The Outback Coast - the Gascoyne Region of Western Australia - a rare and beautiful world of scenery, experiences, adventure and enjoyment. Why not make it part of your world?

Coral Bay

Coral Bay has much to offer for all sorts of people. It's ideal for the independent traveller searching for excitement, Families looking for a enjoyable and safe environment, scuba divers, fishing enthusiasts, snorkellers and those who simply want to relax, unwind and see nature at it's best.

The Reef

One of the most spectacular wonders the area has to offer is the coral and marine life found on the Ningaloo Reef, the largest coral fringing reef in the world. The reef stretches 260km along the coast and at Coral Bay stretches out for about two km from the shore line. Supporting over 500 species of fish and more than 200 species of coral, this is a beautiful, unique and fragile environment to explore and marvel at.
First time snorkellers find these protected waters provide an ideal environment to discover the underwater world.
For those who would like to explore the reef further there are coral viewing and snorkelling cruises and charter boats departing daily.
These trips take you to different areas along and outside the reef where you are likely to see Dugong, Turtles, Dolphins, Humpback Whales, majestic Manta Rays and the mighty Whale Sharks unique to this area.

Safe & Easy

First time snorkellers find these protected waters provide an ideal environment to discover the underwater world.
Snorkelling the bay is safe and accessible for all ages. Fish come to the shore daily to be fed. You may see North West Snapper, colourful Parrot Fish, Mullet, Wrasse, Fusiliers and much more.

Sanctuary

The area directly surrounding Coral Bay is a sanctuary zone, this account for the huge variety of creatures that will interact with you. As you swim out, you will be greeted by the friendly Spangled Emporer. Venture over stunning coral formations and you will discover hundreds of species of tropical fish. Other creatures of the Sanctuary are Dugongs, Turtles, Dolphins, awesome Humpback Whales, majestic Manta Rays and incredible Whale Sharks.

Gazing Skywards

Enjoy the special sunsets as the sun seems to sink into the ocean. If you enjoy dusks of burning orange or magical mauves you will find these hard to beat. For stargazers, you will appreciate the brilliant display as the stars at Coral Bay provide a spectacular show that seems to take you to the far reaches of the universe.

Meals & Services

You will find all you need at Coral Bay in the way daily supplies. Open seven days a week the shops supply groceries and essential items groceries. Dine out at restaurants or takeaways, the seafood is as fresh as you can get and absolutely delicious.

Climate

The climate in Coral Bay is warm and dry all year round.. The summer months bring superb temperatures ranging from the mid to high 30 degrees Celsius, whilst the winter months provide warm sunny days with an average of 25 degrees. Water temperatures range throughout the year from 20 to 28 degrees, all of which makes Coral Bay the perfect getaway venue any time of the year.

Location

You will discover the beauty of Coral Bay 1,200 kms north of Perth, 110 kms south of Learmonth Airport on the southern end of the Ningaloo Reef, the largest fringing coral reef in the world .

A sealed road runs from the highway to Exmouth direct to the resort and a new bypass road allows easy access by road when travelling south from Broome or Darwin.

Beaches

This Coastline includes miles & miles of deserted, white beaches that offer both privacy and adventure.
During walks you might see turtles laying their eggs (seasonal), dolphins playing off-shore, manta rays feeding and many different land and sea birds. In some areas at the right time of the year you might see baby reef sharks swimming from the beach.

Getting There

Coral Bay is serviced by several coach companies, air charter services to the local light aircraft strip as well as regular flights to Learmonth (110 kms away) by some airlines. There is a shuttle bus that services the Learmonth/Coral Bay route daily and car hire is also available.

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Exmouth

Exmouth, founded in 1967, is one of the newest towns in Australia - but it is already famous world-wide as a big game fishing centre. Few places on earth are blessed with the stark contrast of rugged ranges and a marine park on their doorstep. Take the time to move through Exmouth's two worlds for an unforgettable experience.
Nestling in the Exmouth Gulf by the North West Cape it is the closest sports fishing harbour in Australia to the Continental Shelf . This is a great advantage - the Shelf explains the abundance of fish and marine life in the surrounding waters.

Big game charter skippers sailing out of Exmouth know these waters well and serious sportsmen from Britain, the US, Europe, Japan and Africa come here to charter their boats and take advantage of the proliferation of fish. Commercial fishermen also take advantage of the port an its closeness to the Continental Shelf and a fleet of prawn trawlers use Exmouth as its base.

The area also provides ideal underwater diving for the experienced diver and there is also good surfing on Surfers Beach, 17 kilometres from the town. There is a wide variety of safari tours exploring the drama and grandeur of the coastline and the hinterland, and, in common with the North West coast, there are many beautiful safe bathing and fishing beaches.

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Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia at Shark Bay, about 833 kilometres north of Perth, has become famous throughout the world. It's here that the wild dolphins come right up to the shore to be fed and stroked by visitors.
In knee deep water you can enjoy the close up company of these amazing mammals as they talk and laugh with you - they have never been trained but just seem to like the company of humans who visit this idyllic beach.

The Shark Bay area comprises two peninsulas and many small bays and inlets. All are safe, shallow and sheltered.
Don't miss the Shark Bay Shell & Craft Museum - on display are gemstones, rocks, Aboriginal artefacts, and a replica of the Dutch ship "Zuytdorp," wrecked off the coast in 1712.
Visit Nanga Station & Caravan Park - a half million acre sheep station with accommodation and restaurant plus hire of catamarans, sailboards and dinghies.

Francois Peron National Park - a 40,000 hectare park made up of undulating sandy plains, interspersed by gypsum claypans, one of which has access to the sea and is known as the Big Lagoon. Wildflowers and birds are abundant. From the cliffs of Cape Peron dolphins, dugongs, turtles and manta rays are often visible. Fishing and camping are permitted.

Shell Beach - a 110 kms stretch of coastline comprising countless billions of tiny shells.

All along this coast there is magnificent fishing ,a series of lagoons for perfect boating and beach picnics as well as small boat sailing. You can take safari tours or charter boats to take you to and round the off-shore islands. Or you can walk the 100 kilometre Shell Beach. This beach, unique to Australia is made up of billions of tiny shells. At times these shells build up to mounds over 10 metres deep.

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Carnarvon

Carnarvon, the hub of the Gascoyne, has grown in stature over the years as a popular base to shop, sample locally grown produce & fish and to explore outlying areas which provide a diverse range of natural attractions.

Carnarvon is situated 904kms north of Perth on the mouth of the Gascoyne River overlooking a picturesque inlet known as the Fascine. First settled in 1883, the town has had a colourful history and was the first port in Australia, and probably the world, where livestock was transported regularly on a commercial basis by sea.

Banana plantations now form the basis of a thriving agricultural industry. A large range of produce including exotic fruits are available direct from the plantations for you to enjoy. Thriving prawning and scallop industries also operate from Carnarvon. Lake Macleod Salt Mine situated 65km north of Carnarvon producing up to 1.5 million tonnes of salt per year.
Local tours are available to several plantations, also to the prawning processing factory and Lake Macleod.

Carnarvon attractions extend far beyond local industry with a wider number of sights well worth a visit.

These include:-

The OTC Dish: established by NASA in 1966 as a satellite communications and tracking station. The station was involved in the Gemini and Apollo space missions, Australia's first TV satellite program and also played a role intercepting halley's Comet prior to ceasing operation in 1987.

Chinamans Pool: This billabong is a popular picnic spot boasting an abundance of birdlife.

Pioneer Park: A pleasant picnic spot which provides a glimpse of Carnarvon history including two enormous bones from a Blue Whale which form an arch over the entrance.

One Mile Jetty: Is of significant historical and social importance to the town of Carnarvon and was a favourite fishing spot until damaged in 1988 by fire. Planning is well under way to have the jetty restored for future generations to enjoy as a recreational spot.

Lighthouse Keepers Cottage Museum: Was built around 1900 as the home of the lighthouse keeper and his family and was used until the 1970's when the lighthouse became electric. It is located on Babbage Island near the One Mile Jetty and is open to the public.

Pelican Point Beach: Was originally the southern mouth of the Gascoyne River and is now a popular fishing, swimming and surfing spot.

The Coast: Between the Blow holes, Point Quobba through to Gnarloo Station is well worth viewing. The road is not sealed but can be accessed with a 2WD vehicle though a 4WD vehicle is recommended. This stretch of coast is virtually untouched providing spectacular views of Cape Cuvier and exceptional fishing. At 3 Mile Camp and Gnarloo Bay you will find pristine beaches with excellent coral outcrops. If surfing is your passion, 3 Mile Beach has been rated by many as having the best left break in the world.

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