Western Australia Tourism & Accommodation Guide

Gascoyne Region

The Outback Coast - the Gascoyne Region of Western Australia is a rare and beautiful world of scenery, experiences, adventure and enjoyment.

MOUNT AUGUSTUS
Twice The Size Of Ayer's Rock (Uluru)
450 kilometres inland from Camarvon lies Mount Augustus - the world's largest monocline, twice the size of Ayer's Rock (Uluru). Coach tours are available from Carnarvon and pass through dramatic scenery and remarkable specimens of geology.

CORAL BAY
Ever wonder where the sun goes in winter?........ Coral Bay!

Holiday Bonus
Coral Bay has much to offer for all sorts of people. It's ideal for the independent traveller searching for excitement, Families looking for an 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 accounts 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 appears to sink into the ocean. If you enjoy dusks of burning orange or magical mauves you will find none better. 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 of daily supplies. Open seven days a week the shops supply groceries and essential items. Dine out at restaurants or takeaways, the seafood is as fresh as it can be 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 at 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 directly to the resort and a bypass road allows easy access by road when travelling south from Broome or Darwin.

Beaches
This Coastline includes many 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 from the beach see baby reef sharks swimming.

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.

The Backpackers Guide to WA says:-
For those who have a liking for the water, Coral Bay has it all – and more. “The Bay” not only offers crystal clear waters and unpolluted white sands but the colour and character of the Ningaloo Reef. It offers protected waters within, allowing non-swimmers and novices a great water playground, though outside the reef in the mighty Indian Ocean, scuba divers and those bent on snorkelling will have a ball. Backpackers’ accommodation is available within Coral Bay.

With so many activities to get involved with, meals are almost forgotten though are catered for by a takeaway shop and by counter meals at the hotel, or you can visit the cafe and restaurant.

Coral Bay understandably is a sub-tropical mecca for holiday makers with its balmy weather and sun-drenched clean beaches along with its many nautical activities.

The Ningaloo Reef stretches for 260 kilometres close to shore and is home to 460 species of fish and made up from 180 varieties of both hard and soft coral. Little wonder that coral viewing tours are a top priority. The whole of the reef has been declared a marine park so the policy is LOOK, PHOTOGRAPH, ENJOY and LEAVE FOR OTHERS.
Almost domesticated tropical fish of many vibrant colours, shapes and sizes will come up to the shoreline if tempted with just a few breadcrumbs.

Coral Dive offer all scuba and snorkelling advice and the sale of equipment or alternatively hire of it. They conduct N.A.D.S. diving courses including open water, advanced and specialty testing.

Ningaloo Fishing and Diving Services operate half and full day fishing safaris where visitors can really get among the big ones.
They also offer scenic visits to the fabulous Ningaloo Reef. Although the reef can be viewed from the beach it can only be fully appreciated from a boat.

Snorkelling and scuba dive charters are also available where visitors will see giant manta rays (up to 5m span), turtles and dugong, while in season (June to October) migrating humpback whales can be seen. Reef viewing cruises, which operate every day, are not surprisingly the number one attraction. Visitors can see giant sea turtles, huge cod and the occasional dolphin.

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