Major city · Australia
Coral Bay
Stay 2–3 nights if you want manta rays and reef snorkelling; 1 night only if you are passing the Gascoyne coast and just want the beach.
Coral Bay is a 207-person beach settlement on the Ningaloo Reef, about 1,140 km north of Perth and 150 km south of Exmouth. The reef crest sits roughly 1 km offshore, so the lagoon is calm and walkable from the sand. It is quiet and family-oriented, with a noise curfew, and most visitors come for boat tours to manta rays, whale sharks and humpbacks. The coral gardens closest to the beach died in a 2022 spawning event, so the best living coral now needs a boat or a long swim.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Apr–Oct (dry, mild, whale sharks Mar–Jul, humpbacks later)
- avoid Dec–Feb (very hot, cyclonic rain possible)
- Airports
- LEA · PER
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Coral Bay000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Coral Bay, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA quiet, family-oriented settlement with a noise curfew; the real risks are heat, no lifeguards, sharp coral and long remote drives.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLEA Learmonth Airport (Exmouth) (About 120 km (75 mi) north; shuttle transfer must be booked in advance, roughly 80 min and about A$100 (≈ US$70) per person).LEA Learmonth Airport (Exmouth) (About 75 mi (120 km) north; shuttle transfer must be booked in advance, roughly 80 min and about A$100 (≈ US$70) per person).
- Getting aroundThe town is walkable: from the Ningaloo Reef Resort at the road's end to the shopping arcade takes most of ten minutes on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- Budget bedHostel or backpacker bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or resort double room, a night, per roomA$250 (≈ US$170)
- High-end bedMotel or resort double room, a night, per roomA$450 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$120 (≈ US$80) · Mid A$200 (≈ US$140) · High A$350 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LEA Learmonth Airport (Exmouth) (About 120 km (75 mi) north; shuttle transfer must be booked in advance, roughly 80 min and about A$100 per person) · PER Perth Airport (About 1,140 km (708 mi) south; drive at least two days, or take a coach that stops at Coral Bay if pre-booked)LEA Learmonth Airport (Exmouth) (About 75 mi (120 km) north; shuttle transfer must be booked in advance, roughly 80 min and about A$100 per person) · PER Perth Airport (About 708 mi (1,140 km) south; drive at least two days, or take a coach that stops at Coral Bay if pre-booked)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Feb
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Mar
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Apr
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Dec
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Best: Apr–Oct. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)), coolest Jul (11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C) low), wettest Jun (4 rain days), driest Oct (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Coral Bay: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
Feb
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
3 rd
Mar
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
2 rd
May
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
Nov
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
1 rd
Dec
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
1 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is walkable: from the Ningaloo Reef Resort at the road's end to the shopping arcade takes most of ten minutes on foot. There is no car or bike hire in Coral Bay, so pick up a vehicle in Exmouth if you need one. Boat tours include a minibus pickup in town and a ride down Banksia Avenue to Monck Head jetty, 2 km south.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Exmouth and Cape Range National Park
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h 45 min each way
Drive south 150 km (93 mi) on the Exmouth–Minilya roadDrive south 93 mi (150 km) on the Exmouth–Minilya road
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep in Exmouth and see the gorges and Turquoise Bay.
Carnarvon
overnightDoor to door: About 4 h each way
Drive north on the North West Coastal Highway via Minilya
A supply and fruit-growing town; break the Perth drive here rather than day-tripping.
Five Fingers Reef
goDoor to door: About 15 min by 4WD, 1–2 h on foot
Drive or walk south of town; the last few kilometres are a soft sand 4WD track
Mostly living coral and good wildlife within the first 100 m; go early and carry water.
Shark Sanctuary (Skeleton Bay)
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min on foot
Walk 1–2 km (0.6–1.2 mi) north along the shoreWalk 0.6–1.2 mi (1–2 km) north along the shore
Nov–Jan the shallows hold young tiger sharks; view from shore at high tide on a still day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Robinson Street / town centre
The main drag, walking distance to the beach, shopping arcade, cafés and caravan park. Best for a short stay without a car.
Ningaloo Reef Resort end
At the road's dead end by the shore; about a 10-minute walk back to the arcade. Quietest spot, closest to the main beach.
Banksia Avenue / boat landing side
Near the 24-hour unstaffed filling station and the turn to Monck Head jetty, 2 km (1.2 mi) south. Practical if you are towing a boat or driving out early.Near the 24-hour unstaffed filling station and the turn to Monck Head jetty, 1.2 mi (2 km) south. Practical if you are towing a boat or driving out early.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$120–180 (≈ US$80–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$180–300 (≈ US$120–200) excl. bed
- High
- A$300 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or resort double room1 × 2 nights × A$250 | A$500 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × A$200 | A$800 |
| Learmonth Airport shuttle, one way2 × A$100 | A$200 |
| Kayak or stand-up paddleboard hire, one hour2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$30 | A$60 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$160 |
| Trip total≈ A$440 per person per day, bed included | A$1,760≈ US$1,200 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights and tours excluded unless listed. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Counter meal or pub meal | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Glass-bottom boat, one hour | About A$50 (≈ US$35) per adult |
| Half-day manta ray tour | From about A$160 (≈ US$110) per adult |
| Full-day manta ray tour | From about A$200 (≈ US$140) per adult |
| Whale shark or humpback swim | Over A$400 (≈ US$300) per person |
| Reef snorkel tour without wildlife swim | Around A$100 (≈ US$70) per adult |
| ATV Quad-Trek tour, per bike | From about A$75 (≈ US$50) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No lifeguards on the beach; the lagoon is calm but the coral is hard and sharp even where it is dead.
- Jellyfish are possible, though less of a problem in the winter high season (roughly June–August).
- Fresh water comes from boreholes and tastes salty; it is limited and expensive.
- Five Fingers Reef needs a real 4WD for the last few kilometres of soft sand track; walking it on a hot day is risky.
- Whale shark and humpback tours are restricted and sell out; book ahead if your stay is short.
- The town has a noise curfew and rowdy behaviour can get you removed.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Coral BayCoral Bay
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Can you take me to this address, please?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
Embassy
No consulates in Coral Bay; the nearest are in Perth. US, UK, Canadian and other embassies and consulates-general are in Perth or Canberra.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Learmonth Airport → Coral Bay shuttle: About A$100 (≈ US$70) per person, roughly 80 min, book ahead
- Glass-bottom boat, one hour: About A$50 (≈ US$35) per adult
- Kayak or SUP hire: From about A$20 (≈ US$14) per hour
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the beach? — Where is the beach?
- How much is that? — How much is it?
- Card OK? — Can I pay by card?
- Where's the loo? — Where is the toilet?
Fuel up before the 12 km turnoff; the town filling station on Banksia Avenue is unstaffed and open 24 hours.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Coral Bay. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct (dry, mild, whale sharks Mar–Jul, humpbacks later) · avoid Dec–Feb (very hot, cyclonic rain possible) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for Learmonth: shuttle booking cutoff, coach drop-off point, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: town centre, resort end, boat landing.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Bill's Bay, Paradise Beach, Five Fingers Reef, Monck Head jetty) and eat pages with last orders.
- Tour-departure fixtures so manta, whale shark and humpback days can go green.
Sources
Ask about Coral Bay
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