A Local’s Guide to Coral Bay, Western Australia

Have you ever visited a place with no expectations but then you were blown away by its beauty?

Well, you might be looking up real estate prices in Coral bay after reading this blog, because ohhh boy, the small village of Coral Bay quickly became one of our favorite places on earth.

But what’s so special about this place?

To answer this question, we will share with you our experience of living in Coral Bay for almost one year.

Our time in this little slice of paradise was nothing short of amazing and it would be a shame to hide our favorite things to do and best places to visit in Coral bay from you.

So without further ado, let’s jump right in!

Where is Coral Bay?

Is Coral Bay Worth Visiting?

How to get to Coral Bay

What are the best months to visit Coral Bay?

Things to do in Coral Bay, Western Australia – Coral bay Activities

Where to eat in Coral Bay

Places to stay in Coral Bay – Coral bay accommodation

Coral bay FAQs

Where is Coral Bay?

Coral Bay, WA is located on Australia’s Coral Coast approximately 1130km north of the state’s capital Perth.

It defintely has the energy of a tiny place in the middle of nowhere with only 250 residents (now 248 without us).

However, during peak season almost 2 million people visit to experience its natural wonders.

How far is Coral bay from Ningaloo Reef?

Coral bay is part of the Gascoyne Region and home to the southern end of the world-famous Ningaloo reef.

Only a few meters from shore visitors can enjoy the beautiful coral gardens.

Unlike Exmouth, you can directly have crystal clear water right in front of your doorstep.

We sure made use of the beautiful beach and the reef everyday, right after we clocked off work.

Is Coral Bay Worth Visiting?

Before we applied for a job in this tranquil village, we embarked on a road trip up the West Coast of Australia from Perth.

Sure enough, one of the questions while making up our itinerary was: Is Coral Bay, Western Australia worth visiting?

The answer is without a doubt, yes.

Its breathtaking natural beauty, rich marine biodiversity, and variety of activities make it a must-visit destination.

Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or unique wildlife experiences, Coral Bay offers something for everyone.

In fact, we think it is one of the best places to visit in Australia.

Which is better, Coral bay or Exmouth?

This is a very common question and we would like to answer this from our perspective.

Part of the reason why we chose coral bay over exmouth for work is the proximity of all attractions and the beautiful beaches only 100meters from town center.

When people refer to Exmouth having better beaches, they usually mean Cape Range National Park.

This park is more than 60km away from Exmouth which takes up major driving time on your holiday.

Yes, exmouth has more bars and more shopping but other than that there is really nothing to do in the town itself.

After living in both towns, we can comfortably say that coral bay is better for vacation.

Major attractions like Bill’s bay, five fingers reef, oyster bridge etc. are only a stone throw away.

The town has a cozy vibe with plenty activities to choose from.

How To Get To Coral Bay

Now that we clarified Coral Bay is indeed worth visiting, we need to explain how to get there.

There are 2 main ways to get to Coral bay:

Coral bay by car
Coral bay by plane

While it may seem remote, reaching Coral Bay by car is an adventure that we think every traveller should do at least once in their life.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get to Coral Bay, Western Australia by car.

We recommend to visit Coral bay as part of a multi-day roadtrip along the Western Australian coast.

That way you can break up the journey into several parts.

Alternitavely, you could technically get there in one day (which we did once) but the drive is very tiring and not recommended during the night as kangaroos are a potential hazard running across the highway.

Almost all visitors fly from their home country to Perth and take on the drive from there.

We recommend to rent a car or a camper before you arrive as vehicles can be booked out months in advance.

This also gives you enough flexibility to explore the other sights around coral bay on your own.

Here are 3 trustworthy car rentals:

Perth Rent-A-Car: 533 Newcastle St, West Perth WA 6005, Australia, +61 8 6255 5309
City Centre Car Rentals: Unit 5/51 Great Eastern Hwy, South Guildford WA 6055, Australia, +61 8 9479 4900
SIXT Car & Truck Rental Perth Airport T1/T2: Horrie Miller Dr, Perth Airport WA 6105, Australia, +61 8 9477 6769

Here are 3 trustworthy camper rentals:

WA Experts – Camper Hire Perth: 27 Canvale Rd, Canning Vale WA 6155, Australia, +61 475 047 137
Britz: 471 Great Eastern Hwy, Redcliffe WA 6104, Australia, +61 8 9479 5208
Maui Motorhome: 471 Great Eastern Hwy, Redcliffe WA 6104, Australia, +61 8 9479 5208

How far is coral bay from perth by car?

The road trip from Perth to Coral Bay covers approximately 1200 kilometers and can take about 12 to 14 hours of driving time.

The best route to take follows the Indian Ocean Drive which is signposted all along the way.

Here is the exact route you can follow to reach Coral bay:

Perth to Geraldton (Approx. 420 km)

Head north from Perth on the Mitchell Freeway, which becomes State Route 60.
Follow the signs to join Indian Ocean Drive (State Route 60) towards Geraldton.
This scenic route takes you through picturesque coastal towns like Cervantes and Jurien Bay, where you can explore the Pinnacles Desert and beautiful beaches.

Geraldton to Carnarvon (Approx. 480 km)

Continue north from Geraldton on the North West Coastal Highway (National Route 1).
Stop by Kalbarri National Park to witness the dramatic coastal cliffs and the stunning Murchison River Gorge.
Further along, detour to Shark Bay World Heritage Area to see the famous stromatolites and Monkey Mia’s dolphins.

(What a roadtrip from Perth to Coral bay looks like)

Although we never took the flight from Perth to Coral bay due to high prices, our boss in the Coral bay bakery used this option quite regularly.

He mentioned that reaching Coral Bay, Western Australia by plane is a straightforward and efficient way to access this incredible destination.

With regular flights from Perth to Learmonth and Carnarvon, and convenient ground transportation options, your journey to Coral Bay will be as smooth as it is scenic.

To get to Coral Bay by plane, you’ll be flying into one of the nearest airports: Learmonth Airport (Exmouth).

It offers connections to major cities and provides a gateway to the beautiful Coral Coast.

Learmonth Airport (LEA) is the closest airport to Coral Bay, located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Coral Bay.

Flights to Learmonth Airport

Direct flights to Learmonth Airport are available from Perth, the capital of Western Australia.
Airlines such as Qantas and Virgin Australia operate regular flights from Perth to Learmonth, with a flight duration of about 2 hours.

Getting from Learmonth Airport to Coral Bay

Car Hire: Renting a car from Learmonth Airport is a popular option. The drive to Coral Bay takes around 1.5 to 2 hours along the Minilya-Exmouth Road (State Route 136).
Airport Shuttle (Local’s favorite mode of transportation): Several shuttle services operate between Learmonth Airport and Coral Bay. Pre-booking is recommended to secure your seat.
Private Transfers: Private transfer services are also available for a more comfortable and personalized journey.

What are the best months to visit Coral Bay?

We experienced almost every season in Coral bay and can confidentally give you advice on when to visit:

The best month to visit Coral Bay: July

Now you are asking yourself: Why specifically July?

Well, most tourists come to Coral bay to do one thing: snorkeling.

July is the best month for snorkeling and locals call this the month of the big four: Humpbackwhales, Whalesharks, Tiger Sharks and Manta Rays.

You can potentially see and snorkel with all four animals in one day if lucky! Furthermore, the wind is at its lowest and the water in the clearest state.

Generally speaking, the best time of the year to visit is the dry season in coral bay.

The dry season runs from April to September.

This is when the weather is pleasant, all tours are running and winds are low.

Crystal clear water and a blue sky is very common, making it perfect for your outdoor adventures.

Local tip: this is also the time when the few shops in town are open and there is live music every night.

Nothing better than to crack open a cold beer and listen to the best songs after a long day exploring the region.

Moreover, if you are a coffee and sweets head like us then these are the months where the bakery serves the freshest pastries due to the high turnover.

Keep in mind, this is also peak season, hence you will encounter more people and have to book everything in advance.

Another interesting time of the year to visit is Christmas to New Years Eve.

If you’ve never experienced Christmas on the beach in Coral bay, then this is the perfect opportunity to do so.

The usually quiet town comes alive with many partys going on.

However, this is also the windy time so be prepared for lots of dust and sand in your face.

Things to do in Coral Bay, Western Australia – Coral bay Activities

The great thing about coral bay wa is that there are so many beautiful adventures to choose from.

We tried all of them for you and will list the best ones here.

So let’s get started!

1. Swim with manta rays coral bay

Many people don’t know that coral bay wa is one of the best places in the world to swim with manta rays (and we will show you how to).

Coral bay is home to a small population of residential manta rays.

This means that you can swim with them all year, whereas in other places around the world there are certain seasons you need to stick to.

If you spend a week in Coral bay there is an almost a 100% guarantee that you will see one.

We did all the hard work for you and found a spot where you can swim with manta rays for free in coral bay!

Usually, you do have to take a tour to swim with them (which we still recommend).

The below spot is accessible via 4WD track to Mauds landing.

Park your car and then you will have to take a short walk to skeleton beach and swim out to the deeper channel about 50m from shore.

On a good day, we saw 2-5 manta rays here.

This is a favorite and secret spot amongst locals.

WARNING: tiger sharks are present here and if you have never encountered one, we do recommend to take one of the tours listed below or swim out with someone who is confident with sharks.

If you don’t feel up to swimming with sharks by yourself we do recommend to opt for these tour operators:

2. Coral bay whale watching

From June to October, coral bay transforms to one of the best places in the world for whale watching.

These gentle giants use the waters of Ningaloo Reef as a stop between their breeding grounds in the north west shelf and their feeding ground in the antarctic.

We watched three huge humpback whales cruising the shallow reefs of the ningaloo flats for almost an hour.

So make sure to bring your camera to capture some epic frames!

We recommend these tours:

3. Swim with a whaleshark coral bay

Our favorite time of the year is whale shark season.

These magnificent creatures are completely harmless to humans.

Swimming with whale sharks was our favorite experience in Australia!

If you have your own boat like us, you can venture out the reef passage in coral bay and try your luck.

However, if you are on holidays then we recommend to take one of the tours below (either way you wo’nt regret it):

4. Swim with tiger sharks in coral bay

Yes, you heard us right.

Coral bay has one of the most stable populations of tiger sharks due to it’s abundance of large fish and turtles.

Athough tiger sharks are ranked as the second most dangerous shark to humans, their beautiful tiger-patterns and sheer size make them a favorite amongst divers to swim with.

We do recommend to ONLY swim with tiger sharks with an accredited tour like Ningaloo Marine Interactions: Shop 12 Shopping Arcade, Robinson St, Coral Bay WA 6701, Australia, +61 8 9467 7968.

We are not affiliated with them but have first hand experience from our friends who did their tiger shark swim with this exact company.

5. Relax and Snorkel at Bill’s Bay

This beach is the town’s main beach and has some of the clearest water you will ever see.

The coral gardens at Bill’s bay are perfect for beginners and this is also where we had our very first snorkel in Australia.

Please only snorkel here at mid-to-high tide as you will damage the coral at low tide.

While the marine life is not as abundant as in the other locations we mentioned, we still think it’s a must see.

6. 4WD to Five Fingers Reef for a day of snorkeling and swimming

If there is one beach you shouldn’t miss, then it is Five Fingers Reef.

Take your 4WD, drop your tyre pressure to 18PSI and drive on the magnificent track to five fingers reef.

Once you arrive you will witness the most beautiful white sand, turquoise water and vibrant coral reefs.

This was our favorite spot after work and is worth a whole day out.

Five fingers happens to be one of the best locations in coral bay for a snorkel so make sure to grab your mask and snorkel.

7. Walk to the coral bay shark sanctuary

One of the secret spots in coral bay and our favorite tip for a morning stroll is the shark sanctuary at the end of bill’s bay.

From the town center, walk to bill’s bay and then turn right on the beach and keep walking for 15-20 minutes until you arrive at the spot below:

Sharks use this nursery to breed and take shelter from larger predators. We did this walk every once in a while and saw about 10 sharks every time.

8. 4WD to Oyster Bridge

Not as popular as five fingers reef, Oyster bridge is known for it’s vibrant blue water and natural wall made up of oysters.

This wall shelters the beach and stops the large waves from the passage, creating a beautiful lagoon.

Needless to say that it is a great spot for a snorkel.

9. Swim with humpback whales coral bay

Swimming with humpback whales has always been on our bucketlist.

Unfortunately, due to health reasons we could not take part on our booked tour but our friends did and were blown away.

They recommended us this charter:

Ningaloo Marine Interactions: Shop 12 Shopping Arcade, Robinson St, Coral Bay WA 6701, Australia, +61 8 9467 7968.

Where to eat in Coral Bay

Coral Bay, WA, may be a small community, but it offers several great dining options.

Whether you’re looking for a casual café, a bakery, or a more substantial meal with a view, there’s something to suit your taste.

Here are some of the dining options available (we tested every single one for you):

Bill’s Bar (best overall):

A popular spot for both locals and tourists, Bill’s Bar offers a variety of hearty meals, including steaks, seafood, and burgers. After the beach, we usually came here to play pool and have a cold beer. Their burgers are very good and we think this is the best option for an all round fun evening.

Ningaloo Reef Resort (great views):

The resort’s restaurant offers a range of dishes with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced seafood. Enjoy your meal with stunning views of the bay.

Fins Café (best brunch):

Known for its fresh seafood. Fins Café is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The relaxed, beachside vibe makes it a favorite among visitors. Their pizzas are massive and we couldn’t help ourselves but have on every week.

Shades Café (best casual meal):

Offering a diverse menu with everything from hearty breakfasts to light lunches, Shades Café is a perfect spot for a casual meal. Their outdoor seating area is a nice place to enjoy the weather.

Coral Resort Bakery (best quick bite and coffee):

This was where we worked for six months and we got to make pastry and sweets ourselves. The bakery is perfect for grabbing a quick bite or have an early morning coffee since it’s the only shop that is open at 6am. Make sure to visit as early as possible as this is when everything is fresh and there is no line for coffee. In peak season, we had about 60 people in line waiting for coffee.

Ningaloo Reef Café (best pizzas):

Located at the Bayview Coral Bay Resort, this café offers a variety of meals from breakfast through to dinner. Their pizzas are massive and we couldn’t help ourselves but have on every week.

Places to stay in Coral Bay – Coral bay accommodation

If you’re planning a coral bay holiday, finding the perfect accommodation is key to an unforgettable experience but can be hard due to limited information.

Our work mates all stayed in different accomodation types and we got an insight for every single option.

Here are the top places to stay in Coral Bay:

Ningaloo Reef Resort Coral Bay

This was the closest to being a proper resort for your coral bay all inclusive holidays but is now closed after big insurance company RAC has bought it for renovation.

The 70 million dollar project is set to be finished in 2026 and will be called RAC coral bay.

Therefore, it is not an option right but for future readers of this blog.

Bayview Caravan Park Coral Bay

Bayview Coral Bay offers a variety of accommodation options, including cabins, chalets, and campsites.

With facilities like a swimming pool, family-friendly environment, BBQ areas, and a playground, Bayview Coral Bay is the most popular option in town.

Therefore, securing your coral bay booking 2-3 months ahead in peak season is crucial.

Peoples Park Coral Bay

For those who love camping and caravanning, Peoples Park Coral Bay is the perfect choice.

Peoples Park is ideal for travelers seeking a budget-friendly experience.

We recommend to splurge for the ocean front sites.

As everywhere in coral bay, first come first serve so make sure you book ahead.

Coral Bay Backpackers

Budget-conscious travelers and backpackers will find Coral Bay Backpackers a welcoming and affordable option.

Being the very first building you see when you enter coral bay, it offers dormitory-style rooms, private rooms, and shared facilities.

With a communal kitchen, lounge area, and friendly social atmosphere, Coral Bay Backpackers is perfect for meeting fellow travelers and exploring the area’s attractions.

It is also the only coral bay hostel.

Coral Bay House Rentals

If you are a large group, this is the best value for money.

There is no Airbnb coral bay and very little private housing in coral bay but the few people that own one are renting them out for peak season.

The houses are spacious with the best views and can fit up to ten people.

Here is the correct website: Rent a house in coral bay .

Coral bay FAQs

Can you swim at Coral Bay?

Yes, you can swim at Coral Bay and it is one of the best activities.

The shallow to deeper waters are the perfect spot for beginners and professionals.

We do recommend to always swim with a buddy and wear googles to see what is swimming underneath you.

Can you see whale sharks in Coral Bay?

Yes, from march till the start of june, thousands of tourists travel to the ningaloo region to swim with these gentle giants.

Where can I see turtles in Coral Bay?

A Local's Guide to Coral Bay, Western Australia

The best spot to see turtles and snorkel with them is five fingers reef.

If you snorkel more than 1 hour there, you are guaranteed to see one.

What is the best month to visit Ningaloo Reef?

As mentioned above, the best month to visit Ningaloo reef is June, when whalesharks, humpback whales and manta rays are all present.

The weather is pleasant with plenty blue skies.

Are there dolphins in Coral Bay?

Yes, there is actually a pod of dolphins that visits Bill’s bay quite regulary and we got to swim with them for free.

Are there sharks in Coral Bay?

Let’s get straight to the point: YES! But sharks are far less dangerous than one might think.

They are not serial killers and usually stay away from snorkelers.

If you happen to see a shark DO NOT panic.

If you can identify the top fin and it has a black or white tip you can acutally swim with them.

If the body has a tiger like stripening and the shark is over 3m then stay calm and always look the shark in the eyes.

Slowly back up and do not splash around.

Are there crocodiles at Ningaloo Reef?

No, ningaloo reef has no resident saltwater crocodile population.

There have been reported sightings once every ten years but mainly small under 2m saltwater crocodile babies who were taken out by the current.

They all were succesfully relocated and their natural habitat remains further north.