Coronation Beach(WA) over Christmas

Matt,
Coronation Beach, half way between Geraldton and Northampton, is near the proposed Oakagee deep water port.
Over Xmas it is usually packed out, windy as all get out every day, and that's why it's a prime windsurfing area.

There was fairly hot with very little shade, no power, no water and, last time I was there (2006), very basic dunnies (no showers). It's also a mooring area for crayfishermen who head out early in the mornings (about 4.00am) and at that time it is quite noisy with the big diesel motors firing up all at the same time. Some of the deckies camp there for the cray season and they can be a bit rowdy some nights

In regard to the tinny, if it's NOT windy you can fool around inside the fringe reef but that's not too far off shore (I wouldn't venture outside unless it was dead calm)........however there are tracks just behind the dunes that lead off both north and south (mainly North) to some usually magic fishing spots for tailor and mulloway. These areas are relatively safe for youngish kids to play in but someone must watch them all the time as there are some deep holes along the beaches

Chapman Valley Shire control the camping area (marked camp sites) and the Rangers call in each day to collect camping fees and occasionally empty the rubbish bins.

IMHO Coronation Beach is well worth camping at but at Xmas/NewYear can be pretty crowded and noisy. There were no bookings, last time I went there, you just turn up and hope that there is room. The Rangers take a dim view of people camping outside the marked out areas, you will be "asked" to move on if you are found there.
Nearest fuel is at "440 Roadhouse" just north of Geraldton or at Northampton about 30km north of the turnoff on the highway.

Hope this helps in your decision making.

Disco.
(who lived at Northampton for 8 years 1987-1995 and caught plenty of good fish around Coronation Beach.)

I can vouch for the wind! As a windsurfer, everyone in the world knows of Coro - as this time of year it is a mecca for windsurfers all over the world - 25- 30knots typical sea breeze lots of hot shots from Europe especially as some world class comps take place nearby (eg. Ledge to Lancelin Classic) at this time of yearl Fascinating spectator sport - loops and fancy gybing etc but I wouldn't want to camp there during that time.

Looks a very different place in winter - we usually pass thru and have an overnight camp there enroute north - hardly see a soul and its all calm.

Around Xmas, seems you have to get a long way out of any town to find a quiet spot. For us crowds + camping doesn't mix so we stay home for xmas. If you do head to Horrocks etc as suggested would love to hear your feedback - have also heard it is good but I wonder about the xmas crowds there too?