With pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Coral Bay is an idyllic introduction to the breathtaking beauty of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu). It’s one of the few places on earth where you can come face-to-face with fascinating marine creatures like whale sharks. Or if landing a big one is more your thing, set off on a fishing charter to land your dream catch. It’s all here in the aquatic adventure of a lifetime.

Just steps from the world’s largest fringing reef, Coral Bay is a coastal paradise for nature lovers, packed with adventure and relaxed beach holiday vibes. Put on a snorkel to see fish shimmering among coral gardens just metres from the shore, and get up close to some of the ocean’s most mesmerising creatures. To get there, it’s a 12-hour drive to Coral Bay, or take a two-hour flight from Perth and drive 1.5 hours.

Depending on the season, you’ll be accompanied by whale sharks (March to June) and humpback whales (June to November) as these gentle giants of the ocean glide over the Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu) during their seasonal migration. Year-round, spot manta rays, dugongs and turtles. The marine adventures continue onboard a charter boat, as one of Western Australia’s premier fishing destination invites you to reel in bream, tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi and sailfish.

When it’s time to wave goodbye to the underwater world, Coral Bay’s walking trails weave through parks and pristine beaches, past tidal pools and turtle-nesting spots. Seeking a faster-paced adventure? A four-by-four beach buggy tour or a scenic flight above the clifftops offer exhilarating ways to soak up the southern coastline.

As the sun sets and the sky shimmers with shades of orange, pink and purple, immerse yourself in Coral Bay’s laid-back atmosphere with something cold to drink and a platter of locally caught seafood.

Visit the world heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef / Nyinggulu

Discover a colourful universe of coral gardens and ocean life beneath the crystal-clear waters of World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu). Dive, snorkel or swim Australia’s largest fringing reef as whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays glide past in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Wonders abound on land too, with pristine beaches and surf breaks that allow you to tap into your adventurous side or indulge in barefoot luxury.

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Find things to do in Coral Bay

Attractions

  • Bill's Bay

    The tranquillity of Bill's Bay with its pristine beaches and protected waters has a wonderfully relaxed seaside holiday ambience. The bay is located in the tiny town of Coral Bay and provides easy access to the world-famous Ningaloo Reef. Snorkelers will revel in the abundance of marine life just off the shore. Dive or snorkel off the beach or visit the deeper waters to view dugongs, manta rays and the amazing whale sharks. If you plan to visit between June and October, you can take a boat tour to see the migrating humpback whales. Whilst there is always plenty to ...

  • Paradise Beach

    Spectacular beaches are plentiful in Coral Bay; however, aptly named Paradise Beach is a well-kept secret worth exploring. Providing clear calm waters and gleaming white sand, the uncrowded protected beach offers an excellent opportunity to snorkel safely amongst the abundant marine life. You can choose to build sandcastles, play a game of beach cricket, swim in the refreshing waters or just laze on the beach with a great book. Paradise Beach is well located close to the Ningaloo Reef and tours to explore the impressive natural attraction are plentiful. Depending on the time of year you visit, ...

  • Purdy Point

    Purdy Point provides convenient access to the world-famous Ningaloo Reef. Take a short walk or drive from the idyllic town of Coral Bay to this popular snorkelling location. The calm protected waters and plethora of marine life make this a paradise for all who wish to explore the reef. Boasting beautiful weather all year round, Purdy Point is a nice, easy introduction to what the reef has to offer. To explore the region in more depth, take a glass bottom boat trip, join a dive charter, deep sea fishing expedition or a whale watching tour. If you can time your ...

Nearby destinations

  • Exmouth

    Brimming with adventure, the welcoming coastal town of Exmouth is your base to discover some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. Jump into the ocean and swim with beautiful aquatic creatures, big and small. Or head to the surrounding coastline, as rugged as it is dramatic, for even more opportunities to get among nature. A 13-hour drive or two-hour flight from Perth, Exmouth is the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park, the world’s largest fringing reef. Glimpse kaleidoscopic fish darting between the coral from a glass-bottom boat, or snorkel in the crystal-clear ...

  • Kalbarri

    Chart a course along the Murchison River for a captivating view into Kalbarri’s dramatic landscapes. Towering coastal cliffs and white-sand beaches provide a breathtaking backdrop to a range of watersport adventures, while the region’s sprawling national parks serve up sky-high views of the rugged outback. With more than 183, 000 hectares of national park to explore, Kalbarri is a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit this warm and sunny oceanside destination – a six-and-a-half-hour drive north from Perth – and surround yourself with unforgettable scenery from coastline to countryside. Whether ...

  • Carnarvon

    Carnarvon lies just south of the Tropic of Capricorn - a palm-fringed coastal oasis offering a platter of fresh tropical flavours and a good base for exploring World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef and the largest monocline on Earth - Mount Augustus. It takes two days to drive the 904 kilometres from Perth to Carnarvon on the North West Coastal Highway, or just a couple of hours aboard a flight from Perth airport. From Carnarvon, you have access to some of the State's best year-round fishing, surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, snorkelling and swimming spots, all dotted along a beautifully rugged ...

  • Coral Bay

    With pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Coral Bay is an idyllic introduction to the breathtaking beauty of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. It’s one of the few places on earth where you can come face-to-face with fascinating marine creatures like whale sharks. Or if landing a big one is more your thing, set off on a fishing charter to land your dream catch. It’s all here in the aquatic adventure of a lifetime. Just steps from the world’s largest fringing reef, Coral Bay is a coastal paradise for nature lovers, packed with adventure and relaxed beach holiday vibes. Put ...

  • Denham

    Denham is the ideal base for discovering all that has earned Shark Bay its World Heritage status. The natural beauty and rare native flora and fauna, the oldest living fossil on Earth - the Stromatolites of Hamelin Pool - the world's largest dugong population and Monkey Mia's famous pod of friendly dolphins. Getting to Denham from Perth is a 10-hour drive by road or a two-hour 15-minute flight from Perth. You'll also find a stay in Shark Bay is scheduled in the itineraries of many extended tours from Perth. Since Captain Henry Mangles Denham first charted the bay in 1858 ...

  • Jurien Bay

    Wildflower meadows ablaze with colour, ancient rock formations and sweeping stretches of powder-white sand – Jurien Bay’s beauty is the perfect backdrop for a fun-filled adventure. Dive beneath the surface of this protected marine park to explore underwater caves and coral gardens, then spot rare Australian sea lions sunning themselves on the shoreline. Pack flippers and fishing gear to make the most of this activity-packed stretch of coastline. Just a 2. 5-hour drive north of Perth, this friendly seaside town offers easy access to several outstanding diving and snorkelling sites within Jurien ...

  • Leeman

    The small crayfishing town of Leeman is a top spot for chasing your own catch of the day, or witnessing one of Mother Nature's most diverse floral displays as nearby Lesueur National Park is transformed into a sea of colour with the blooms of over 820 wildflower species. You can reach Leeman in just over three hours, driving north from Perth via the scenic route along the Indian Ocean Drive. The route passes by inviting white sandy beaches and one of Australia's most unique landscapes, the Pinnacles Desert, so you may be tempted to take it a little slower and ...

  • Geraldton

    Soak up Geraldton’s stunning seascapes, and enjoy exhilarating outdoor adventures amid the beauty of the remote Abrolhos Islands. Proudly displaying its rich maritime and Aboriginal heritage at every turn, Geraldton is a lively coastal city inviting adventure seekers, fishing fanatics and food lovers alike to explore its myriad attractions. From kitesurfing to snorkelling, you can create an activity-packed itinerary in Geraldton, a five-hour drive or a one-hour flight north from Perth. Kick-start your explorations by boarding a diving or snorkelling charter to the Abrolhos Islands, or enjoy an ...

  • Port Denison

    One of the largest and most productive fishing boat harbours in Western Australia, Port Denison is also a top spot for recreational fishing and water sports that’s blessed with beautiful white sand beaches. The journey to Port Denison takes you on a scenic four-hour coastal drive from Yanchep, north of Perth, following the Indian Ocean Drive. Allow a little extra time along the way for exploring the stunning beaches, spotting spring wildflowers or experiencing some of the region’s top fishing and surfing hotspots. You’ll find the hub of Port Denison’s surfing, body boarding, kite surfing and stand-up ...

Events

  • Costarella: Fashioning a Legacy

    Celebrate the life and work of Aurelio Costarella (1964–2025), a Western Australian fashion designer whose timelessly elegant designs captivated audiences at home and abroad. One of Australia's most celebrated fashion designers, Aurelio Costarella left an extraordinary mark on the local, national and international fashion industry. This exhibition honours his remarkable career, enduring artistry and connection to Western Australia. Entirely self-taught, Costarella launched his career in Perth and established an internationally acclaimed fashion label renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, intricate ...

  • Experience History in 3D: ‘Fire on the Water’

    Step into a pivotal moment in Australian naval history with their immersive 3D film, 'Fire on the Water'. This powerful cinematic experience tells the dramatic story of the WWII battle between HMAS Sydney II and the German raider HSK Kormoran, one of Australia's most enduring maritime mysteries. This moment in time is considered Australia's greatest Naval disaster. Screened every 30 minutes in the dedicated Rose de Freycinet Gallery, this free, permanent exhibition allows visitors of all ages to engage with this important historical event in a visually compelling and educational format. Whether ...

  • An Evening with Patrick Voss Live in Geraldton!

    Dockers fans in Geraldton & surrounds! Pat Voss is coming your way for this special live event! Join the heart and soul of the Dockers, Patrick Voss, live in Geraldton featuring a unique insight into his journey to date. Ever wondered what happens inside the four walls at the Dockers? This event will go behind the scenes featuring hilarious stories and insights you'll only hear in this setting. Nothing is off limits as Pat unpacks season 2026, previews the Dockers quest to return to the Grand Final stage and finish the job in 2027. Voss will revisit his younger years, ...

  • Christmas on the Terrace

    One of Geraldton's most loved and attended events, Christmas on the Terrace, will return this year and the community can expect all the crowd favourites back for another fun-filled evening! The City of Greater Geraldton, alongside a plethora of stallholders, businesses, community groups and entertainers will bring Marine Terrace to life for a Christmas celebration. The entirety of Marine Terrace will be closed so pedestrians can roam the area freely.

  • Wave Rally World Championships

    Wave Rally World Championships brings high-energy windsurfing racing to Coronation Beach near Geraldton, one of Western Australia's premier wind and wave destinations. Unlike traditional racing, Wave Rally puts 10 windsurfers on the water at once, competing on wave and freewave equipment around a fast-paced figure-eight course that runs through the protected lagoon and out into the surf. The format is exciting, colourful and easy to follow from the beach, combining speed, wave-riding skill and tactical racing in a spectacular coastal setting. A five-day event window gives organisers the flexibility ...

  • Disrupt, persist, invent - Australians in an ever-changing world

    From noisy protest to quiet persistence, Disrupt, persist, invent explores the many ways people have achieved social change in Australia.Discover powerful stories of people and their actions, from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Learn about Australia's progress in areas such as women's rights, marriage equality, science and technological invention and much more.You may even be inspired to create lasting change in your own community, within your city or for all Australians.

  • Mullewa Muster and Rodeo

    The Mullewa Muster and Rodeo is a vibrant outback celebration that brings together the spirit of country Australia, community, and classic rodeo action. Set in the historic Mid West town of Mullewa, the event showcases the region's strong rural heritage while delivering an exciting day of entertainment for locals and visitors alike. The Muster features thrilling rodeo competitions where skilled riders and stockmen test their abilities in events such as bull riding, bronc riding, and barrel racing. Alongside the arena action, the event offers a relaxed country atmosphere with live music, local ...

  • Backroads Gravel

    Backroads Gravel is Western Australia's premier gravel cycling and trail running festival, bringing riders and runners to the spectacular Chapman Valley in WA's Mid West. Taking place in Nabawa, the event offers five gravel cycling distances from 10 kilometres to 160 kilometres and four running distances from 5 kilometres to the marathon, with options for beginners through to experienced riders and runners. In 2027, Backroads Gravel will also host the AusCycling Gravel National Championships, welcoming Australia's leading gravel cyclists to the Mid West to compete for national honours. AusCycling ...

  • Under the Yanget Sky

    Under the Yanget Sky invites guests to an unforgettable evening at Yanget Farm, where rolling paddocks meet a historic homestead filled with stories. As the sun sets over the land, guests can enjoy champagne and oysters alongside drinks from WA favourite Gage Roads and Geraldton's own 30 Knots, taking in the beauty of Yanget before settling in for dinner. The Gerald Apartment Hotel's Head Chef, Rodi Aasma, has created a refined menu of shared plates designed to be enjoyed together. Yanget Farm's own lamb and beef take centre stage alongside the best local produce from the region, showcasing the ...

Accommodation

  • RAC Ningaloo Reef Resort

    The current Ningaloo Reef Resort will be redeveloped into a new state-of-the-art resort.The new resort will grow from 34 units to 90 units, ranging between one-bedroom to three-bedroom family options. Resort guests will have access to a new clubhouse, featuring a restaurant, bar and alfresco and function space.The transformation is well underway, and RAC Ningaloo Reef Resort is expected to reopen in early 2027.

  • Ningaloo Coral Bay - Bayview

    Just footsteps from the stunning Ningaloo Reef and with the beautiful Australian outback as their backyard, Ningaloo Coral Bay offers a fully inclusive reef experience with a variety of family-friendly accommodation and amenities within Bayview, along with a backpacker resort, boat tours and food, entertainment and function centre across the road at Bill's Bar. Bayview accommodation options range from basic Cabins and fully self-contained ocean view Villas, to Powered and Unpowered Sites. Guests can enjoy their jumping pillow, playgrounds, swimming pool, tennis courts, barbecues, camp kitchen ...

  • Ningaloo Club

    The Ningaloo Club is Ningaloo Coral Bay's modern, two-storey, backpackers resort, just footsteps from the beautiful white sand beaches of Coral Bay. Offering a range of accommodations including dorms, twin rooms and private double and double ensuite rooms located around a central landscaped area surrounding the swimming pool. The backpackers have a large entertaining area with pool tables and a licensed Manta Bar opening directly onto the pool area with an alfresco dining area and communal kitchen. Male and female ablution facilities are available on each of the two floors. Lockers and luggage ...

  • Coral Bay Peoples Park

    Coral Bay Peoples Park is your ideal holiday destination - located directly opposite the beautiful turquoise waters of Coral Bay and the World Heritage Ningaloo Reef.Coral Bay Peoples Park caters for all budgets. Book premium accommodations with shady lawns. Choose from grass or hardstand powered or unpowered Oceanfront or Pioneer caravan and camping sites, deluxe villa and cabin accommodation or the ocean view penthouse.Full-park facilities are provided for your stay.

Tours

  • 8 Night Ultimate Ningaloo Tour Package

    Combine the 3-Night Snorkel and Dive Getaway, and the 5-Night Ningaloo Escape tours, to create an 8-Night Ultimate Ningaloo Tour Package. If you are looking to explore more of the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park than the average visitor and immerse yourself in the Ningaloo Reef life, this is the tour for you! Includes all activities - imagine yourself gliding over coral outcrops full of colourful fish life, snorkelling with turtles and manta rays, or scuba diving historic shipwrecks. Or relax on one of the beanbags on the spacious deck and marvel at humpback whales as they swim alongside (seasonal). ...

  • 3 Night Snorkel and Dive Getaway

    Embark on a three-night sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving adventure from Coral Bay, designed to leave the crowds behind and discover the true magic of Ningaloo Reef. Glide effortlessly by kayak or don your snorkel and fins to uncover secret Ningaloo Reef dive and snorkel sites untouched by the masses. Immerse yourself in crystal-clear lagoons teeming with exotic coral formations and colourful fish life. Witness shy reef sharks, graceful turtles, and stingrays as they glide past. Sail Ningaloo's expert guides will reveal the fascinating world of macro life, from mesmerizing nudibranchs to slithering ...

  • 5 Night Ningaloo Escape

    Spend five nights exploring the pristine Ningaloo Reef Marine Park with Sail Ningaloo. Be exhilarated as you set sail for a dive and snorkel adventure. There will be opportunities to view turtles, dolphins, dugongs and whales (seasonal) before you even enter the water! Enjoy kayaking, find a perfect snorkelling lagoon, scuba dive untouched remote sites and visit secluded beaches. Enjoy glorious sunsets over the Indian Ocean while indulging in a little me time. On departure, sail through dense coral formations surrounding Coral Bay before reaching Batemans Bay, with a good chance to snorkel with ...

  • Marine Eco Safari

    The tour begins at the Coral Bay Ecotours' office (unless otherwise advised), followed by a short bus transfer to the jetty to board the vessel. You will head out for your first reef snorkel experience in Bill's Bay, where you may encounter numerous fish, reef sharks and other marine species in the beautiful coral gardens. After morning tea, you will visit the sea turtle sanctuary where you can observe turtles feeding and surfacing for air. Following this, you then head to Bateman's Bay where, with the assistance of a spotter plane, there is the opportunity to snorkel with manta rays. ...

  • Humpback Whale Safari

    This full-day tour day begins with a beautiful reef experience snorkel where you may encounter turtles, reef sharks, stingrays and various species of fish! They then make their way out to the open ocean to observe the whales in their playground. If and when their trained guide deems it is safe to do so, guests will be separated into groups of seven, ready to enter the water. With the groups taking turns, seven swimming guests will enter the water with two crew at a time positioned to the side or in front of the whale's path at a safe distance. ...

  • 3 Hour Turtle Ecotour

    The Turtle Tour is the best way to view turtles feeding in their natural surroundings. The experienced crew and their in-depth knowledge of the local turtle species and behaviour will show you the best way to view these amazing animals. As the only turtle tour conducted on a glass-bottom boat, this great value tour also provides you with the opportunity for coral viewing, fish feeding and snorkelling at two specially selected sites.

Ningaloo Reef and the Coral Coast Holiday Planner

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