Australia's Largest Fringing Reef
Coral Bay Gateway to Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s Other Great Reef
Snorkelling, diving, underwater fish feeding and coral viewing are just some of the reasons for visiting the largest fringing reef in Australia.
Snorkelling, diving, underwater fish feeding and coral viewing are just some of the reasons for visiting the largest fringing reef in Australia. But for those who prefer to keep their head above the water, warm sunny days can also be spent boating, fishing or just topping up the sun tan. Coral Bay, at the southern end of the Ningaloo Reef is part of the Ningaloo Marine Park. The area directly surrounding Coral Bay is deemed a Sanctuary Zone, meaning ‘look but don’t take’.
Why Go There?
Diving & Snorkelling/Fishing/Camping/Marine Wildlife:
- The protected waters of the bay hideide a marine wonderland for snorkellers and divers. An easy "drift snorkel" is available straight off the beach, whilst a number of dive operators take divers to the outer reef.
- Deep sea fishing outside the Ningalooo Reef, where the Continental Shelf rises up sharply offer anglers ample opportunity to catch the ‘big one’ outside the sanctuary zones.
- Campers and Caravaners are well catered for at the beachfront caravan park, with many sites overlooking the magnificent turquoise waters of the bay.
- During March and April, it ispossible to swim with the biggest fish in the sea, the Whale Shark. Snorkelling with these gentle giants, which can grow to 18 metres, as they visit the Ningaloo Reef each year, is a thrilling experience that promises an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Go
Fresh southwesterly sea breezes dominate the summer weather pattern, from around November to March. Coral Bay is popular with southerners escaping the cold winter further south, with the best weather usually April to October. School holidays and Easter are the busiest time with boaties and other visitors taking up all the available accommodation.
How to Get There
Coral Bay, located mid-way between Carnarvon and Exmouth, is approximately 1100 kms north of Perth on the North West Coastal Hwy.
Where to Stay
Coral Bay has a number of accommodation options, but without the doubt the most sought after are the beachfront sites at the Peoples Park Caravan Village. With views across the sparkling bay to die for, these sites are booked months in advance. But there are plenty of other caravan site locations, plus cabins and a shady camping area. The Ningaloo Reef Resort sits atop the point and is a great place to stay. Visitors are welcome to wine and dine at its open-air restaurant. A small supermarket provides a good selection of groceries, with prices reflective of its remote location. For boaties, there is no jetty facility, so fuel and water must be carried to the beach from the nearby service station.
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