Where to Stay in Coral Bay

Overview

Coral Bay has a good spread of accommodation for a town of 2,500. Everything from well-equipped holiday parks to boutique resorts. The town is small; most accommodation is within walking distance of the marina, shops and restaurants. April–June (whale shark season) is when everything fills up months in advance. Book the moment you fix your dates. The rest of the year is far more manageable.

Holiday Parks

RAC Coral Bay Cape Holiday Park is the largest and best equipped. Powered and unpowered sites, cabins, a pool and excellent facilities. Coral Bay Cape Tourist Village is a smaller, quieter option popular with self-contained travellers. Ningaloo Lodge Coral Bay has motel rooms and caravan sites. All three are within 5 minutes of the town centre.

Resorts and Apartments

Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort is the standout. On the beach at Sunrise Beach, with a pool, restaurant and excellent sunset views. Coral Bay Escape Resort has self-contained villas with pool. Both charge A$250–400 per night in peak season. Potshot Hotel Resort is the most centrally located option for pub meals and budget rooms from A$150.

Ningaloo Marine Park Camping

Camping inside Ningaloo Marine Park requires advance bookings through Parks Direct. Bill's Bay campsites and Yardie Creek areas are extremely popular. The closest sites to Bill's Bay fill within minutes of opening on the booking system. Book 3 months ahead minimum for peak season.

What to know

• Whale shark season (Apr–Jun): Book 3–6 months ahead. This is the single most important booking advice for Coral Bay.
• Manta ray season (May–Nov): Easier to book than whale shark peak but fills quickly July–August.
• Ningaloo Reef camping: Book via Parks Direct as soon as the booking window opens.
• Learmonth Airport: 40 km south of town. Factor in a hire car or shuttle. No regular public transport to town.