Coral Bay is a small settlement that lies protected from the Indian ocean by the Ningaloo reef. It is Australia's only fringing reef. It is just a two hour flight from Perth and boasts beach weather all year round. The weather is mild, without the humidity that is often associated with tropical climates.
Coral Bay was originally known as ‘Maud's Landing' after the earliest recorded European activity in the region with the landing of schooner Maud in 1884; in 1915 the town was officially named Maud's Landing. It played a very important role in the settlement and development of the North West of Western Australia.
Coral Bay is also a great place for snorkeling offering a host of coral and underwater delights. If you would like to see the coral spawning, which is remarkable, visit Coral Bay between March - April. There are a number of diving courses which you can follow at Coral Bay.
If you would prefer to stay dry but still want to see the glorious underwater scenery, then you can join one of the glass bottom boat trips.
Another popular activity at Coral Bay is quad-trekking across the sand dunes. It certainly is a lot of fun, although not for the faint-hearted. There are also a number of boat trips from Coral Bay out to the Ningaloo Reef Manta Ray spotting and Whale Watching (July - November).
Coral Bay is a fabulous place to stay offering a range of accommodation and a couple of holiday resorts.
There are also a couple of good places to eat out, although Coral Bay's main attractions is its amazing beauty.
There is also a great selection of boutiques and shops with a great selection of clothing, jewellery and souvenirs.
PLEASE NOTE: The Western Australia travel destinations outlined above are only a small selection from the tens of thousands of Australian travel information pages available on Australian Explorer. A comprehensive list of destinations for Western Australia Holidays can be found on the main Western Australia Holidays location guide.
