Coral
Bay is a small township on the Western Australian coast established in
1969 purely to cater for tourists eager to experience the many wonders
of the World Heritage nominated "Ningaloo Reef Marine Park". Located on
the shoreline of a picturesque little bay, Coral Bay lies approximately
midway along the magnificent Ningaloo Reef which stretches for over
270km. Situated in the remote and isolated Western most corner of
Australia, Coral Bay lies just north of the Tropic of Capricorn 1180km
north of Perth and 150km south of Exmouth.
Stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear water and blue cloudless
skies make a perfect backdrop to one of the world’s most pristine and
vibrant fringing reef systems. Air and water temperatures are warm and
mild year round, making Coral Bay a fantastic destination any time of
the year and a must see stop over for travellers following the coast
north and south. Due to it’s exceptionally unique environmental
characteristics Ningaloo Reef Marine Park and Cape Range National Park
were in 2010 nominated for World Heritage status by the State and
Commonwealth government of Australia.
Coral Bay is the only permanent development allowed within the marine
park and accommodation is limited to a total of 2000 tourists. This
ensures the pristine nature of the area is maintained and has given
rise to the Ningaloo Reef being referred to as "Australia’s best kept
secret".
Just a minutes’ walk from your accommodation are beautiful white
beaches and crystal clear waters and only meters from the water’s edge
you will encounter amazing corals teaming with marine life. The outer
edge of the reef is approximately 2km off shore and the protected
waters between the shore and the outer reef are packed with exquisite
corals and topical fishes of every possible colour, shape and size.
Snorkelling or kayaking off the beach is a good way to see the area,
however, if you want to get out further there are glass bottom boat
tours which provide both coral viewing and snorkelling tours every day.
Not only are there over 270 species of corals and over 500 species of
reef fish to be found, you can join in on one of the tours that depart
daily, quite possibly you will see marine turtles, dolphins, manta
rays, dugongs, reef sharks (friendly ones) whale sharks (seasonal
March-June) humpback whales (seasonal June-November) and much more. As
well as snorkelling with an amazing array of marine animals, the
Ningaloo Reef is a Mecca for scuba divers worldwide.
Coral Bay also offers the keen fisher person a day out deep sea fishing
where you can catch Red Emperor, Rankin Cod, Pearl Perch and many more
species of table fish. Even try your hand at game fishing for Marlin,
Sailfish, Tuna and Mackerel which are caught on a regular basis. There
is a new boat launching facility and car park for those of you who want
to bring your own boat.
If you have a 4WD, you can access the many surrounding beaches and
lagoons, guided 4 wheel bike tours operate from Coral Bay and are a fun
way to explore the coastline.
Coral Bay has everything you need for a great holiday, the beaches,
fish life, corals, fantastic sunsets, friendly locals who love to stop
and have a chat, there are two supermarkets although small, a bakery, a
resort hotel, two caravan parks, cabins and holiday houses, a
newsagency and a few boutique shops. All you need to do is park your
car for the duration of your holiday and everything is within walking
distance.
If you have a day to spare, why not drive up to Exmouth for the day,
exploring Cape Range National Park, Yardie Creek and the Gorges, visit
the Mildura shipwreck and Turquoise Bay. You do need a full day to
explore Exmouth and the surrounding area.
By Sail Ningaloo ©
For more information visit
http://www.sailningaloo.com.au
or email
enquiries@sailningaloo.com.au
