Let’s be honest, it can be tricky to find a campsite near Coral Bay – especially if you don’t have a 4WD.
You want to enjoy this pristine piece of the world and take life at a slow pace while you’re visiting, but you just don’t know the best places to do it.
If you’re reluctant about a big 4WD adventure out to the coast, there are some amazing 2WD-accessible options to get the best of Coral Bay camping. But of course, the secret about camping in Australia is that the best places are the ones that are the hardest to get to! Luckily, both easy-access and adventure-access Coral Bay camping options are covered in this article.
Read on to find every Coral Bay camping option, the accessibility of each, how to book and what you can expect.
4WD-Only Camping Options – The Best Way to Camp at Coral Bay!
Endless lazy days on your own private beach. A pristine, World Heritage Listed coral reef just metres from your campsite. Turtles swimming by for a morning greeting. This is what your days will look like when you venture off the beaten path in Coral Bay.
This 260km long part of WA’s coastline is home to the Ningaloo Reef, which thousands of visitors are drawn to every year. You can escape the busy crowds of Coral Bay and get your own slice of paradise if you go camping at one of the many 4WD-only campgrounds near Coral Bay.
If you do decide to head out to one of these 4WD only campgrounds, make sure that you are confident driving in remote and challenging conditions and that your vehicle is fully equipped.
The tips below will help you make sure you’re ready for the adventure
- Ensure you have a high-clearance 4WD with a low-range gear. 2WDs and all wheel drives won’t be suitable to access the remote Warroora Coast.
- Know how to use your vehicle! This might seem like a silly tip, but knowing how to get yourself out of trouble when you’re 4WDing is a key factor in staying safe.
- Tracks are bumpy, rough, rutted, and have small but steep hills – make sure your vehicle is serviced and in good working order before you go. If something can rattle loose, you can bet that it will.
- Beaches can be extremely soft, carry the appropriate recovery equipment. Snatch straps, max tracks, and an air compressor are likely to come in handy if you get stuck.
- Carry a satellite phone or emergency locator beacon.
- Always tell someone where you intend to be and how long you plan to stay. They can send help if you’re not back when you said you would be.
- Travel in pairs or groups if possible. It’s much easier to recover a 4WD with another vehicle than by yourself.
Being prepared when going 4WDing is the number one thing that will ensure you don’t get yourself into trouble. I’ve had a lot of close calls and gathered some funny stories throughout the years, but taking all the precautions above has ensured that I’ve never been in a dire situation.
That being said, 4WDing out to the coast around Coral Bay is a fun, relatively easy adventure. Once you see the first strip of turquoise blue over the sand dune you will be so happy that you made the effort. Camping on the remote Coral Bay coast is second to none in my opinion.
1. Brubudjoo Campsite (Cardabia Coast)
The Brubudjoo Campsite is located a 40-minute drive north of Coral Bay along Cardabia-Ningaloo Road. This is an unsealed, limestone 4WD track with lots of rocky, hilly, and uneven sections. It is Coral Bay’s closest off-the-beaten-path campsite.
The magic of Brubudjoo is best experienced in the quiet moments. Termite mounds cover the landscape in an alien-like way. Birds of prey perch atop the mounds in search of their next meal. The sunrise blankets the landscape in vivid purples and oranges.
Just before you arrive in Coral Bay, you will see the turnoff to Cardabia-Ningaloo Road on the right-hand side. There is a limestone turnaround/stopping area with 4WD advice signs before the track begins. This is your opportunity to make any last checks on your vehicle before you head off. The road is narrow, but it has lots of double-width passing tracks along the way.
I drove Beryl (my Mitsubishi Challenger) out there and had no issues with the terrain. She cruised over all the hills and rocks, but I did make sure to take it slowly. I saw a few all-wheel-drive vans and cars on the track, but I was glad it wasn’t me driving them!
Some key things to know about the Brubudjoo campsite are:
- A site costs $15 per person per night when staying for up to 1 week. Discounts are available if you’re staying longer than 1 week.
- It is managed by the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation.
- You can book online, this is recommended for busy/school holiday periods.
- The campsite has a LOT of mosquitos. Bring plenty of bug repellent and long sleeve clothing.
- Dogs are permitted in designated areas.
- There is no drinking water.
- You must bring your own portable chemical toilet if you’re planning an extended stay (I used the long-drop toilet onsite during my one-night stay as I did not have my own).
When I visited during May, the camp hosts warned me of the mosquitos when I arrived. I wanted to stay a few nights and pay upfront, but they encouraged me just to pay for one night to start with…and how right they were!
The mosquitos were so bad that I had retreated to my bed by 6pm and decided that I wouldn’t stay more than the one night. This was a bit of a shame because the campsite is so close to Coral Bay and it was a lovely quiet spot.
Burbudjoo is the perfect option if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Coral Bay without being too far away.
2. Warroora Station Homestead (2WD) & Warroora Coast (4WD)
The Warroora Coast is one of the most pristine places you can camp in Western Australia, and is the best remote camping option near Coral Bay. The silica and shelly sand beaches are as pure as they come, the water is the clearest turquoise you could imagine, and the marine and bird life is endless.
The Warroora area is located about 1 hour drive south of Coral Bay along Minilya-Exmouth Road, and is split into two categories:
- Warroora Homestead Campground (2WD); and
- Warroora Coast Campgrounds (4WD)
Warroora Homestead Campground is an established privately-owned homestead that is accessible by 2WD. However, to go beyond the homestead you’ll need a 4WD. The beach is 1.5km from the Homestead and the Warroora Coast campgrounds are located all along the coast – all of which require a 4WD to access.
The Warroora Coast campgrounds are managed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife, so bookings have to be made via the DBCA website.
Warroora Station (Homestead Campground)
To get to Warroora Station, follow Minilya-Exmouth Road south from Coral Bay for about 28 km. Turn right onto Warroora North Road and follow the signs to get to Warroora Station. You can get to Warroora Station in a 2WD, the road is gravel but well maintained.
The Warroora Homestead Campground is the perfect option if you’re looking for somewhere quiet and close to nature but don’t have a 4WD.
There are lots of great amenities plus some other accommodation options at Waroora Station. You can expect:
- Fire pits
- Camp kitchen
- Pet friendly
- Shower & toilet facilities
- The are no powered campsites
- Booking online in advance is recommended
The Warroora Homestead Campground offers a true ‘station stay’ experience. Although the campsite is 1.5km from the beach, it offers a unique chance to connect with the environment and the people around you that you just won’t find in Coral Bay.
Warroora Coast
The Warroora Coast is what lies beyond the Homestead. It’s where the white and red sands meet the sea, and is where your adventure will really begin.
Launch your tinnie, get your snorkel and budgie smugglers on and wave goodbye to time as you know it. You’ll get lost in nature out there and you won’t even be mad about it!
The Warroora Coast forms part of the Nyinggulu (Ningaloo) Coastal Reserves and has 11 campgrounds that are accessible only by 4WD.
You can discover all the campgrounds and choose one to stay at on the DBCA website. There are so many options that you’re sure to find one that works for you – lots of them also have boat launching areas.
Here’s some tips to help you when booking a Warroora Coast campsite stay:
- Bookings should be made online in advance.
- There is little to no phone reception on the coast – be sure to download offline maps and know where you’re going before you leave. The tracks out there can be a confusing labyrinth and it’s easy to get lost.
- There’s no drinking water or any amenities out there.
- You must carry a portable chemical toilet to be allowed to enter this protected area.
The 11 campsites on the Warroora Coast are:
- 14 Mile Campground
- Amherst Point Campground
- Black Moon Cliff Campground
- Elles Beach Campground
- Lagoon Campground
- Maggies Campground
- Nicks Camp
- Sandy Point Campground
- Stans camp – overflow
- Stevens Camp
- The Ridge Campground
Camping Options for all Vehicle Types (2WD)
There are a surprising number of Coral Bay camping options if you only have a 2WD vehicle. Although most of them don’t quite compare to the seclusion and beauty of the 4WD-accessible campgrounds, they make up for it in convenience.
There are two caravan parks in Coral Bay itself which are accessible via a sealed road. These are great options if you want to have a carefree, organisation-free holiday – they’re walking distance to the pub, grocery store, bakery, and dive shops in town.
There is also a Station outside of town that is 2WD accessible, which offers the chance to connect with the dirt in the Aussie outback.
A Note on Drinking Water
There are no natural fresh water sources in Coral Bay – it’s all salty. The town’s water supply is pumped from a deep artesian bore and has to be desalinated before it is suitable for drinking.
However, both of the caravan parks in town have dedicated drinking water supply taps where you can fill up your bottles.
If you’re visiting during peak periods such as school holidays, I highly recommend ensuring that you have topped up your drinking water supply before you arrive in Coral Bay. Unlimited drinking water may not always be available.
3. In Town – Caravan Parks
Having stayed at both of the caravan parks in town, I have to say that I prefer Peoples Park. It’s just that little bit quieter, smaller and further away from the mayhem of the centre of town. It is more expensive, but you’re paying for convenience and location.
Both caravan parks are big and busy, and you’ll have neighbours close to you on all sides. If you’re after a magical and close-to-nature stay at Coral Bay, consider instead one of the stations or other campsites out of town.
Peoples Park Coral Bay
One of the two caravan parks in town is Peoples Park Coral Bay. It is a little bit more expensive than the neighbouring caravan park, but I think the extra cost is worth it to get a bit of a quieter stay.
You can select from ocean-front or standard camp sites, which range from $60 to $95 per night. The price depends on the season and how close you want to be to the front of the park and the beach.
Make your booking well in advance to make sure you have somewhere to stay when you arrive – during peak periods both the town’s caravan parks completely book out.
There are old-style but very spacious and clean toilets and showers, and there’s a coin-operated laundry. There’s a well-equipped fully indoor camp kitchen and most of the campsites are less than a 5 minute walk to the beach.
Ningaloo Coral Bay ‘Bayview’
I would say that Ningaloo Coral Bay is the biggest and busiest of the two caravan parks.
The shower and toilet blocks are tidy and newly renovated, but are always super busy and bound to be sandy! The camp kitchen is partially enclosed. If you want a nicer shower experience (without screaming kids, soaking sandy floors and steamy air), I would recommend going mid-morning or early afternoon to avoid peak-hour there.
There are plenty of powered, unpowered, beachfront and caravan site options which range in price from $48 per night up to $62 per night. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during school holidays.
4. Bullara Station
Bullara Station is just under an hour drive north-east of Coral Bay (67km). At Bullara Station you can expect a unique and hands-on experience, get back in touch with nature and breathe a sigh of relief at the peace and quiet.
To get to Bullara Station, follow the sealed Minilya-Exmouth Road for 65 km then turn right onto Burkett Road. The entrance to the Station is 2km in on the right. The roads to Bullara Station from Coral Bay are sealed until the Station driveway. The Station driveway is a well-maintained gravel road and is suitable for all vehicles (2WDs included).
Once you arrive, you can sit back and relax into the sounds of nature. If you’re up for some interesting outback experiences, Bullara Station offer all sorts of awesome activities like damper tasting, meal nights, communal campfire nights, and BYO happy hour.
There’s also quintessential outdoor bush showers to try (as well as indoor ones), and a range of walking tracks to acquaint yourself with the landscape.
You can choose from powered and unpowered campsites which cost $36 per night for an unpowered site, and $50 per night for a powered site. Booking online in advance is best, especially if you’re travelling there during school holidays.
If you’re looking for a little more of the creature comforts, Bullara Station also have huts, cottages, and safari tents you can stay in.
The next options on the list are best if you’re on a long journey and need a quick and easy overnight rest. They’re not the ideal place to base yourself on your stay at Coral Bay, but they do provide some convenience when you’re on your way to town.
5. Minilya Bridge Roadhouse (& Minilya Free Camping Area)
Located 1 hour drive south of Coral Bay on the North West Coastal Highwayis the The Minilya Free Camping Area. This is a roadside rest stop and it is free to stay for up to 24 hours. It has a public toilet, fire pits, and not much else.
It’s located on the banks of the Minilya River, but the river is often dry during the middle of the year. It’s about as noisy as you’d expect being right next to the highway, but it’s a nice easy stop to rest and reset after a big drive. Pause here and get ready for your Coral Bay adventures!
Minilya Bridge Roadhouse is another other option close-by and is right across the road from the Free Camping Area. Powered sites at the Roadhouse are $35 per night and there are toilets and showers available. The Roadhouse doesn’t offer much more than the free stop, but it’s a decent option if you need to plug in to power. You can enquire about a site when you arrive.
6. Lyndon River West Rest Area
Another free overnight camping option near Coral Bay is the Lyndon River West Rest Area. It is located a 40 minute drive south of Coral Bay on the Minilya-Exmouth Road.
Dogs are permitted, there are fire pits and long-drop toilets, shaded picnic tables, and a dump station. The campsite is flat and fairly quiet because it’s not on the main highway. There is no drinking water, power, food, or any other amenities.
As far as free roadside rest stops go, this is one of the better ones with a surprising number of amenities and a pretty quiet location.
7. Lyndon Rest Area
The Lyndon Rest Area is one of the furthest overnight camping options from Coral Bay, located a 130km drive away (about 1 hour and 20 minutes). It would make a good backup option if you’re travelling from the north and need a place to rest the night before you arrive in Coral Bay.
There are toilets, a dump point, one covered shelter area, bins, and the site is a flat bitumen area. The camp area is set on the banks of an un-named river, which makes a tranquil setting for a short stay.
Secret Location: Cardabia Station
One of the least-known locations at Coral Bay is Cardabia Station. This station is owned and operated by the Baiyungu People and is only a few kilometres north of town.
When I visited Coral Bay just after the Eclipse, we went on a full-day snorkelling tour with Ningaloo Reef Dive and Snorkel. It was an incredible day out on the water and we swum with manta rays, reef sharks, turtles and all kinds of fish. During the day we got chatting to Simo, the skipper of the boat, and he told us all about Cardabia Station – which is where he lives. From that moment we knew that it was a special place with many stories to be shared.
The station staff did a lot of work leading up to the 2023 Eclipse Event and opened the site up to campers and travellers who were in town for the event. You can book to go on Bushfood Experiences & Cultural Tours to learn about the Baiyungu people and their connection with the land.
A Note About Giralia Station
As of July 2022, the famous Giralia Station is no longer running. The station is in the process of being turned into a National Park by the DBCA, in negotiation with native title holders. The whole process appears to be shrouded in mystery, and not much information is available publicly about it. Stay tuned for news on the change, perhaps the station will open to visitors once again in the future.
Number 1 Tip for all Coral Bay Camping
The number one tip I have learnt while camping both in and near Coral Bay, is that drinking water is the top priority. Fresh drinking water is hard to come by, so make sure you are prepared.
Be sure to top up your fresh drinking water jugs before you arrive in Coral Bay, and keep them topped up whenever you can find a fresh source.
Because it is such a remote location, make sure your vehicle is serviced, in good condition, and carry at least 1 (preferably 2) spare tyres with you. If you’re entering the Coastal Reserves, also carry spare fuel and enough dry food stocks to get you through a few extra days in a pinch.
Getting Lost on the Coastal Tracks
There’s a huge network of tracks that you can see from the Satellite image on Google Maps, and although they might look easy to navigate, it is easy to get lost out there. Phone reception is limited and you won’t just be able to look up a map if you get lost.
Not only this, but the tracks that look nice and flat from an image are usually a total mess on the ground. Finding a track that won’t completely wreck your car can be a challenge, which is why it’s important to plan your trip before you go, and travel with a group if you can.
Consider carrying a satellite phone or personal locator beacon if you’re planning to go 4WDing out on the coast. As a back-up, download offline maps of the area to your phone before you head out there.
The Magic of the Nyinggulu Coast
The further you venture out from Coral Bay, the more magic you’ll discover. For an unforgettable camping experience, set up camp along the coast and stay put for a few weeks. Get to know the landscape, the patterns, the sea life and bird life, and immerse yourself in this incredible World Heritage Listed place.