The Ultimate Coral Coast Adventure - Part 2
If you missed part 1 - check it out here
…we arrived at Quobba station late in the afternoon and were blown away (literally) by the old charm of this place! We were the only ones there and the lovely owners allowed us to choose wherever we liked to set up camp. It was as if we stepped into an old western movie. The road into Quobba is sealed up until the blow hole turn off. The corrugation wasn’t very bad but take care as there are plenty of goats around the road. The beach at Quobba station was very rough and rocky when we were there so we were unable to swim, instead we explored the station and walked along the beach looking at all the massive shells.
Day four
Red bluff is a 53 minute drive from Quobba Station and I wish we had the time to stay here, instead we only visited for the morning! I absolutely loved Red Bluff campsite, it has a chilled surfer vibe and can just imagine how much fun it would be during peak season! Somewhere we will definitely be returning to. They have glamping tents set up on the hill side with incredible views of the cliffs and ocean in front. There is an impressive cave at the end of the beach with rock pools and crystal clear water. From Red bluff we made the drive back to Quobba blowhole to see the full force of the Indian Ocean and take a picture underneath the insta famous King Waves Kill sign.
From the blowholes we drove up the coast to Warroora station, where we intended to stay at Stevens Camp, however when we arrived it was far too windy. Instead we climbed over the dunes for a quick swim before checking into Warroora Station Homestead. Again we were the only ones camping here so we got to pick the best stop right next to the brand new camp kitchen. After we set up we went for a walk around the property at sunset. We made some friends with some beautiful Brahman calves, kangaroos and chickens. In the paddock there is a classic car display which was fun to look at.
Day five
The following morning we packed up our camp and drove down to the homestead's private beach where we enjoyed our breakfast and coffee while watching a shovel-nose ray play in the waves. Depending on the tide there are beautiful rock pools to explore. We decided to try our luck getting a campsite at Osprey Bay so we could wake up on Christmas day right on the beach at one of our favourite campsites! We made a quick stop in Exmouth to get some lunch and a drink at Froth Brewery and a delicious ice cream from Mutt Cafe. The drive from Exmouth into Cape Range National park is roughly 25 minutes on a sealed road. We made a stop at lighthouse beach to see if we could see any turtle nests, which we were shocked at the amount we discovered. Turtle mating season along the Ningaloo coast is from November to March where they make their way onto the beaches to lay their eggs, approximately 60 days later the hatchlings emerge and make their way to the water.
Exmouth
Exmouth is an hour's drive north of Coral Bay. It is the perfect base for exploring the Cape Range National Park and underwater glory of the Ningaloo Marine Park. Exmouth is considerably bigger than Coral Bay which can make it a little more convenient if you plan on spending a lot of time in the area. Exmouth is most notably famous for its whale shark, manta ray, humpback whale tours and range of access to the Ningaloo Reef.
THings to see and do
Whale Shark tours (March - August) An absolute must!
Ningaloo Aquarium and Discovery centre
Charle Knife Canyon at sunrise or sunset (30 minutes south)
Scenic flights
Fishing Charters
Diving at Exmouth Navy Pier
Sunset at Vlamingh Lighthouse
Gallery 6707
Where to eat and drink
Froth Brewery
Whalebone Brewery (known for their entertainment and pizzas!)
Mutts Cafe
Adrift Cafe
Manta-rays Ningaloo Beach Resort
Ningaloo Bakehouse
Best place to snorkel and camp in the Cape Range National Park
Osprey Bay (this is our absolute favourite campsite) $14.00 a night, multiple eco-toilets, large sites with beach views and access. There is so much marine life here and every time we have been lucky enough to swim with turtles.
The world famous Turquoise Bay. Known for its popular drift snorkelling. There is an abundance of hard corals and marine life. Make sure you visit early as it is the most popular spot.
Oyster Stacks
Neds Camp
Mesa Camp
Yardie Creek
Please note: All camping bookings need to be made prior to arriving on the DPAW website
Need to know:
RAC Park pass is accepted within Cape Range National Park.
You often need to book 12 months in advance for the popular spots such as Osprey Bay if visiting in peak season.
If you do not have a RAC park pass you can purchase a day pass at the entrance of the park for $15.00 per vehicle
Phone reception is limited within the national park
The national park is sealed and all areas can be accessed with a 2WD
Day six
Waking up on Christmas morning in our roof top tent looking over the ocean was perfect. We made our morning coffees and went off to the beach for a swim. After we packed up, we called into Turquoise Bay for a snorkel before hitting the road again to Coral Bay. This is where we planned to spend a week with friends, snorkelling, spear finishing, relaxing and 4WDing.
Coral Bay
Coral Bay is a marine lovers paradise, with white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and amazing marine and coral life only a short distance from the shore. Coral Bay is a 12 hour drive from Perth, situated on the Ningaloo Reef. The laid back town has plenty on offer for everyone.
Coral Bay sights and attractions
Coral Bay beach! - The coral density is like nothing we have seen before, make sure you go out and explore around ‘uluru’. Great for swimming, snorkelling and SUP as the bay is usually protected
Five Fingers Reef - A short 4WD only access road to five fingers reef, a popular day spot for visitors. There is far more marine life here than at coral bay beach. We visited here almost everyday, where we snorkelled and spear fished.
Swim with Ningaloos Big 3, manta rays, whale sharks and humpback whales. All tours depart from Coral Bay
4 x 4 Buggy tours, cruises, glass bottom boat tours, scenic flights and charter fishing tours.
Top places to eat
You can’t go past a fresh salad roll or pie from the Coral Bay Bakery
Fin’s
Reef cafe
Pub meal at either of the pubs in town.
There is a foodworks in town to restock of supplies
Stay tuned for our next adventure!
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