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Town in Western Australia
Photo: W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Coral Bay is a small beach resort town in the Gascoyne Region of Western Australia, with a population in 2016 of 207. The big attraction is Ningaloo Reef, a 300-km fringing reef with its crest about 1 km offshore in this area, enclosing the placid lagoon of Bill's Bay. Coral Bay in particular is known for its tours to swim with manta rays. Unfortunately as of mid-2022 most of the famous just-off-the-beach coral gardens are dead (see details below), but there are still amazing snorkeling spots farther from land (accessible by tour or to more adventurous snorkelers) and outside of town. Unlike Exmouth, known for its backpacker parties, Coral Bay is quiet and family-oriented and has a noise curfew. Serious rowdiness, drunkenness or similar misconduct will get the offender run out of town. On the other hand, its easy walkability and beautiful beach right next to the accommodations make it a nice place for a chill getaway.
A tiny cafe serving great seafood, BYOB. Has burgers for $15.
Decent range of food, including pizza
Relaxed place with burgers and similar bar food, pet friendly, sometimes has live music. The closest thing you'll find to a proper pub. Bill's bar also contains the town's main bottle shop, where you can buy your own alcohol to take back to camp or the hotel with you (there may be another one behind the resort at the end of the road).
The comfiest option in town, though it looks more like a decent motel than a fancy resort. "Beachcombers" are studio units for up to four, self-service apartments take six. ("Castaways" take two but are not available in 2022.) Plus pool, bar, Shades Cafe and ATM.
Camping and caravan site with mostly powered pitches, less cramped than Bayview but costs a bit more. Open all year; also cabins and villas. No pets.
Mostly good reviews for this hostel with dorms, lots of private rooms, swimming pool, and laundry. Spacious and fairly relaxed, if a bit impersonal and disorganized. Kitchen and lounge close at 9pm. Often no wifi, and never after 3:30pm. Owned by the same people as the Reef Cafe down the street, which you're encouraged to visit for all-day wifi access.
The more crowded of the two caravan parks, and the cheapest place to camp.
By road
Integrity Coaches run three times a week between Perth and Exmouth, and will drop-off and pick-up at Coral Bay town and Learmonth Airport if pre-booked - see Exmouth (Western Australia)#Get in for…
From Ningaloo Reef Resort at the road's end, to the shopping arcade at the edge of town, will take most of ten minutes to walk.
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