If you’re planning a trip to Western Australia, consider two of the most popular destinations on the west coast: Exmouth and Coral Bay.
Both of these seaside towns offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. However, each of them has its unique charm and appeal.
Let’s explore the differences between Exmouth and Coral Bay to help you decide on the best choice for your next coastal getaway.
Location and Accessibility
Exmouth is about 1,270 km north of Perth, while Coral Bay is approximately 1,120 km north of Perth. Both towns are pretty remote, with limited transport options.
The easiest way to Exmouth and Coral Bay is by flying into Learmonth Airport, just outside Exmouth. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle bus to either town. Alternatively, you can drive yourself, but the journey takes up to 13 hours.
Beaches
Exmouth is home to the famous Ningaloo Reef, a World Heritage-listed site that is home to hundreds of species of fish, turtles, and other marine life. The beaches here are wide and long, with white sand and clear blue water. Some of the most popular beaches in Exmouth include Turquoise Bay, known for its excellent snorkelling and crystal-clear water, and Cape Range National Park, which offers a variety of secluded beaches and bays.
On the other hand, Coral Bay is known for its pristine beaches and shallow, calm waters. The beaches here are smaller than in Exmouth but just as beautiful. The most popular beach in Coral Bay is called Bill’s Bay, and it’s the perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
Activities
Both Exmouth and Coral Bay offer a range of activities for visitors. It should come as no surprise that most of the best activities revolve around the ocean.
In Exmouth, you can go snorkelling, diving, fishing, kayaking, and whale watching. The Ningaloo Reef is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving, and you can see everything from colourful cimamedicalcentre.com coral gardens to giant manta rays and whale sharks. If you’re interested in fishing, you can take a charter boat out to the reef to catch marlin, sailfish, and other game fish.
In Coral Bay, you can go snorkelling, kayaking, and swimming with manta rays. The Manta Ray Interaction Centre is one of the top attractions here, and you can get up close and personal with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. You can also take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the coral gardens and marine life up close.
Swim with Whale Sharks
If you want an unforgettable experience, go on a swimming tour with whale sharks. These gentle giants can grow up to 12 meters long and are one of the highlights of the Ningaloo Reef. Live Ningaloo offers tours from March to August, the best time to see the whale sharks.
Accommodation and Dining
Both Exmouth and Coral Bay offer a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly backpacker hostels to luxury resorts. Exmouth has a range of hotels, motels, apartments, and camping and caravan parks. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars in town, serving everything from seafood to pizza.
Coral Bay has fewer accommodation options than Exmouth, but there are still plenty of choices. You can stay in a hotel or motel, rent a holiday home, or camp at one of the caravan parks. There are also a few restaurants and cafes in town, serving fresh seafood and other local specialties.
Final Thoughts
So, which one should you choose: Exmouth or Coral Bay?
Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for in a holiday. If you want to snorkel or dive on the Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth is the better choice. If you want to relax, Coral Bay is a great option. Both towns offer stunning natural beauty, friendly locals, and opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
