are absolutely deserving of the world-heritage listed site that they call home. Never have we had such awe-inspiring and intimate interactions with Dugongs, Whales, Turtles, Whale Sharks, Rays and Sharks as we have throughout the Coral Coast.
We have scoured the coastline as well as ventured inland and have seen for ourselves the diversity that lies throughout the region. Many of the station owners throughout the region clearly care for their beautiful part of the world and have created such incredible accommodation options to suit all travellers. The privately owned stations dotted along the Coral Coast, such as Quobba Station, provide travellers with, in our opinion, the ideal combination of safety, comfort and freedom to explore as well as respect the land above and underwater.
The National Parks and stations that are run by Department of Parks and Wildlife are also cared for incredibly well which will allow future generations to enjoy the Coral Coast as much as we have. As a couple travelling with our two dogs, the large amount of stations and camping areas that have been dog-friendly has also blown us away.
Our advice is to avoid time frames as much as possible when planning a trip to the Coral Coast, as most of your experiences can be completely dependent on certain weather, swell conditions and animal behaviours. Allow yourself time to stray from an original plan if certain experiences or animal encounters become available. If you are travelling with pets, plan your time in National Parks as all towns with a Visitor Centre in our experience have wonderful dog-sitters.
At times, the uncertainty of the future can be unsettling, especially when living on the road while so much is up in the air regarding travel within our country. One thing, however, is certain - this year has taught a lot of us to experience as much as we physically can without taking for granted the natural beauty that surrounds us. Take only photographs, leave only footprints and remind yourself of how fortunate we are to have such diverse, eye-opening and fulfilling experiences in Australia.
This story was written by @_wherestheremote, and the activities recounted in this article were experienced independently of Australia's Coral Coast.
