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Coral Bay
From Wikitravel
Coral Bay is small village in Western Australia, renowned for Ningaloo reef, Australia's only fringing reef. Though recordings say that people came here back in 1884, it was not until 1968 that any serious settlement took place.
[edit] Get in
Coral Bay is a very remote place in the outback. The closest settlement is Exmouth abouth 120km in the North. Skywest airlines flies to Exmouth, shuttle transfer to Coral Bay is available at the Airport, but should be confirmed in advance.
If you plan to go by car from Perth, plan at least 2 days for getting to Coral Bay (Shark Bay makes a perfect stop-over) if you do not want to rush.
[edit] Get around
Since Coral Bay is a tiny spot, the only option to get around is by foot.
[edit][add listing] See
From late March to July each year the Whale Sharks converge on the waters of the Ningaloo Reef. Tours can be booked taking you out to the sea to swim with these huge but harmless creatures.
[edit][add listing] Do
- Swim with the whales Ningaloo Reef Dive (+61 8 9942 5824) offers 1-day-tours starting at $350 . Necessary equipment and meals are provided.
- Quad Treks - Guided tours with 4-wheel motorbikes. Usually 2 hours long, these tours take you around sand dunes to see turtles, to go snorkeling or just see the sunset. A valid driving license is necessary, prices start around $75 per bike. (Contact:Coastal Adventure Tours, Phone: +61 08 9948 5190)
- Coral Tours - Everyone is trying to sell you a coral adventure here. A boat takes you out to the sea to explore the coral reef. If you are lucky you get the chance to see turtles, rays and dolphins. Snorkelling is available as well. Tours last usually 4 hours, include lunch. Prices start at $75. If you know the Great Barrier Reef, these tours might turn out to be a little disappointing since the corals are not that colourful. Although the coral is not as colourful as the Great Barrier Reef, it is more accessible. There is also a lot more fish to swim with than on the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling on the west coast of Australia is a poor imitation of doing it in the east coast. As the currents runs in a northerly direction, walking around the headland and then heading south some distance, you can then enter the water and drift snorkel back to the bay. Be aware also that Coral Tours has been known to cut short their tours and not living up to the promises they have made.
- Kayaking - Boats are available for rent starting at $20 per hour. Snorkel, Masks and fins are available as well. Just head for the beach, you can't miss the shop.
[edit][add listing] Buy
There is a supermarket available daily from 7am to 7.30pm selling general groceries (although you would be best advised to stock up in Exmouth, as the food here is very limited and over priced) as well as locally caught fish.
- Coral Bay Photographics and Mermaid's Cave Boutique has single use cameras and laminating service.
There are some (rather cheesy) souvenir shops available as well if you are interested in buying T-Shirts or shells.
[edit][add listing] Eat
Options are limited to two cafes, a restaurant at Ningaloo Reef Resport and a supermarket for self-catering.
- Fins Cafe - Coral Bay WA 6701, phone +61 (0)8 9942-5900. A tiny cafe serving superb seafood. It has two computers with internet access as well.
[edit][add listing] Drink
Be aware that the cafes don't sell alcohol, but are BYO. There is a little store which sells alcohol located in the bar of Nigaloo Reef Resort.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
Accommodation can be a huge problem when you are travelling during school holidays. Book in advance if you want to avoid spending the nights in your car.
- Ningaloo Reef Resort, 1 Robinson Street, Tel. +61 8 9942 5934, [1]. Apartments with cooking facilities for around 200 Australian Dollars and castaway units for around 150 Australian Dollars.
- People's Park A camping site with cooking facilities. Powered sites are available from 30 to 60 Australian dollars depending on the distance to beach. Simple apartments are available as well starting from 180 Australian Dollars.
- Ningaloo Club, [2]. A youth hostel providing single and double rooms, dorm rooms, internet access and a laundry. Expect to pay $35 for a twin room with shared bathroom.
Coral Bay is very remote and fresh water is very limited and expensive, so all toilets, basins and showers source their water from bores - expect a salty taste on your lips after having a shower.
[edit] Get out
If you are travelling north, head to Exmouth, if you are travelling south, Monkey Mia is worth to stop.
