Get a taste of the Ningaloo Reef‘s overwhelmingly diverse marine life at Bill’s Bay in the quaint town of Coral Bay. You couldn’t ask for a handier introduction.
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Getting into the water
Bring swimwear, a towel, snacks and, of course, a snorkel with you to the end of Coral Bay’s Robinson Street. After treading through lush dune vegetation, you’ll be amazed by the unmistakable beauty of Bill’s Bay, boasting magical blue water home to lively coral formations within metres of the shore.
The edging, protected, appealingly white town beach beckons all types of visitors, from snorkellers to sunseekers and babies to seniors. So expect to encounter plenty of fellow holidayers and colourful sun shelters dotting the sand, particularly on afternoons during school holidays.
If you feel adventurous and prefer to dodge the crowds, consider exploring the Coral Bay Kayak Trail. It has four buoys where you can maroon and explore untouched coral gardens at your own pace.
Sure, getting away from the masses typically means better snorkelling — the opportunities abound at the Ningaloo Reef. The charm of Bill’s Bay, though, lies in that it’s a ridiculously convenient place that each and everyone can enjoy.
Bill’s Bay accommodation
There are only a few accommodation options in Coral Bay. Act swiftly to secure your spot at Peoples Park just across Robinson Street from Bill’s Bay.
Travelling here
Getting here is, in most cases, a colossal journey. Your options: Embark on a 12-hour drive from Perth (be sure to stop at Shark Bay) or fly to Learmonth Airport, 120 km north of Coral Bay.
Zoom out
Climb the sandy hill at Bill Bay’s western end for a picture-perfect vantage point. A 20-minute walk north is the aptly named Shark Sanctuary, where particularly reef sharks (black tip, white tip and grey) congregate in unmatched numbers from September to March. To avoid disturbing the wildlife and stay safe, watch the show from dry land.
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