Coral Bay Kayak Trail

MOORINGS: There are four KAYAK ONLY moorings within the Coral Bay Maud Sanctuary Zone.  They are easily identifed by their black colouring and white labels.

• Kayak 7 − Ayres Rock: 23° 08.391'S, 113° 46.017'E
• Kayak 8 − Cowtails: 23° 09.139'S, 113° 45.479'E 
• Kayak 9 – The Maze: 23° 08.749'S, 113° 45.032'E 
• Kayak 10 − Structures: 23° 08.329'S, 113° 45.526'E

ACCESS: All of the sites can be accessed from the main beach at Bills Bay, Coral Bay.

DURATION AND ROUTE: These sites may be attempted individually or in any combination, and so route and duration is dependent on the number of sites visited. Please use the distances and times below as a guide.

SITE INFORMATION:

Kayak 7: Ayres Rock - A 300 metre (about 10-minute) paddle to the mooring north northwest of the main beach at Bills Bay. Tie up to the mooring and snorkel west about 60 metres to the Ayres Rock site. Ensure you don’t stand, kick or touch corals around this 400-year-old porites bombie. Maximum depth is six metres.

Kayak 8: Cowtails - A 1.5 kilometre (about 30-minute) paddle south-west from Bills Bay in the direction of the white ‘No Boating Area’ cone marker. Located in a large sand hole, the depth is between four and six metres, amongst pristine coral formations. This site may be snorkelled from the mooring or you can drift snorkel your kayak north-east back into Bills Bay (about one hour).

Kayak 9: The Maze - A 1.8 kilometre (about 45-minute) paddle west south-west from Bills Bay crossing the boating channel – beware of vessels using the channel. Depth of site is two to five metres. As the name suggests, wind your way around the maze. Please be aware of other vessels using the public mooring nearby.

Kayak 10: Structures - A one-kilometre (about 20-minute) paddle in a west north-west direction from Bills Bay. Depth range is three to six metres. Please be aware of the boating channel located to the west. 

BEWARE OF CURRENTS AND WINDS AT ALL SITES. CHECK LOCAL WEATHER CONDITIONS PRIOR TO LEAVING THE SHORE. ALL MOORINGS ARE LOCATED IN SANCTUARY ZONES – NO FISHING PERMITTED 

SAFE PADDLING AND SNORKELLING TIPS

All sites require paddling and snorkelling experience. It is your responsibility to ensure your level of experience is suitable for the site. If in doubt don’t go out.

Check the local weather conditions prior to your activity.

Paddle with a friend to enhance the enjoyment and safety of your adventure.

Carry adequate water, food, sunscreen and sun protection. Some return journeys may take up to four hours so you will be exposed to the elements for a significant time. 

Ensure your kayak/craft has a suitable attachment to securely attach to the mooring, as well as the ability to safely secure your gear (e.g. paddle) while snorkelling. The mooring has a rope attached with attachment loops.

Please ensure your kayak/craft is seaworthy and has the required safety equipment on-board as most of these sites are more than 400 metres from shore. The required safety equipment includes life jacket, flares and a bailer (if not self draining) − see the Department of Transport Paddle Safe brochure. 

Always ensure someone knows where you are, and your estimated time of return. Remember to let them know when you have returned safely. 

Once at the site, assess the currents prior to entry − it is recommended to snorkel into the current at the beginning of your snorkel to enable an easy return to the mooring. 

The moorings hold a maximum of ten kayaks at any one time. For further information contact the Milyering Visitor Centre on (08) 9949 2808