coral bay WA

Alex, Exmouth is not too far further North, I think about 1hr 45. It it has a lot more to offer as far as caravan sites go and is quite a lot larger town. Coral Bay is very popular and in season is too busy ( it is a fantastic diving spot, or swimming, or fishing, or relaxing, canoe hire-paddle in the reef!, go whale shark watching, see-through bottom boat, charter, coffee at the nice little cafe', fresh bread at the bakery.......) There is a station between Coral Bay and Exmouth (Yardie Creek) on the coast, I believe the owner lets people stay there (lots of spots) for a small fee. Also the National Park alows camping also for a small fee. Heaps of choices...............enjoy W.A. col

Hi Alex,
Glad to see you are coming to the best part of WA.
Waroora is a homestead with beach/bush camping available ( at a cost) but no facilitities to speak of. North of Coral Bay runs a 4wd track ( easy) that runs through several stations and on into Exmouth. You can also get back on the highway and travel up to the Ningaloo Station turn off and meet the track closer to Exmouth. Bush/beach camping available on Ningaloo Station. The track continues through Ningaloo to the crossing at Yardie Creek. This is at best deep sand and at worst unpassable due to flowing water at certain times - ring ahead to the Exmouth Tourist Info centre to check before making the decsion ( call from Carnarvon the best bet). Yardie Homestead is actually at the northern end of the Cape Range national Park and only some 40km from Exmouth. Whatever you do this area this is a fantastic place to kick back and relax - one of my favourite in Australia
Avoid school holidays if possible nearly everywhere will be booked out.

If you want space try Ningaloo Stn just 30+ km north of coral bay & far better. We stayed there last easter $15/Adult/week, now you have to take a chemical dunny. I had a laugh when I saw 4wds in caravan park @ Exmouth 3-4m apart when our nearest neibour was 150 m away. Ring if you want advice 0427 9355 00
track in is 2wd except last 500m of sand dunes.

Hi Alex
We were up there in June/July and stayed at Coral Bay and Exmouth parks. Coral bay is definitely worth a look if you like marine activities. We spent 2 weeks there and loved it. As was mentioned, you could stay at Ningaloo station north of Coral bay. Another option I don't think mentioned is the Cape Range National Park running along the coast south of exmouth (I think just north of Yardie Creek). We didn't stay there but there are toilets and bore water available at sites close to the beach. It'd pay to check with rangers office re availability of sites. Ningaloo station has some awesome spots along the beach (for a small fee). Be aware that the track between CB and Exmouth is very corrugated, so hang on to your teeth. You can also take the bitumen but it is further.
Cheers, Grant

Alex,
We returned from touring the West coast 4 weeks ago.
Coral bay is a pretty place no doubt,particulary if you are into all things marine.
For me I would not return,it is just to much a resort,the c/park is packed and the beach always full of people.(like a mini surfers paradise)
Granted you can escape by driving to other beaches,but you have to return to the park at night.
I agree with one other post,Exmouth has great large c/van parks and much more to see and do.
I would suggest you visit coral bay to satisfy yourself,then move on to Exmouth.
Have a great trip.
Regards

Alex,

Stayed at Waroora Station middle of last year. It was $5pppn and no facilities. If you like bush camping and abit of fishing/snorkelling it was excellent. Camped under a large tree just behind some sand dunes. Open fire and clear night skies were beautiful. Could snorkel directly off the beach with turtles, rays and small reef sharks everywhere and there wasn't another person to be seen.

Will be one of our best memories of our trip up the WA coast.

Rohan.

Alex

I live in Carnarvon, the last town prior to Coral Bay and Exmouth.

My suggestion is to plan a visit to coral Bay but not a long one. @ 2 - 3 days. Plan to stay longer in Exmouth.

It's a great place Coral Bay if the weather is right. May should be ideal but the wind has a mind of its own up here and when it blows, a long stay in the Bay is wasted time.

I would certainly drop in and see the place but Exmouth (about 1.5hrs North) is a top spot. Small enough and big enough for a great holiday. Many things to do and see, fantastic beaches, fishing charters, good C'van parks (not that I've stayed in one) places to eat out if you want that sort of thing and a good spot to resupply.

You can go off road all the way from Coral Bay to Exmouth along the coast if want. Take and extra day or so to look around. However, about 80km's south of Exmouth you have to cross Yardie creek. It's salt water but if that doesn't bother you then do it. The crossing is subject to tides but an easy crossing at the right time of day.

Wouldn't want you to be dissapointed coming all this way and wishing you had longer in Exmouth and less in CB. Put it this way, you have to pass Coral Bay to get to Exmouth anyway. Why not drop into CB for the day, see what you think, then head to Exmouth. If you like CB that much, you can come back and stay on the return journey because you have to drive past it again anyway. (there is a short cut to the NWC Hwy north of CB) but that's not far if you really wanted to come back to CB.

Good luck, might even drop into Coral Bay for a day trip around May myself!

Cheers