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 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 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 destinations 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.