Visiting Coral Bay: Australia's Beach Paradise

Updated: 10/30/2018 | October 30th, 2018

10/30/2018 | October 30th, 2018

We all have our own version of The Beach — that spot in the world where all is perfect and all is paradise. I found my version back in 2007. It’s a small town in Western Australia called Coral Bay. It’s a one-road town with one bar, one supermarket, three restaurants, and three hotels. This is a small town. There’s not much to do. And that’s why I love it.

Coral Bay is my paradise. From the first time, I visited, I fell in love with this idyllic little beach town in the middle of nowhere. On one side of Coral Bay, it’s barren, arid cattle country, where sheep roam and truckers dodge kangaroos. On the other side, it’s blue water, sandy beaches, and the Ningaloo Reef and its abundance of marine life.

And, in between that, is a little town that’s home to one hotel, an RV site, a bunch of backpackers, and some beach bums enjoy the tropical beauty at the end of the world.

Everything in this town revolves around one giant white sand beach with turquoise blue water that stretches until infinity and a reef system so close to the land, you can swim to it. There are so many turtles, fish, and stingrays, it’s too much to handle. When I was there in 2007, I woke up every day, swam with turtles, relaxed on the beach, and worked on my tan. At night, the setting sun would light up the sky in fiery tones of red and orange while I cooled off with a cold beer and good friends.

Life in Coral Bay is perfection, and my time there went way too fast. I could have stayed for weeks, and I longed to go back and visit because a quiet beach town is all I want in life. When Tourism Australia invited me to Australia last month, I declined the offer at first. After all, I just went to

Life in Coral Bay is perfection, and my time there went way too fast. I could have stayed for weeks, and I longed to go back and visit because a quiet beach town is all I want in life. When Tourism Australia invited me to Australia last month, I declined the offer at first. After all, I just went to Australia at the beginning of the year. But when they told me I could go back to Coral Bay, I jumped at the chance.

I wondered what the town would look like after three years. Tourism in Western Australia has grown in recent years, and I wondered if this sleepy town had been spoiled. Would I return to my one-road paradise just to find multiple roads, more hotels, and more restaurants? After three years away, I was glad to see the town was still quiet and peaceful.

Whatever Coral Bay looked like now, I planned on doing more this visit than just sitting on the beach. To begin with, it was off to explore the outback that surrounds Coral Bay. While I was in the countryside, kangaroos jumped all around, eagles and other birds flew above, and there was wildlife everywhere.

Whatever Coral Bay looked like now, I planned on doing more this visit than just sitting on the beach. To begin with, it was off to explore the outback that surrounds Coral Bay. While I was in the countryside, kangaroos jumped all around, eagles and other birds flew above, and there was wildlife everywhere.

Then we went down to the beach and spotted parrotfish jumping in the shallows and reef sharks circling for food. Snorkeling and swimming around the reef for a second time, I realized this is the best reef in Australia. The Great Barrier Reef gets all the attention, but the Ningaloo Reef is much better. There’s brighter coral and more wildlife, including whale sharks, turtles, and dolphins. It hasn’t been spoiled by overdevelopment or overfishing. While the Great Barrier Reef looks amazing from the air, it’s what we see underwater that matters, and I see far more underwater action here than I do on the Great Barrier Reef.

During March and April, whale sharks migrate up the coast, and large manta rays can be found around the reef. It being off-season, I had to settle for the manta rays. I took a half-day snorkeling trip around the reef; about an hour outside of Coral Bay, we spotted some large manta rays.

These creatures were huge! It was amazing to swim with them and watch them glide effortlessly through the water. I never realized how big these creatures were. In my mind, they were as big as a person. In real life, they’re as big as three!

These creatures were huge! It was amazing to swim with them and watch them glide effortlessly through the water. I never realized how big these creatures were. In my mind, they were as big as a person. In real life, they’re as big as three!

This isn’t your standard Aussie tourist destination. It’s that very isolation that keeps most tourists away, leaving the place so peaceful and detached from the rest of the world. This is a spot for mostly Australian and people driving around in campervans. There are no hordes of people ruining the beaches or the wildlife. It’s a world away from the busy East Coast.

If you ask me, there’s nothing in eastern Australia that equals the beauty of Coral Bay. Forget Cairns, Noosa, Magnetic Island, or Bondi Beach. If you want to experience the beaches you see in ads for Australia, come to Coral Bay.

While part of me wants you to go there, part of me wants it all to myself. Paradises are all eventually lost, but I want to hold onto mine just a bit longer. If you make it there, you’ll see what I mean. You’ll want to tell others, but you won’t really want to tell others. Then again, maybe you’ll find the sign pointing to Coral Bay has suddenly disappeared, and I can keep my version of heaven just a bit longer.

How to Visit Coral Bay

Coral Bay isn’t an easy place to get to. By car, it’s almost 5,000km from Sydney — literally across the entire continent. It’s located in the middle of the western coast, making it far off the beaten trail. The closest airport is located a couple of hours away in Learmonth. Shuttle buses are available from Coral Bay Airport Transfers for 95 AUD per person (one way). They run round-trip service with a flexible schedule based around the arrival and departure of flights.

Integrity Coach Lines also have service from Learmonth to Coral Bay, though they only operate a few days a week in the area. One-way tickets are 47 AUD per person.

If you plan to drive from Perth, expect the journey to take at least 12 hours each way. If you’re coming from the other direction, the trip is a solid 14-hour drive from Broome.

As for accommodation, there are a couple of hotels in the area as well as a hostel to stay at. If you’re driving, you’ll find some RV parks too.

Book Your Trip to Australia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. Some suggested places to stay are:

• Ningaloo Club – The only hostel in the area, but it comes fully equipped with a bar, kitchen, and even a pool!
• Ningaloo Reef Resort – A proper hotel near the beach with all the standard hotel amenities (TV, pool, restaurant) and really friendly staff!
• Ningaloo Coral Bay – This has both powered and unpowered campsites as well as small apartments for rent.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3

17 Things to Do in Jacksonville, Florida

Courtesy of Visit Jacksonville

Every year, millions of travelers flock to Florida in search of the perfect vacation spot. And while cities like Miami and Orlando may be two of the most popular destinations, the Sunshine State is home to plenty of underrated hotspots — Jacksonville included. 

Related: Seven Secret Beaches for a Non-crowded Florida Getaway

This sprawling, populous city is best known as a major business hub. But there's a vast array of fun things to do in Jax —as the locals colloquially call it — and a surprising amount of history packed into the streets of this southern metropolis.

Where is Jacksonville, Florida?

Jacksonville is the largest city in the state of Florida, extending to 840 square miles and encompassing everything from residential neighborhoods to bustling beaches. It sits at the mouth of St. John’s River (a prominent seaport). You can catch direct flights to JAX (Jacksonville International Airport) or drive from a nearby city. Gainesville, Florida is an hour and a half away by car, while Savannah, Georgia, is just a two hour drive. Travelers arriving by car from Orlando and Tallahassee can do the trip in approximately two and a half hours. 

Jacksonville’s Top Attractions

Beaches and the arts may be two of Jacksonville's most prominent attractions. Travelers can spend warm, sunny days lounging by the ocean, before retreating to one of the city's premier art institutions or artisan markets.

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Responsible for some of the finest art collections in the Southeast, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens has various pieces of world-class art dating back to 2100 B.C., as well as a constantly-evolving array of special exhibits. Its historic gardens sit on 2.5 acres of land and feature 20th century style gardens, with gorgeous fountains and sculptures. (There's even an oak tree that is one of the oldest of its kind in Jacksonville.)

Courtesy of Visit Jacksonville

Riverside Arts Market

Every Saturday, rain or shine, thousands of visitors flock to the Riverside Arts Market, where local artisans sell their art, jewelry, and other goods. With the riverfront amphitheater located nearby, you’ll be able to hear live music as you stroll through this shopping mecca. For those who are looking to put away their wallets and break a sweat, morning yoga is offered on the stage at 9 a.m.

Courtesy of One Ocean Resort and Spa

Best Beaches in Jacksonville

Mickler’s Landing

A local favorite, Mickler’s Landing was the first public beach in Ponte Vedra. Follow the four-lane road as it narrows to two on your journey to this coquina-sand beach, reminiscent of Bermuda. Walk toward the shoreline, you’ll see that the beach is littered with an unquantifiable number of shells — and it’s not uncommon to find ancient shark teeth scattered among them. Many come here for beach combing, surfing, fishing, and spectacular sunsets.

Atlantic Beach

Many experts believe  this beach was the site of the first year-round Native American settlement in North America. Today, visitors will find pristine shoreline, surfable waves, and superb golfing just a stone's throw away.

Jacksonville Beach

If you’re looking for a beach that offers more than just a pretty view, you’ll want to visit the urban Jacksonville Beach. Sure, it has an attractive coast and popular fishing pier (not to mention some of the best waves you’ll find in Florida for surfing), but many visitors come here to experience the juxtaposition of city and sea. You’ll find a boardwalk that boasts excellent restaurants, shops, and places to stay, and if you feel like hopping in your car, Neptune Beach is just a short drive north.

Courtesy of Visit Jacksonville

Major Events and Festivals in Jacksonville

No matter what time of year you plan a trip to Jacksonville, travelers will find a dizzying number of events and festivals on offer. 

Mandarin Art Festival

Every Easter weekend since 1968, the Mandarin Art Festival has attracted visitors to Jacksonville. Now, it's the longest running event in northeast Florida. While many come back each year to see their favorite local artists, a popular feature of this festival is the Children’s Art Show, where a handful of work from students in public and private elementary and middle schools are displayed and judged in various categories.

Great Atlantic Festival

Mixing two of Southerners' favorite things — seafood and music — this oceanfront festival kicks off every spring at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach. There’s no purchase necessary to attend, and you can enjoy live music from several different genres, fresh seafood, and rides and games for those who need to keep a younger audience occupied. And if you think this is a small celebration, think again: festival-goers enter by the thousands to party.

Fireworks in Jacksonville

Every Fourth of July, Jacksonville celebrates with an impressive fireworks show in several different locations. Head downtown to the St. John’s River for fireworks and live music performances, and watch the sky light up above the Friendship Fountain, which shoots water upwards of 100 feet. If you feel like honoring Independence Day surfside, pack up your beach chairs and head to Jacksonville Beach, where fireworks are deployed from the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier.

Courtesy of Visit Jacksonville

Shopping in Jacksonville

Leave room for shopping on your Jacksonville vacation. The city has no shortage of upscale designer storefronts and independent boutiques.   

St. John’s Town Center

This outdoor, upscale open-air mall opened in 2005 and now has 150 stores, all with recognizable names. Shoppers come here for luxury. Whether you’re simply enjoying the attractive palm tree-lined streets, or you’re stocking up on Louis Vuitton-branded swag, you’ll find that this mammoth shopping square is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon (or two).

Five Points

Unlike St. John's Town Center, historic Five Points focuses on one-of-a-kind boutiques and boasts beautiful, historic architecture.

Best Restaurants in Jacksonville

If you’re looking for places to eat in Jacksonville, you’ll have so many choices that you can easily feel overwhelmed. There is a place to eat for every craving, whether that’s the fresh catch of the day or something to satisfy your sweet tooth. Jacksonville’s culinary culture is thriving.

Most Romantic Restaurant: Restaurant Orsay

Restaurant Orsay will make you forget the humid Florida climate and transport you straight to France. This restaurant is the brainchild of restaurateur Jonathan Insetta, and features seasonal French fare, creative cocktails, and a lovely ambience.

Cheap Eats: Southern Roots

Spent your last dollar shopping? Hit up Southern Roots, a cozy counter-service spot that offers delicious breakfast and lunch fare, with an emphasis on organic and vegan foods.

Best Breakfast: Maple Street Biscuit Company

Before you start your day, head to Maple Street Biscuit Company, a trendy breakfast restaurant that has three locations in Jacksonville. Just don't come here if you’re looking for something healthy: the menu here is focused entirely on biscuits.

Best Dessert: Cinottis

A fifth-generation family-run bakery, Cinottis may look like every other bakery you’ve encountered — but it is much, much more. Don’t leave Jacksonville until you try one of their homemade donuts or cookies.

Courtesy of Visit Jacksonville

Best Bars in Jacksonville

After sitting out in the sun for hours on end, nothing feels more refreshing than an icy cold glass in your hand. Happily, Jacksonville has numerous bars — some of which are right along the beach.

Surfer the Bar

What once was the iconic concert venue, Freebird, is now Surfer the Bar, the first of its kind on U.S. mainland. A full craft cocktail menu, an outdoor tiki bar, and a fully refurbished 1962 Airstream trailer that acts as the bar’s permanent food truck are just a few of the draws.

The Shim-Sham Room

Divided into three unique areas (an upscale vintage lounge, a main bar, and an outside patio bar) The Shim-Sham Room will make you want to don the favorite outfit you packed, order a cocktail, and make friends with every local you meet.

Lynch’s

Lynch’s is your quintessential Irish pub with a twist: there's quirky decor, and live entertainment happens almost nightly here. But fret not, it’s still an Irish bar, which means there are up to 50 beers on tap and a vast array of beer flights, so you won’t run out of choices.

Where to Stay in Jacksonville

The beauty of staying at most Jacksonville hotels is their proximity to the ocean. You’ll find that beachfront properties dot the coast of the Atlantic and, from the luxury hotels to the affordable hotels, your room will almost always come with a view.

Boutique Hotels in Jacksonville 

One Ocean is a boutique hotel that offers luxurious suites, panoramic ocean views, and top-of-the-line service. Enjoy a day of pampering at the hotel’s spa, or feast on coastal cuisine at Azurea Restaurant, their on-site eatery. When you’re ready to feel the sand between your toes, you’re just minutes away from the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra beaches.

Pet-friendly and a quick walk from restaurants, shops and activities, Hotel Indigo’s Jacksonville Deerwood Park hotel is in a prime location for travelers, in the neighborhood of Tapestry Park. Though the beach is a bit further of a drive, your stay here is very much worth your while.

Luxury Hotels in Jacksonville

Nestled midway between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, The Lodge & Club sits right on the beach, and has a distinctive Old World aesthetic and charming suites. With 10 acres of seaside property and access to miles of Atlantic beaches, you can choose to do as much or as little as you please here. Rent a bicycle cruiser, go paddleboarding, or enjoy one of the resort’s two restaurants.

Vacation Rentals in Jacksonville 

Another great way to find a place to stay in Jacksonville is by searching on websites like Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway. Staying at a Jacksonville vacation rental is a great way to feel like a local.

Anthony Bourdain Is Living His Best Life on a Beach in Newfoundland

This story was originally published on September 27, 2017.

Anthony Bourdain is no stranger to off-the-grid destinations. But this week, he’s going to the end of the world.

On Wednesday morning, the chef, author, and television host posted a greeting from Newfoundland, the easternmost stretch of Canada. Relaxing on an armchair on a beach (and accompanied by a bearskin rug), Bourdain captioned his photo “roughing it in Newfoundland.”

Roughing it in Newfoundland pic.twitter.com/MLiQSbkLaN

— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) September 27, 2017

Bourdain’s current aesthetic in Newfoundland seems to be rugged elegance. He also posted a video of an al fresco dinner, where a chandelier hung from a canopy made of branches while meat slowly smoked over a fire pit. There was even a selection of wine on a table with white linens.

Although Bourdain didn’t reveal what he ate for dinner, we’re guessing he at least sampled some of the traditional foods of Newfoundland, including wild caribou and native lobster.

Given Bourdain’s affinity for going off the grid, it makes sense that he would be drawn to the isolation of Newfoundland. It is considered one of the last North American frontiers, as many of the area's small villages were only accessible by water until as recently as the 1960s. 

Travelers who want to experience Newfoundland like Bourdain can stay at one of the province’s top seaside hotels, like Fogo Island Inn. This luxurious property is perched on a remote island, and is often considered one of the world’s most upscale and secluded hotels. Visitors can also book an active tour, like kayaking around the windswept coast.

Amazon's Alexa Can Now Book You a Hotel Room

Courtesy of Alexa

“Hey Alexa, book me a hotel.”

Travelers with Amazon Alexa devices can now use their voices to book a hotel room.

On Tuesday, KAYAK revealed a new Amazon Alexa skill that allows users to search for and book hotels without ever clicking a link.

A command like, “Hey Alexa, ask KAYAK to book me a hotel in Los Angeles,” will prompt Alexa to read off top-rated hotels in the area. Alexa can talk about the hotel’s price point, location and reviews. If everything sounds good, Alexa can book the hotel using credit card information on file. (Although for those who want to see pictures of their hotel before they book, a computer or phone may still be the best option.)

Related: 17 Amazon Prime Day Deals Travelers Must Check Out ASAP

“A.I. innovation continues to be a priority at KAYAK, and the ability to book a hotel with just your voice is an exciting step forward,” Matthias Keller, KAYAK’s chief scientist, Matthias Keller, told Travel + Leisure . “Essentially we’re combining the power of KAYAK with an always-on travel agent. The future of travel is hands-free, simple and seamless – and while it's still early days for voice – we're excited about the potential.”

Keller said there will be additional updates to the skill in the coming months.

In May of 2016, KAYAK launched its first Alexa skill that allowed users to search for flights. In the past year since its launch, Keller said that users have used the skill mostly with curiosity and aspirations. People tend to ask Alexa questions like, “How much is a flight to Bali?” or “Where can I go for $300?”

Related: These Transparent Kayaks Give You Incredible Views of the Ocean While You Paddle

This foray into actually booking a hotel with voice is an experiment — one that may not immediately succeed with travelers.

“Our goal is to keep learning, iterating and exploring A.I. and voice so as these platforms get more and more popular, we'll be there with the best possible experience,” Keller said.

The Fake Names That Celebrities Use at Hotels

Famous entertainers often stay at hotels while traveling, but that can put them at increased risk for attracting unwanted attention from paparazzi — or even repeated unwanted encounters with fans. So when checking in, many celebrities have developed alter egos that allow them to stay at hotels and stay under the radar.

However, the funny thing about these aliases is that while they may conceal the celebrity’s identity, they can be very revealing.

Related: Pippa Middleton's Honeymoon Plans Are Just As Luxurious As You'd Expect

Many celebrities aliases were leaked back in 2014, so the brightest stars among us have very likely changed theirs. But that doesn't make the names any less telling.

For example, a celebrity who names himself after a favorite character may identify deeply with certain personality traits. Or someone who uses a loved one’s name may want to keep their family close while on the road. But, then again, maybe there’s not all that much depth to these fake names. There are also celebrities who use their hotel aliases as an opportunity for a joke and nothing more.

Responsible Travel

Tourism as a whole has deep a impact on the world: on the one hand, it can, and does, contribute waste, reduce natural resources, and disturb precious ecosystems. On the other, the tourism industry plays a vital role in community development, conservation efforts, and promoting cultural heritage. While we may never completely erase our human footprint on the world’s landscapes, we can make efforts to embrace responsible travel and combat those negative effects.

The Rise of Ecotourism

Every choice made by the travel industry affects the environment, but traveling responsibly is never out of reach, thanks to more and more companies prioritizing sustainable practices. Hotels are implementing careful construction, leaving land undeveloped over a highly manicured lawn. Airline carriers are turning to alternative fuels that absorb carbon and allowing customers to buy carbon offsets with frequent flier miles. Even cruise lines are beginning to see change, from outsourcing food from sustainable fisheries to funding coral-reef restoration projects. Year in and year out, more and more companies push the envelope for responsible travel, through sustainability, community development, conservation, and cultural preservation. Each has a unique global vision to protect and preserve the place we travel through. Lightening one’s footprint begins by reducing the energy used—in hotels or airports, reinvigorating declining urban centers with edgy, art hotels, creating extraordinary experiences that introduce travelers to local causes, caring for (and restoring) threatened habitats. 

How can I be an eco-friendly traveler?

Above all, consider your own impact. Some simple solutions you can incorporate on any trip: turn down your hotel room’s AC (or better yet, turn it off), reuse hotel towels, pack lightly, rent a hybrid car, take a shorter cruise, stay in a LEED-certified hotel, walk instead of jumping in a quick cab, and carry your own water bottle. 

Celebrity Travel

There’s something about the lives of superstars that keeps the world enraptured, especially when comes to the topic of celebrity travel—they’re on the move more than most of us, and there’s something irresistible about watching their every move: where they go on vacation and their over-the-top honeymoons, the airport of their latest on-camera melt-down, what latest designer bag they toted on the way to that hot-hot-hot restaurant du jour. Thanks to rabid paparazzi and the powers of Instagram, we know when our favorite stars of stage and screen take lavish trips to exotic destinations. 

Celebrity Vacations

Ever want to rub elbows with the glitterati, or just increase your chance of a celebrity sighting? Certain destinations have serious star power—Hawaii and Barbados for the holidays, Aspen for the ski season, Los Cabos for the luxury resorts. From their favorite beach destinations to hotels, T+L stays on the pulse. From celebrity photos, the industry gleans where the hot scene is (or is about to be) and informs the world of what fashions one should wear in transit, at the airport, and by your hotel pool. Of course, privacy to them is paramount, which is why they flock to hotels offering seclusion and quiet. Fashion fames love Paris’s Hotel Plaza Athénée for its romantic vibe and jaw-dropping city views, while movie stars head to the isolated Caneel Bay Resort in the USVI for some blissful r&r.

Peeking into lives above our own—of endless glasses of rosé, leisurely midweek lunches, five-star hotels—feeds our hunger for living a life above our own means. Though we may never be able to afford renting out entire hotels or even islands, it’s easy to tour the world like the stars—even if it’s from your own living room. Check back here for the latest news and sightings.