With the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Marine Park on its doorstep, you’re not short of things to do in Exmouth. This Western Australian Coral Coast town is the perfect base for snorkelling on Ningaloo Reef, exploring the peaks and gorges in Cape Range National Park and discovering the area’s military history.
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Contents
Getting to Exmouth
Exmouth is 1200km from Perth and the drive there is one of the best road trips in Western Australia. With the route taking you through The Pinnacles, Jurien Bay, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Shark Bay and Coral Bay, you’ll see some of Western Australia’s best attractions along the way.
The road trip between Perth and Exmouth takes 10-14 days and it is a brilliant adventure. Read our full guide to the Perth To Exmouth road trip here.
You can also fly into Exmouth. The airport is in Learmonth which is 30 minutes south of Exmouth. Most flights to Learmonth connect via Perth. Twice weekly direct flights from Melbourne are available during peak holiday season from April to October with Qantas.
Exmouth FAQ’s
- Best Time to Visit
- Where to Stay?
- Do I need to Book?
- How many days?
- Coral Bay or Exmouth
- Do I need a car?
- National Park Pass
The best time to visit Exmouth is April to October. You’ll have beautiful weather for beachside camping, snorkelling and walks. The water is still warm, migratory humpback whales and whale sharks are on the reef and you avoid the high temperatures and humidity that occurs in summer.
Where to stay?
Most accommodation is in Exmouth on the gulf side of the peninsula. But If you want a beach and snorkelling holiday, stay in either Yardie Creek Homestead Caravan Park or one of the National Park campgrounds on the ocean side of the Exmouth Peninsula – this will save you a lot of driving each day.
Do you need to book?
From May to October Exmouth is busy so it is a good idea to have both your accommodation and whale shark tours booked in advance. Whale Shark tours can be booked up for weeks in advance.
How many days do you need in Exmouth?
You need at least 4 days to explore Exmouth but spend a week if you have time. There are a lot of snorkelling spots, you’ll want to do a tour or two and there is Cape Range to explore. Allow for some relaxing, maybe a windy day that keeps you out of the water and you’ll find 7 days in Exmouth goes very quickly!
Which is better – Exmouth or Coral Bay?
Exmouth is bigger than Coral Bay and we love the variety of things you can do there. But the thing Coral Bay has going for it is the reef is so close to your accommodation. You literally walk across the road, onto the beach and the reef is there. For a small town beach and reef holiday go Coral Bay, if you want a few more options, Exmouth is for you.
Do you need a car in Exmouth?
You do not need a 4WD but you should have a car in Exmouth. There is a bit of driving between Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef and between the different snorkelling spots on the reef. A car will also let you explore beautiful Cape Range National Park.
Park fees apply for Cape Range National Park. There are 5, 14 and 28 day holiday passes and an annual pass available. You can also pay a daily casual rate per vehicle. There is a pay station on the way into Cape Range National Park or you can purchase online.
Things to do in Exmouth
Ningaloo Visitor Centre
This is one of a couple of visitor centres worth popping into in the area. The other is the Milyering Discovery Centre on the other side of the Peninsula. The Ningaloo Visitor Centre is a lot more than a place to book tours and get brochures about all the things to do in Exmouth. It is also a multi-level museum and aquarium.
For a small fee you can look around the History Gallery, The Range Gallery and the Ningaloo Gallery which all have multi-media displays. The cyclone room and documentary is great as is the information and displays about the development of the town from a military outpost to tourism hot spot. There is also a multi-story aquarium if you want to get a taste of the reef.
Bundegi Beach
While there are some fabulous places around Exmouth to go snorkelling, this isn’t really one of them. It is a great place to go for a swim, a kayak or cruise around on a stand up paddle board. It is only 10 minutes from Exmouth. There is a boat ramp and jetty there and you can fish from the beach.
If you do have a kayak, about 3 km south of the beach is the Bundegi Sanctuary Zone. There are a couple of mooring points in the sanctuary where you can tie up and go for a snorkel. It is best to time your kayak and snorkel at high tide so the reef is not exposed. The Bundegi Sanctuary Zone is a no fishing area.
Glass Bottom Kayak Hire
For a different view of Ningaloo Reef you can hire a clear bottom kayak. If you are not so much into swimming this is a great way to see all the marine life. You will have to collect your kayak and drive it around to the reef. We were getting around in campervan and unfortunately they didn’t deliver or have an office on the reef side of Exmouth Peninsula.
Turtle Tour – Kayak & Snorkel – Try this amazing half day sea kayak and snorkel adventure in Ningaloo Reef’s nursery. Snorkel from your kayak & spot turtles, rays & baby reef sharks in the shallows.
The Big Prawn
If you like ticking off Big Things around Australia, Exmouth won’t let you down. It is home to the Big Prawn – a 4m tall fibreglass crustacean in the middle of town that celebrates the areas prawn industry. Is it the biggest prawn in Australia? Not quite. Ballina in northern New South Wales has those bragging rights but if you are a Big Thing aficionado, then Exmouth’s Big Prawn is still worth a selfie. For another ‘Big Thing’ you will find a large whale shark at the local servo.
Krait & Potshot Memorials
Better known today as an access point to Ningaloo Reef, these memorials are two of many reminders that Exmouth also has a rich military history. You’ll find them near Learmonth Airport about 25 minutes from Exmouth. There is a carpark off the main road and it’s a short walk to the memorials.
The memorial commemorates two campaigns with some detailed and interesting interpretive signage. Even if you are not a military buff, the stories told here a quite remarkable. The Krait’s secretive, high risk and successful mission, if it hasn’t already, is a story fit for the big screen.
Froth Craft Brewery
There is so much to do in Exmouth, at the end of the day you’ll want somewhere to relax and Froth Craft Brewery is the perfect place. Located in the heart of Exmouth on Kennedy Street, Froth Brewery has a great range of snacks, share plates, pub favourites and a kids menu. And then there’s the drinks… no matter your poison, you’ll find it here. There’s everything from wine to cocktail slushies and of course beer.
There are 16 different craft beers on tap – there’s a draught, ale or pilsner for every taste. The place has a fun, relaxed vibe helped along by a regular program of live music. When you’re done hiking through gorges, swimming with whale sharks and taking in glorious sunsets, you won’t find a better spot to end your day!
Staircase to the Moon
No doubt you have heard of the Staircase to the Moon, the rippled reflection of the rising moon on the mudflats of Roebuck Bay in Broome. There are other locations where you can experience the effect like Onslow, Dampier and Port Headland but can you see it in Exmouth? The answer is yes and no.
Because of the big tides in these northern towns you get the reflection of the rising moon on the mudflats. The tides are not as big in Exmouth but you can see the full moon rise over the water on the eastern side of Exmouth Peninsula. It’s a more watery staircase but still a great sight.
If you’re into scuba diving, you will have heard of this place. The Exmouth Navy Pier is one of the top dives in Australia and one of the best shore dives in the world. The 300m long jetty is still an active navy facility so diving here is by organised tour only.
Because of the need to dive around the currents and tides, dive times are quite variable. The sea life under the jetty is amazing. There’s everything from huge schools of fish to reef sharks and giant cod. Contact Dive Ningaloo for more info.
Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
If you notice a line of cars leaving your caravan park around sunset, there’s a fair chance this is where they’re going. The Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is both a spectacular sunset vantage point and an interesting historical site. Signage around the lighthouse describes its history since coming into operation in 1912.
The headland also has some military history. It was the site of anti-aircraft positions and radar stations during World War 2. Signage and the remains of the installations gives you a further insight into Exmouth’s military heritage. Nowadays, the headland provides amazing views of Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef and the Indian Ocean. It’s also not a bad place to spot migrating whales.
Jurabi Turtle Centre
One of Ningaloo Reef’s most loved inhabitants are its sea turtles. The three types that live on Ningaloo are the green, hawksbill and loggerhead sea turtles. The Jurabi Turtle Centre is just on the Ningaloo side of the North West Cape about 15 minutes from Exmouth. The turtle centre is open year round and has good interpretive signage and some fantastic life-sized turtle models.
Turtle season runs from November to March. At the start of the season you can see females coming in to lay their eggs. If you are lucky, you might catch the hatchlings later in the season making the dash from the beach to the water.
VLF Array
The Harold Holt Naval Communication Station is on the tip of the Exmouth Peninsula. You can’t miss the 13 towering transmitter masts and web of connecting cables as you drive between Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef. The towers are over 350 metres tall and are a striking structure.
Involved with submarine radio communications, the towers are also the source of many a conspiracy theory – we’ll leave Googling those to you. UFO theories aside, the towers are at their spectacular best at the end of the day when silhouetted against a sunset. A great place to check out the VLF array is from the car park where you can see the SS Mildura wreck…
Wreck of the SS Mildura
Look for the Mildura Wreck Road turn off from the Yardie Creek road as you round North West Cape a few minutes north of Exmouth. The SS Mildura was a cattle ship that broke up on the reef during a cyclone in 1907. The remains lie only 80 metres from shore and you can see them at low tide. It is not only the waves that have continued to break up the wreck. It was also used for target practice during World War 2.
Walk or Kayak around Mangrove Bay
Mangrove Bay is 35 minutes from Exmouth on the Ningaloo side of North West Cape. It is a lovely spot and quite different to the coral lined beaches you see so much of in Cape Range National Park. The area is rich in birdlife, so if you have twitching tendencies take your binoculars. There is a 100m long boardwalk and large bird hide. At dawn or dusk keep an eye out for the many migratory and local birds that call the mangroves home.
At low tide you can walk out in the bay stepping from stone to stone spotting crabs, small fish and birds. In warmer months, when the tide is in look out for baby sharks and rays swimming amongst the mangroves. This is a super spot to kayak around, you’re an even better chance of seeing a host of critters swimming around the tidal waters.
Read More : Plan a 14 Day Perth to Exmouth Road Trip
Things to do in Exmouth – Ningaloo Reef
Snorkelling Ningaloo Reef
Exmouth is a great base for snorkelling on Ningaloo Reef. From the township it is about a 50 minute drive around the Exmouth Peninsula to where the world’s largest fringing coral reef is just metres from shore. Turquoise Bay, the Oyster Stacks and Lakeside are some of the best snorkelling spots in Exmouth, you’ll see everything from colourful fish, to rays and turtles.
Read our Exmouth snorkelling guide to find out everything you need to know to see the best of Ningaloo Reef.
- Ningaloo Reef Snorkelling & Wildlife Adventure – Each tour is different depending on the conditions of the day as well as the wildlife that presents & the interests of the guests
Read More : Best spots to snorkel Ninglaoo Reef at Exmouth
Swimming with Whale Sharks
One of the must do, big ticket things to do in Exmouth is swimming with the whale sharks. Whale sharks migrate to Ningaloo’s outer Reef between March and September and swimming with them is the experience of a lifetime. It’s a full day activity. As well as whale sharks you might also spot humpback whales, orcas, turtles, manta rays and dugongs. Read our post on swimming with whale sharks for more details.
- Book your Exmouth Whale Shark Swim – Mar – Sept. Swim with the gentle marine giants as they make their way along the North West Cape during their annual migration
- Swim with Humpback Whales on Ningaloo – Aug – Oct. Snorkel the reef & spotting seasonal turtles, dugongs, manta rays & dolphins. Buffet lunch. Professional photography
Read More : Whale Sharks – Is it worth it?
Go on a Whale Watching Tour
Not only can you see whale sharks from Exmouth, you can also see and swim with whales. From the start of August to the end of November, Humpback whales migrate through the waters of Ningaloo. There are whale watching tours you can go on but if you are up for more of an adventure you can also join a swimming with whales tour. We spotted several of them on our whale shark swim (along with turtles, manta rays and dugongs).
Ningaloo Sunset Whale Watching Cruise – Enjoy a sunset cruise over Ningaloo Reef. Keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, turtles & more. Enjoy snacks & bubbles as you watch the sun set.
Swim with Manta Rays
We have swum with a lot of amazing creatures but seeing manta rays up close is about as good as it gets. When you float above them as the barrel roll through the plankton rich water to feed, it is a sight you won’t soon forget. Best time to see the Manta Rays is from May when they arrive in Exmouth in greater numbers.
Swim with Turtles
Sea turtles are amongst the most loved sea creatures and seeing them up close or even swimming with them is one of the best things you can do out on Ningaloo Reef. Turtle tours from Exmouth not only give you a chance to spot turtles from the boat but you can snorkel too. And the great thing about Ningaloo Reef is you never know what else you might see along the way.
Fly a Microlight over Ningaloo
Maybe not everyone’s idea of fun but if you want to take to the sky for views over Ningaloo Reef no earth-bound visitor will get, you can go on a microlight flight. Birds Eye View have 30, 60 and 90 minute flights over Ningaloo and Cape Range and views are spectacular. Fly over valley and gorges or see the reef from above and spot manta rays, whale sharks and whales.
Muiron Islands Snorkel & Dive
If you are a diehard snorkeller or diver, make sure you put a trip out to the Muiron Islands on your list of things to do in Exmouth. These two small islands off the coast off Exmouth have quite different underwater scenery to the Ningaloo inner and outer reefs with more colourful soft corals. The soft corals attract turtles so there are plenty of them out here along with big schools of fish and maybe even manta rays, and colourful little nudibranchs. There are some great dive sites around the islands but it’s also a good snorkelling spot too.
- Muiron Islands Snorkelling Tour from Exmouth – See Turtles, Manta Rays, Dolphins
Things to do in Exmouth – Cape Range National Park
Extending down the western side of the Exmouth Peninsula, Cape Range National Park features canyons, walks, snorkelling spots (see our Exmouth snorkelling guide), campsites and beaches. In late winter and spring follow the Cape Range Trail to see a colourful wildflowers. For our visit in winter, Sturt Desert Peas lined Yardie Creek Road.
- Cape Range National Park Full Day Trek – Walk the magnificent gorges of Cape Range, through canyons that dissect the North West Cape
Milyering Discovery Centre
If you are planning to spend time in Cape Range National Park, you have to drop into the Milyering Discovery Centre. They have all the information you need about campsites, snorkelling, and road closures. It is on the western side of the peninsula 40 minutes from Exmouth near the Lakeside snorkelling area.
As well as helpful, friendly staff, the centre also has snorkelling gear and souvenirs and displays of the regions flora and fauna. Besides modern day animals, you can also see a Megalodon tooth fossil that belonged to a 15m long, 40 ton prehistoric shark. Not sure if a swim with the Megaldon tour would have been too popular!
Yardie Creek Boat Tour
Located in Cape Range National Park, Yardie Creek is a permanent body of water that winds its way between tall, rugged red cliffs. Tours leave from the Yardie Creek Jetty which is a short walk from the main car park at the end of Yardie Creek Road. It is a 90 minute drive from Exmouth to the jetty. On the way there you’ll have great views of the mountain range on one side and Ningaloo reef on the other.
The relaxing cruise runs for one hour and is a great way to learn about the gorge and its flora and fauna. A local family run the Yardie Creek tour and they have a lot of knowledge about the area. They also make the cruise great fun for people of all ages – this is definitely a family friendly activity and a great thing to do from Exmouth as a day trip. Keep an eye out for osprey eagles and the black footed rock wallabies that live on the steep rock walls.
Yardie Nature Walk & Yardie Gorge Trail
If you can’t get to the Yardie Creek cruise there is a still a great walk around the gorge you can do. The Yardie Creek Nature Walk is an easy 1.2km fairly flat return walk along the gorge. From there, the Yardie Gorge Trail is a tougher hike that goes up to the top of the gorge, there are some steep sections but it is only another 600m in length. There are great views of the creek, the orange gorge walls and the coast.
We started the walk at the same time the cruise departed and finished about the same time the cruise finished so allow about an hour for the hike. Along the way, because of the acoustics we could clearly make out the commentary which was interesting. We also spotted osprey eagles and caught a fleeting glimpse of a wallaby. In spring you’ll also see lots of wildflowers.
Read More: Take the Yardie Nature Walk along the Gorge
Mandu Mandu Gorge
Mandu Mandu Gorge is 50 minutes from Exmouth on the Ningaloo Reef side of the peninsula. This is a great walk that gets you into the range and up close to red and orange rock walls. It is also a great place for wildflower spotting in spring. There is a 3 km loop walk around the gorge that takes you from the sandy floor to the top of the gorge. There are some short steep sections so wear proper shoes and avoid the heat of the day. Keep an eye out for wallabies at dusk.
Charles Knife Canyon & Thomas Carter Lookout
This is an 11 km windy and at times narrow track. The last part is unsealed but do-able in 2WD if you take it easy. At the top there are great views of the canyon and Exmouth. The turn off is about 20 kilometres south of Exmouth. From the lookout you can access the Badjirrajirra Walk trail, a level 4 6 km loop around the top of the range. It’s best done between April and October to avoid the heat. If you are an early riser, one of the best things to do in Exmouth is go here for a spectacular sunrise.
Shothole Canyon
From the height of Charles Knife Canyon and the lookout, the 4WD only Shothole Canyon drive takes you along the floor of the gorge. Look for the turn off about 15 minutes south of Exmouth. It’s a 12km drive along the unsealed track. Check the conditions before you go, the track can be closed by rain.
Cape Range National Park Wildlife
The national park is a great place for nature lovers. Of course the marine life on the reef is amazing – whale sharks, manta rays, turtles… But there is plenty to see on the land too. The birdlife is wonderful. Keep an eye out for sea eagles and osprey eagles. As you drive along Yardie Creek Road watch out for Australian Bustards. The gorges have black flanked wallabies and kangaroos and emu are common-place. On the sand, look out for snakes and lizards.
Cape Range National Park Camping
There are beachside campsites dotted along the length of the Cape Range National Park. A couple of the bigger ones are at Yardie Creek and Osprey Bay but if you want somewhere a bit quieter try sites like Ned’s Camp, Kurrajong, Tulki Beach and Mesa. Sites must be pre-booked through Parks and Wildlife WA which you can do up to 6 months in advance. Many of the campgrounds have ocean front locations are perfect for snorkelling, kayaking, fishing or simply relaxing by the beautiful turquoise water.
Read More: Free & Low Cost Camping in Western Australia
Accommodation in Exmouth
Accommodation options range from national park beach side sites along the reef to apartments in Exmouth. Yardie Creek Homestead on the eastern side of the peninsula is a well located caravan park for exploring the reef and saves you a lot of driving each day. There are several other caravan parks located in Exmouth. If you would like to splash out you could book a night or two at the exclusive Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef Glamping in Cape Range National Park.
- 2 Nights Luxury Glamping at Sal Salis – Nestled snugly in the pristine dunes overlooking the fringing Ningaloo Reef, you’ll enjoy a coastal wonderland with no distractions. Includes all meals, drinks, snorkel equipment + more.
- Ningaloo Breeze Villa 5 – 3br airconditioned Villa with lounge, garden & kitchen. Linen provided. Close to Exmouth Beach
- The Bunkhouse – 6 minute walk from Exmouth. Studio accommodation with garden view, Fridge, Microwave, TV & Kettle
- Exmouth Escape Resort – Self Contained 1, 2 or 3br Villa. Large swimming pool. Walking distance to town beach & Marina
- Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort – Beachfront 1 or 2br resort style room. Fitness Centre, Tour Desk & Restaurant on site
- RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park – Studio, 1br or 2br cabins. Cabin facilities vary. Swimming pool, outdoor cinema, BBQ area
- 9 Skipjack Circle – Family Pet Friendly Holiday Home. 4br air conditioned, kitchen, bathroom 1.8km from Exmouth
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Hi There,
I am on leave from 2 June ’24 to 14 June ’24.
I like to swim, or dive with the Whale sharks. Also am very interested what else you offer. My first trip to Western Australia. Live in Brisbane and I am a nature lover.
63 years old and fit. I am a divemaster but haven’t dived for some time.
A package deal will suit me. I am a single traveler.
Hi Horst
We will just miss you – we will be visiting Exmouth at the end of June. 🙂 We loved our experience with the Whale Sharks, it is definately worth doing. You can click one of the links in the post to book a tour, however if you are looking for a package deal I would suggest contacting a local operator. While you are in Exmouth make sure you have some free time to snorkel Turquoise Bay and Lakeside at Cape Range. (You will need a car to get around).