Day 21 Bullara Station to Coral Bay 75 km

The wind didn’t let up during the night so the tent was flapping when I woke at 5.00 am.
Packed up and got on the way by 6.30 am. Going out the gate the wind was helpful but once I got to the turnoff onto the Exmouth-Minilya Rd the wind was in my face and it became a slog for the next 60 km.

The road had rolling hills so I was crawling up hill and then having to peddle downhill. I took a couple of breaks and ate some muesli bars and cheese and crackers. My food supply has been running down so I am looking forward to finding a supermarket at Coral Bay.

Front Gate at Bullara in the early morning light

There wasn't much to see along the road. No trees, no growth over a metre in height probably because the wind is always strong here.

Finally the turnoff to Coral Bay appeared and I turned toward the coast. Immediately I had a pick up in speed as the wind was behind me.  Reached Coral Bay just on 12.30 pm and immediately spotted the Ningaloo Club Backpackers where Tony had booked in.

Called Tony and he appeared shortly after with the news that he will be bussing out tomorrow afternoon so I will be completing the journey on my own after all. Before he leaves we are going to do a Ningaloo Reef cruise.

                                              Tony and I are not in this picture!


In the late afternoon we went for a swim down the beach. Coral Bay is crystal clear and the sand is fine grained and white. Initially there were a lot of young things on the beach but these seemed to disappear and there only crusties left. The water was a nice temperature although the wind was cool when we came out.

It is easy to see why the beach here is so popular. The beach is quite sheltered and ideal for families with young kids and yet the coral reef is only 100 metres offshore making it ideal for snorkelling.

At dinner we met up Steve and Cornelia who had driven Tony to Exmouth from Tom Price. Tony made dinner, sausages and salad and I provided dessert, tinned peaches and custard. With a few beers it was an excellent evening made better when I watched the 2nd half of the AFL Elimination Final between the Bulldogs and Eagles. The Bulldogs won easily which was unexpected away from home.  A great night for me!