Coral Bay, Australia

Today we went in search of more gorgeous turquoise water and headed 1.5hrs down the road to Coral bay, which as at the southern end of the Ningaloo reef. To be honest the drive down there was rather boring – and a little of a worry dodging not kangaroos but sheep that are allowed to wander around the place. Intelligence on par with kangaroos there were carcasses on the roadside of not so fortunate sheep that didn’t look before crossing the highway. The scenery was boring in respect of mostly flat country side, the sparse vegetation, and lots of termite mounds, and I mean lots! It has a unique Australian rugged appeal, however we find that 1.5hrs of the same scenery is boring. This is the reason that we will fly to Broome on our next leg, verses two days in a car with very limited scenery highlights or variation, not to mention quite a few dirt roads.

Coral bay is a tiny settlement, which started off from a vision of a local owner who wanted it opened up and developed for holiday makers to camp and enjoy the gorgeous bay. It has a large – busy campground and a few hotels and restaurants and basic shopping services a small town would have – supermarket, chemist, bakery, hairdresser, clothes etc. Probably no more than 10 shops? They run whale, manta-ray and whale shark tours from here too, as well as assorted snorkel and dive trips.

The weather was a lovely balmy 28-29 degrees and after finding a park in this busy little settlement we headed to the water. Even though it was midday, and warmer than yesterday the water was actually a tiny bit cool at first – and it took the excitement of seeing fish to encourage a plunge – sans wet suits too of course. Once in, it was lovely and not unpleasant at all when surfacing. The photos can tell the story of how pretty this spot is too – although I probably preferred the isolation of Turquoise bay a bit more. Having said that both Vern and I would come again and recommend it as a family base for a day or two to experience the reef.

Back onto fish, we were walking in the shallows contemplating going out to some reef spots when we almost got a fright as some large fish within arms reach. We quickly ducked down and saw a small school of large snapper surrounding us – up to 5LB easy! Vern remembered that they hand feed them here, so that is why they are so friendly. Vernon now temperature adjusted went out further to snorkel above the reef and it wasn’t long before he returned and encouraged me to head out with him. OK, feeling braver I obliged and was rewarded by seeing very large, colourful and varied fish life as we swam together with one of my hands on his shoulder for comfort (so I didn’t drift off to Asia …). Vern had the water camera but didn’t hit the right button, so we missed filming them but the memory is pretty vivid in our minds. I was particularly thrilled to see a large parrot fish – about 3-4LB with purple stripes. These are one of my favourite fish which I have only seen in tanks and it was amazing to see one so large, happily swimming around in freedom. Our little adventure in Coral bay was better fish life and coral wise than the reef swim off Exmouth and for me just as special as the Whale Shark snorkel. Perhaps it was because it was less scary and a private thing with my real husband … different but just as memorable.

Feeling very happy we exited the beach in search of food to satisfy our hearty appetite. Tripadvisor recommended a bakery with ‘amazing pies’ so we opted for that. Vern had a steak, cheese and bacon and I had a steak with a prawn in creamy garlic sauce layer. Woweee! Nom nom award here – and totally worth falling off the Paleo wagon for.

We headed home along the quiet road, continuing to unwind and unravel from our busy work lives. I know I said the countryside was boring – and explained it was due to lack of variety – but we did appreciate its beauty (just lack of variety) and I got a couple of great shots to remember this vast and uninhabited area of Australia.

Dinner tonight was at the expensive, classy, new Novotel and it was just as well I have a discount card as it was overpriced and not that great. I sent my Bouillabaisse back as it was half cold, the crouton dry and stale, and the seafood overcooked. The second attempt was better, but really below standard. Vern had fish and chips and that was actually very nice, with very good hand cut fries. We shared a desert which was chocolate 6 ways, and couldn’t finish it as it was just a great big sugar rush. The resort itself is stunning, but I wouldn’t eat there again even on a discount. I think our bbq are far better ….

Big day tomorrow and we will be leaving with very fond memories of Exmouth and the Coral Coast. It’s a lovely small town with great little shops with lots of natural, green and even paleo foods, great produce, and overall very friendly people and an awesome vibe.