Coral Bay Kayak Trail


Details for trail on a map
Trail Start
Get directionsFrom the beach near the car park at the end of Robinson Street
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Learn moreAbout 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
National Parks
Other Links
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BOM Forecasts & Current Boating Information
Weather Check before you go out
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Coral Bay Boating Guide
Sea Rescue Contacts for Logging your trip On & Off, Tide Charts etc.
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Video - Paddle Boarding the Kayak Trail
Have a look at what adventures await you!
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Video - A Kayak Trail trip to 'The Maze'
Note - Wearing a Lifejacket/PFD is recommended for the paddle to the moorings
- DBCA Park Alerts - latest info' on trail closures
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Paddle WA
Find out more about canoeing and kayaking, including clubs.
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Sea Kayak Club WA
Sea Kayaking Club in Western Australia
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SUP WA
State Association for SUP in Western Australia
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Paddle Craft Safety, Tips and Required Equipment
Department of Transport
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Australia’s Coral Coast
Comprehensive information on the Coral Coast region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.
Be trail ready for Coral Bay Kayak Trail
Time / Duration
Variable, depending on how many buoys you visit and how long you spend snorkelling.
Length
Distance varies, depending on how many sites are visited
What To Pack
Group F (Paddling trails) required.
What To Pack
Group F (Paddling trails)
- Plenty of water and food for duration of trip.
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (30+)
- Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions
- Lifejacket or flotation device
- Leg or paddle leash if paddling in the ocean
Additional Useful Items
SAFE KAYAK 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 kayaking 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.
Please ensure your kayak is seaworthy and has the required safety equipment aboard as most of these sites are more than 400 metres from shore. The required safety equipment includes life jacket, flares/PLB 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
Trail End
Difficulty Notes
S03 - Sheltered coastal waters with possible wind against wave or tide effects and moderate breaking seas. Possible surf entry and exits less than 1m, currents less than 4km/h, up to 5km crossings or from safe landing sites.
Hazards & Warnings
BEWARE OF CURRENTS AND WINDS AT ALL SITES. CHECK LOCAL WEATHER CONDITIONS PRIOR TO LEAVING THE SHORE.
IRRUKANDJI JELLYFISH CAN BE PRESENT AT NINGALOO - WEARING STINGER SUITS OR RASH SHIRTS CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF BEING STUNG
Safety
Please ensure your 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/PLB and a bailer (if not self draining) − see the Department of Transport Paddle Safe brochure.
Facilities
Kayaks are available to hire. Contact the Visitor Centre for more information.
- BBQ Facilities
- Cafe
- Camping
- Car Park
- Interpretive Centre
- Lookouts
- Picnic Area
- Public Toilet
- Shaded Area
- Shop
- Visitor Information Centre
- Water Access Points
Best time of year
April to November
Fees
No fees apply
Trail Access
Self drive to Coral bay
Prohibited Items
ALL MOORINGS ARE LOCATED IN SANCTUARY ZONES – NO FISHING PERMITTED


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