Coral Bay
WA 6701 • Western Australia
About Coral Bay
Coral Bay is a small, remote coastal settlement located approximately 1,200 kilometres north of Perth in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia, within the Shire of Carnarvon. Situated directly on the edge of the world-renowned Ningaloo Reef, it has a tiny permanent population of around 245 residents, swelling dramatically during tourist seasons. The climate is warm and arid year-round, typical of the tropical north-west, and the surrounding landscape is rugged and largely undeveloped.
The township exists almost entirely around its thriving eco-tourism industry, drawing visitors from around the world to snorkel and dive directly off the beach onto Ningaloo Reef — one of the few fringing reefs accessible without a boat. Activities include whale shark tours, manta ray encounters, turtle watching, and glass-bottom boat excursions. Accommodation ranges from campsites and caravan parks to small resorts, and the tiny main street has a handful of cafes, a dive shop, and a general store catering to the tourist trade.
Coral Bay falls under postcode 6701 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the North West Central (Mining and Pastoral) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Commute to Perth CBD
🛣️ Coral Bay is extremely remote. The nearest regional centre is Carnarvon (~150 km south). Fly from Learmonth Airport (Exmouth, ~140 km north) for faster access to Perth.
The township is very small and most visitor amenities are within walking distance of the beach, but there is no public transport and a car (or tour vehicle) is essential for any travel beyond the settlement.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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30 Babbago Island Road
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Egan Street
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Carnarvon Road
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Cleaver Street
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Marmion Street
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Johnston Street