Western Australia

Coral Coast - Introduction

Snorkelling, Ningaloo Marine Park © Tourism WA The Coral Coast stretches up the west coast of Australia from Cervantes up to Onslow, where the Pilbara region begins. The Coral Coast is named for its wonderful, unspoiled fringing coral reefs which are extremely accessible and often only metres from the beach. However it used to be known as the Outback Coast and this perhaps more accurately describes the place where the Red Centre meets the sea.

It is wild and rugged with huge distances between towns and often the road can be tedious, running some distance inland in low scrubland.

It is still an adventure to drive between Perth and Broome but you need time to spare to enjoy it, otherwise flying is the best option.

Shark Bay/Monkey Mia and Coral Bay/Ningaloo Reef/Exmouth are two of the best known holiday spots on the Coral Coast and there are frequent flights from Perth to both with a number of flight/accommodation packages on offer. It is possible to do Monkey Mia in a day from Perth on small group tours offered by the light aircraft operators.

If you are planning to use a hire car for all or part of the journey, you need to research drop-off fees relating to remote locations carefully, plus domestic flight times and car hire office opening times.

Back to Western Australia Regions...

Australian 4WD Hire A modern range of four wheel drive rental vehicles available from Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Perth, Broome and the Fraser Coast in QLD, enabling access to unique locations	Acacia Luxury Transport Ground transportation specialists operating throughout Australia - whether on a holiday, as part of a conference or incentive group, a wedding or honeymoon or on business
North Australian Expeditions Specialiists in small group safaris to difficult-to-access destinations in northern Australia including the Kimberley, Kakadu, Arnhemland and the Cobourg Peninsula	The Perth Mint One of the world's oldest mints still operating from its original premises and one of WA's most historic buildings - now a multi-award winning tourist attraction
Australian Pinnacle Tours Coach and 4WD expeditions in WA - a 'no camping' policy provides a unique formula of outback touring without roughing it. Also offer a range of self drive adventures	Seasons of Perth A boutique hotel with guestrooms that are the largest in the central Perth - receive a warm welcome on arrival, friendly and personalised attention throughout your stay
Rottnest Lodge The premier accommodation on Rottnest Island, offering you a choice of quality hotel style apartments, suites with private facilities and budget priced rooms.	Abbey Beach Resort Set on the beautiful beachfront of Geographe Bay, at the gateway to the Margaret River Wine Region. Has 185 luxury apartments and studio suites and countless facilities
Apollo Motorhome Holidays Top quality motorhomes, 4WD campervans and cars at affordable rates throughout Australia. Superbly maintained vehicles all at competitive rates with unlimited kilometres	Kings Perth Hotel Situated right in the heart of central Perth. A 3.5 star AAA rated property, offering a unique combination of convenience, comfort and value for money

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The Indian Pacific - a great way to get to travel between Perth and eastern Australia

Man with fly veil near Geraldton © Rex Adamson/Ann Stradley

DID YOU KNOW ... Canberra, name of the Australian capital city, is believed to come from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘meeting place’.