Coral Bay is a small settlement that lies protected from the
Indian ocean by the
Ningaloo reef.
It is Australia's only fringing reef
. In contrast to other locations the coral starts right at
the water's edge. The fish and the coral are very accessible to all including
small children. Fish and coral can be experienced either snorkelling or on
one of the Coral viewing boats. It is about 50 km to the North of the tropic
of Capricorn, some 120 km south of Exmouth in Western Australia. The weather
is mild, without the humidity that is often associated with tropical climates.
It comprises a resort hotel, two caravan parks and about 20 houses. It is
a holiday destination for Western Australians together with some overseas
backpackers. Some houses are available for short term
holiday rentals. They are often booked well ahead for the school holidays.
There is excellent fishing outside the marine park area which
is directly off the beach.
Snorkelling, Scuba,
and Kayak tours
are available as is lying on the beach in the sun.
You won't often see a kangaroo in the water but this one is
special.
Click the picture for the full story
Whale sharks come to the area between
March and June. The largest fish in the world, they can grow to 14 meters
in length They are filter feeders that live off plankton and Krill and thus
are entirely safe to swim with.
From the months of June to October this area of the coast
sees the migration of the Humpback Whales.
Turtle nesting occurs on local beaches
between November and February. The Green, Loggerhead and Hawkesville turtles
are often seen in the shallows and by the reef as part of one of the many
tours operated locally.
For the evening there are two small restaurants and an hotel
where meals are served in an alfresco setting.