Exmouth is a popular holiday destination for good reason: the many natural experiences and attractions that surround this coastal city, including the iconic Ningaloo Reef and the spectacular Cape Range National Park, can all be discovered in Exmouth tour!
Exploring Exmouth
The friendly, adventurous coastal town of Exmouth is the starting point for some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. Jump into the ocean and swim with creatures large and small. Or head to the rugged and scenic surrounding coastline for more opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.
Exmouth, located in Western Australia, is the entry point to the Ningaloo Marine Park, a World Heritage-listed site featuring the world’s largest fringing reef, accessible either by a 13-hour drive or a two-hour flight from Perth. Watch kaleidoscopic fish darting between the beautiful coral from a glass-bottom boat or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Turquoise Bay as turtles and manta rays gracefully swim by. Many travellers also include Pinnacles tours in their itinerary, making the most of Western Australia’s unique blend of ocean and outback experiences.
Things to do in Exmouth
From March to August, swim with whale sharks and gentle sea giants. Closer to the shore is the impressive Navy Pier, one of the world’s best land diving sites, where you can immerse yourself in a dazzling array of marine life. But the water adventures don’t end there. From August to October, majestic humpback whales travel through the deep blue waters, and from November to March, nesting turtles take over the beach!
The sparkling turquoise waters are replaced by the rust-red landscape of the Cape Range National Park, just a short drive south of Exmouth. Strap on your hiking boots and explore the ancient cliffs and canyons, looking for local wildlife such as emus, red kangaroos and spiny echidnas. Back in Exmouth, allow yourself to go barefoot and toast the day’s adventures with a chilled local white craft beer or fresh produce from the region.
Ningaloo Marine Park
The bustling town of Exmouth, home to just over 2,000 people, is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Coast of Ningaloo (Ninggulu). The Ningaloo Marine Park is home to some of the world’s most unique coral reefs and diverse marine life. Travellers can sail on glass-bottomed boats, some offering half-day or full-day snorkelling trips. Dive and watch for manta rays, whale sharks and turtles. The park has a diverse bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatching lovers.
Cape Range National Park
The Cape Range National Park is a popular attraction in Exmouth and is known for its charm. Located in the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, limestone cliffs and red mountains give way to spectacular canyons teeming with wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos and echidnas. Take a walk or boat trip along the Yardie Creek River as it meanders between the massive cliffs. Picnic areas and viewpoints offer plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views.
Enjoy swimming and snorkelling in Turquoise Bay
Named the best beach in the South Pacific and the third best beach in the world in Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards 2022, Turquoise Bay, with its crystal clear waters and white sands, is a 50-minute drive from the centre of Exmouth. The temperature in September averages 28 degrees Celsius and rises to 30 degrees in the summer months. The beach is beautiful, known for its incredible marine life, and is often cited as the best snorkelling spot on the coral coast. Book a sea kayak tour with a mask and snorkel or drift snorkelling, where you let the warm current of the water carry you along the colourful coral reef and keep an eye out for manta rays, turtles and dolphins.
Turtle tours
The Western Australian Parks and Wildlife Service organises sea turtle habitat tours from the Jurabi Turtle Centre on the beach. Specialised guides will take you to the turtle nests in December and January, and in February and March, the service offers tours where you can watch the tiny hatchlings as they hatch and make their way to the sea.
Dining options in Exmouth
Exmouth has a laid-back atmosphere with a wide range of restaurants and bars. Many seafood restaurants serve fresh local produce. Try Whalers Restaurant, which offers dishes such as snapper and prawns with lime, coriander and coconut for dinner (although it is open for breakfast and lunch). Located on the Exmouth Escape Resort grounds, it often has live music and a very relaxed atmosphere. If you want to complement your meal with a cocktail or two, Exhale Exmouth serves cocktails and delicious snacks such as sea bass ceviche.
Swimming with whale sharks
From late March to July, whale sharks congregate off the coast of Western Australia to feed on the Ningaloo Reef. Weighing up to 11 tonnes each and the size of a bus, fortunately, the sharks only feed on plankton and occasionally fish, allowing people to play with them in complete safety.
Yes, it’s true: there are day trips on offer, where you can fly over the water, spot a whale shark and quickly land to land and swim alongside it. Described as a “unique” experience, it’s also environmentally friendly, as proceeds from each trip go towards whale shark research.
While the whale sharks of Ningaloo are famous for their gentle nature, Australia’s northern waters are also home to a much more prehistoric and formidable resident. If your appetite for wildlife encounters grows after swimming with the sea giants of Exmouth, a Jumping Crocodile Cruise tour in the Northern Territory is the ultimate next step. Swapping the crystal-clear turquoise bays for the murky adrenaline of the Adelaide River allows you to witness the raw power of saltwater crocodiles as they launch themselves high out of the water. It’s a thrilling contrast to the tranquil reef experience, showcasing the wild and untamed diversity that makes the Australian Top End just as captivating as the Coral Coast.
Where to stay?
Families and groups of friends looking to get away from it all can rent an entire private island for 12 people with a minimum stay of three nights. Wilderness Island in Exmouth Bay is 38 kilometres from Exmouth and can be reached in 20 minutes by plane. Several private cabins are waiting for you, each with a bed and bathroom located almost directly on the beach. Wake up to the sound of the water lapping at your doorstep, then hop on a boat and head out on a complimentary boat tour to fish, snorkel, or the island. At Wilderness Island, you can even taste oysters fresh off the rocks.
The Ningaloo Reef Resort, with its tropical breezes and energy (thanks to swaying palm trees and waterfront location), is hard to beat for a more central location. It’s located in Coral Bay and close to all the attractions, including the marine park. Book a self-catering apartment with ocean views and dip in the pool or sea after a breakfast of mushroom bruschetta and Nutella waffles for the kids at the on-site Shades Café.
FAQ
What is Exmouth best known for?
Exmouth is famous for its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, spectacular Cape Range National Park, and opportunities to swim with whale sharks, manta rays, and turtles.
When is the best time to visit for marine wildlife encounters?
From March to August, you can swim with whale sharks; August to October brings humpback whales, and November to March is turtle nesting season.
What are the top attractions in Exmouth?
Highlights include snorkelling at Turquoise Bay, diving at the Navy Pier, exploring Cape Range National Park, and joining guided turtle tours at Jurabi Turtle Centre.
Are there dining options in Exmouth?
Yes — from fresh seafood at Whalers Restaurant to cocktails and tapas at Exhale Exmouth, the town offers a variety of relaxed dining spots.
Where can I stay in and around Exmouth?
Choices range from the beachfront Ningaloo Reef Resort in Coral Bay to the remote Wilderness Island, offering private cabins and exclusive nature experiences.
