Best Things to do in Coral Bay, Western Australia
If you’re dreaming of turquoise water, reef just metres from shore, and a town where you can walk everywhere barefoot, Coral Bay is your kind of place. Tucked along the Ningaloo Coast in Western Australia, this tiny seaside town delivers world-class marine experiences without the crowds or the chaos.
We visited in peak season on our Coral Coast Road Trip and were genuinely surprised at how relaxed it felt. No traffic. No rush. Just reef, sunshine and salty air. Unfortunately, due to a medical episode, we could not spend as much time in Ningaloo as we would have wished.
Here’s everything you need to know about the best things to do in Coral Bay — plus a few things to know before you go.
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Start Your Day at the Bakery
Every good Coral Bay day begins at the bakery.
Fresh pies, sausage rolls, pastries and strong coffee — it’s the unofficial morning meeting point for travellers, tradies and tour groups heading out on the water. Grab something warm, find a shady spot, and ease into the slow Coral Bay rhythm.
It’s simple, delicious and very “WA coastal town”.
Swim Straight Off the Beach to Snorkel the Ningaloo Reef
This is what makes Coral Bay truly special.
You don’t need a boat. You don’t need a tour. You don’t even need to drive.
Walk off the main beach, swim a short distance, and you’re floating above vibrant coral gardens filled with:
- Parrotfish
- Butterflyfish
- Giant clams
- Reef sharks
- Turtles
The water is typically calm and crystal clear, making it ideal for families and beginner snorkellers. It’s one of the few places in Australia where world-class reef is this accessible.
If you look carefully, you may also find Nemo.
Visit the Shark Nursery (“Shark Pool”)
A short walk along the beach brings you to the famous Shark Nursery, often called the “Shark Pool”.
Here, in the shallow, protected waters, you can often spot small blacktip reef sharks cruising gently through the lagoon. It’s completely natural — no cages, no feeding — just juvenile sharks using the bay as a safe nursery.
Seeing them glide through ankle-to-knee-deep water is unforgettable.
Swim with Whale Sharks, Manta Rays & Humpback Whales
Coral Bay is one of the best places in Australia for bucket-list marine encounters.
Depending on the season, you can:
Swim with Whale Sharks (March–July)
The gentle giants of the ocean migrate through Ningaloo each year. Tours run daily during the season, offering the chance to snorkel alongside these incredible creatures. We had planned to swim with whale sharks in July but they had already left – just means another trip to Ningaloo.
Book early to Swim with Whale Sharks to avoid missing out.
Swim with Humpback Whales (June–October)
Few experiences compare to being in the water with migrating humpbacks. If this is on your list, check out our guide on how to swim with humpback whales for what to expect and how to choose the right tour.
Book your Swim with Humpback Whales now to avoid missing out.
Swim with Manta Rays (Year-round, peak May–November)
Graceful, curious and often interactive, manta ray tours are another unforgettable Coral Bay experience.
Yes! I want to Swim with Manta Rays.
For more seasonal planning tips, see our guide to the best time to visit Ningaloo.
Explore by Kayak or Paddleboard
On calmer days, hiring a kayak or SUP is a brilliant way to explore the lagoon at your own pace. You can drift over coral bommies, spot turtles from above, and access quieter snorkelling spots away from the main beach.
Watch the Sunset from the Beach
Evenings in Coral Bay are beautifully simple.
No high-rise skyline. No loud beach clubs. Just pastel skies fading over the Indian Ocean while families sit in camping chairs and kids chase the last waves of the day.
It’s peaceful in the best possible way.
Dinner at Bill’s Bar & Bistro
After a day in the water, Bill’s is the go-to dinner spot in town.
Cold drinks, hearty meals and a relaxed outdoor setting make it a Coral Bay institution. Think burgers, seafood, steaks and easy holiday vibes. In peak season it’s lively but never overwhelming — just a happy buzz of sun-tired travellers swapping stories from the reef.
The food was delicious and priced similar to Perth pub prices. Make sure to book or arrive early as tables fill fast in peak time.
Another dining option is to grab a pizza at the Reef Cafe and enjoy alfresco dining as the sun goes down and the stars come out.
Where to Stay in Coral Bay
Coral Bay is small, population of 300 permanent residents and accommodation fills fast during peak season.
Ningaloo Club Backpackers
Ningaloo Club Backpackers is a two storey backpacker hostel just up the road from the beach
The People’s Park (aka Coral Bay Bayview)
The People’s Park is the main accommodation hub in town, offering:
- Powered and unpowered sites
- Cabins and villas
- Facilities within walking distance of everything
Important: No Free Camping
There is no free camping in Coral Bay. Rangers actively patrol the area and will fine you $100 for free camping. But there is overflow camping. Hallelujah!
Coral Bay has overflow unpowered campsites available for $60/night. You have to present yourself to the ticket office at the People’s Park (also known as Coral Bay Bayview) on the main street after 3pm. You cannot book sites in advance.
Book Early! Accommodation during peak times (especially July School Holidays) books out 13 months in advance!
Everything in town is walkable from the caravan park — beach, bakery, tours, Bill’s — which adds to the easy, laid-back feel.
How to get there?
Drive
We hired a motorhome in Perth and drove the 1200kms on a Coral Coast Road Trip to Coral Bay. There were for several reasons being:-
- The cost for 5 of us to fly to Exmouth was the same as hiring a motorhome for 2 weeks.
- There was no accommodation available during the July school holidays in Coral Bay or Exmouth even though we tried to book 6 months in advance. It books out 15 months in advance!
- We were able to explore more than Ningaloo Reef
Fly
The quickest way to get to Ningaloo Reef is to fly from Perth to Exmouth. A direct flight with QANTAS takes approximately 2 hours.
Bus
The cheapest way is with Integrity Coach Lines which depart Perth 3 times a week. The trip will take just over 18 hours. OMG!
Things to Know Before You Go
Coral Bay is relaxed and low-key — but it pays to be prepared.
No Potable Water
There is no drinkable tap water in town. Bring your own water or be prepared to buy it. Town water is from a bore that reaches 800m down into the earth providing hot slightly slaty water. DO NOT fill your tanks here.
That being said, the water pressure and hot water supply are excellent so if you don’t mind a slightly salty shower, enjoy!
The “Service Station”
Fuel is available, but it’s essentially just a pump near the road leading to the boat ramp. Don’t expect a full servo with snacks and supplies.
Limited Supplies
There’s a small supermarket, but options are limited and prices reflect the remote location. Fill up with supplies in Carnarvon or on a day trip to Exmouth and Cape Range National Park.
Walk Everywhere
One of the best parts of Coral Bay? You can park the car and forget about it. Everything is within easy walking distance.
Laid-Back Vibe — Even in Peak Time
We visited during peak season and it genuinely didn’t feel crowded. Tour boats head out early, snorkellers spread along the beach, and by sunset the town settles into a calm rhythm.
Add Coral Bay to Your Coral Coast Road Trip
Coral Bay is a highlight of any Coral Coast road trip. It pairs perfectly with Exmouth and Cape Range National Park for the ultimate Ningaloo adventure.
If you’re planning your route, make sure to allow at least 2–3 nights here — longer if swimming with whale sharks or humpbacks is on your list.
Final Thoughts: Roam With No Regrets
Coral Bay isn’t flashy. It isn’t trendy. And that’s exactly why it’s special.
It’s reef at your feet. Sharks in the shallows. Bakery breakfasts. Sunset swims. Walking everywhere barefoot.
If you love simple coastal towns with extraordinary nature, Coral Bay will stay with you long after you leave.
Roam with No Regrets.
