We decide to press on in the car, as we were finding it hard to find a suitable pull off point to camp for the night – so did our 2nd largest kms travel day for the trip. To be honest I think we were all ready for a shower, and were wistfully hoping to find somewhere to set up for a longer camp stay. Arrived at Coral Bay at about 6.30pm (after having dodged skinny cows, sheep, roo’s, foxes and emus on the road, all seemingly intent on throwing themselves onto our car. Coral Bay was buzzing – it has 2 caravan parks, both full – although we managed to get the last available site (unpowered, and overlooking the toilet block) in the caravan park furthest from the beach, with the caravans racked and stacked around us – for $35.00 for the night. As we were absolutely knackered we did a minimal set up (didn’t even set up the kitchen)- and headed to the hotel at the resort for dinner. Again – it was hopping – 400 meals served so far that evening!!!!! Too many people for me after all this remote area camping!
Next morning we were all up early and off in search of somewhere that suited us better….. and found it. We are now staying at Warroora Sheep Station, about 33k out of Coral Bay, which has 50k of its land on the Ningaloo Reef coastline along its Western Boundry. They have a small number of camp sites that they hire out for camping to those with their own water, chemical toilet, and suitable 4 WD vehicles. IT is costing us $75 for the week, and we are absolutely water front with noone else around us. IT is Breathtakingly beautiful. We have been visited at the campsite by kangaroos, sheep, emus, a huge perentie lizard (Australia’s largest lizard), Australian Bustards (big aussie bird), a wide variety of bird life, a feral cat, and have seen a dingo in the distance. We have been snorkeling on the reef every day - (of course it is compulsory in this part of the world) – the Ningaloo Reef is just so accessible without having to pay for ‘tours’ or glass bottom boats. We just wade out to waste deep water and there it is…..
As we canoe, or snorkel along the reef you come across sudden drop-offs into deep holes which are filled by beautiful reef fish aka “Nemo & Crew”, coral- of all colors and shapes, large fish of a variety of types, star fish, huge clams etc etc - it truly is amazing to see. I only wish I was a bit more adept at using the snorkel – as I seem to be swallowing a lot of sea water (sodium levels have to be rising!). Mind you it might help if I stop trying to talk to Steve and Ethan whilst we are snorkeling.
It is so lovely just to stay in one place for a week and rest and relax. Further along from where we are camped (still in the sheep station), there are turtles hatching at night and you can watch them struggling their way down the beach to the water. Plus the first of the whales have been spotted heading their way up the WA coastline. It is spectacular.
