Coffin Bay National Park

Coffin Bay National Park is a protected area in Australia.

Coffin Bay National Park at a Glance

Location
Red Centre & Outback South Australia, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-34.580300, 135.323040
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Coffin Bay National Park

Nearest airport: North Well Airport, 416 km away.

Weather & Climate in Coffin Bay National Park

The warmest temperatures in Coffin Bay National Park occur in February, averaging 19.9°C (up to 23.3°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 12.8°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in March with average rainfall of 16.5mm. Average humidity: 68.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 19.6°C (rainfall: 47.4mm)
  • February: 19.9°C (rainfall: 16.7mm)
  • March: 19.2°C (rainfall: 16.5mm)
  • April: 17.0°C (rainfall: 38.0mm)
  • May: 15.0°C (rainfall: 42.6mm)
  • June: 13.6°C (rainfall: 77.1mm)
  • July: 12.8°C (rainfall: 59.6mm)
  • August: 13.3°C (rainfall: 58.2mm)
  • September: 14.6°C (rainfall: 52.2mm)
  • October: 15.5°C (rainfall: 50.5mm)
  • November: 17.2°C (rainfall: 37.2mm)
  • December: 18.3°C (rainfall: 24.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Coffin Bay National Park

The best months to visit Coffin Bay National Park are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 19.65°C, rainfall 47.4mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 68.8%
  • February: Great, temperature 19.9°C, rainfall 16.7mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 65.4%
  • March: Great, temperature 19.16°C, rainfall 16.5mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 68.9%
  • April: Good, temperature 17.04°C, rainfall 38mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 70.8%
  • May: Good, temperature 15.03°C, rainfall 42.6mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 70%
  • June: Poor, temperature 13.55°C, rainfall 77.1mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 73.7%
  • July: Good, temperature 12.79°C, rainfall 59.6mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 72.9%
  • August: Good, temperature 13.26°C, rainfall 58.2mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 73.7%
  • September: Good, temperature 14.55°C, rainfall 52.2mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 68.9%
  • October: Good, temperature 15.52°C, rainfall 50.5mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 68.6%
  • November: Great, temperature 17.23°C, rainfall 37.2mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 66.4%
  • December: Great, temperature 18.33°C, rainfall 24.4mm, sunshine 12.4 hrs, humidity 65.1%

Wildlife in Coffin Bay National Park

Home to 33 recorded species including 20 waterbirds, 5 tropical birds, 3 marine & freshwater, 2 big herbivores, 2 iconic birds, 1 birds of prey.

Recommended Packing List for Coffin Bay National Park

Based on average temperature of 16.3°C, typical conditions, humidity 69%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 16°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Coffin Bay National Park

10 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Red Centre & Outback South Australia

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Australia

Travel advisory for Australia

Coffin Bay National Park FAQs

When is the ideal time to experience the pristine coastal wilderness of Coffin Bay National Park, and what unique natural features can I expect?

The best time to visit Coffin Bay National Park is during spring (September to November) for wildflowers and mild weather, or autumn (March to May) for pleasant temperatures perfect for exploring. You can expect breathtaking coastal scenery, including dramatic cliffs, expansive white sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, along with opportunities to spot diverse birdlife and kangaroos.

Beyond typical bushwalking, what unique activities or specific experiences are highly recommended for visitors to Coffin Bay National Park?

Coffin Bay offers exceptional opportunities for 4WD enthusiasts to explore remote coastal tracks leading to secluded beaches like Gunyah Beach or Sleaford Bay. Don't miss the chance to try the world-renowned Coffin Bay oysters fresh from the source, and consider a boat tour to truly appreciate the park's pristine marine environment and spot dolphins or seals.

What specific wildlife encounters can I anticipate in Coffin Bay National Park, particularly given its coastal environment?

Visitors to Coffin Bay National Park can frequently spot Western Grey Kangaroos and Emus grazing near the campgrounds and along the tracks. The park is also a haven for marine birds like Ospreys and White-bellied Sea-Eagles, and during migration seasons (May-October), you might even spot Southern Right Whales from coastal lookouts.

What essential safety precautions should I take when visiting Coffin Bay National Park, especially considering its remote and uncrowded nature?

Due to its remote and uncrowded environment, it's crucial to be self-sufficient; carry ample water, food, and fuel, as services are limited within the park. Mobile phone reception can be patchy, so inform someone of your itinerary, and always be prepared for changing weather conditions and strong coastal currents if swimming.

Are there specific entry fees or permits required to access Coffin Bay National Park, and what are the typical costs involved for a day visit or camping?

Yes, a vehicle entry fee applies to Coffin Bay National Park, which can be purchased online or at self-registration stations. If you plan to camp overnight, separate camping fees are required per site, and booking in advance, especially during peak seasons, is highly recommended to secure your spot.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.