🔍

Coral Bay

WA 6701 • Western Australia

245
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
1.94 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalTourismRemoteMarine

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

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6701
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Durack
State Electorate
North West Central (Mining and Pastoral)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-24.73°, 115.15°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1.94 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
1132 km
By Train
No train service available
By Bus
No scheduled bus service to Perth
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 11–12 hours via North West Coastal Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 11–12 hours via North West Coastal Highway

🛣️ 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.

Walkability Car-Dependent

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
245
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
N/A
Personal Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coral Bay known for? +

Coral Bay is world-famous for its extraordinary access to Ningaloo Reef — one of the world's largest fringing reef systems — offering snorkelling with whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and abundant marine life just metres from shore.

How far is Coral Bay from Perth? +

Coral Bay is approximately 1,200 kilometres north of Perth, around a 13 hour drive or 2 hour flight. Regional flights connect from Exmouth or Carnarvon.

Does Coral Bay have public transport? +

There is no public transport in Coral Bay. The nearest airport is at Exmouth (approximately 150 km north). A car or bus tour is required.

What is the population of Coral Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Coral Bay has a permanent population of approximately 245 residents, with tourism workers and visitors far exceeding this during peak season.

Is Coral Bay a good place to live? +

Coral Bay offers an extraordinary lifestyle for those working in tourism and hospitality, with Ningaloo Reef literally on the doorstep, world-class diving and snorkelling, and a unique remote coastal community atmosphere.

What is the postcode for Coral Bay? +

The postcode for Coral Bay is 6701.