Exmouth is the gateway to the beautiful Ningaloo Reef. While not as famous as the Great Barrier Reef, it’s just as breathtaking and a true paradise for ocean lovers. Besides the many snorkeling spots, this is the best place to swim with whale sharks and whales in an ethical way. Furthermore, you can hike in the Cape Range National Park or just soak up the laidback atmosphere that prevails in this small town. Exmouth should definitely not be missed during your road trip in Western Australia. Here you can read about the best things to do in Exmouth, where to stay and the best snorkeling spots!
7 best things to do in Exmouth, Australia
The area around Exmouth is especially popular for its beautiful underwater world. Here, you can swim ethically with the “gentle giants“: the whale shark, humpback whale and giant manta ray. But even those who do not like the ocean should not skip Exmouth. The Cape Range National Park offers scenic hikes and great campsites right by the sea. Quickly discover the best things to do in Exmouth, Western Australia!
1) Swim with whale sharks
The reason most people come to Exmouth in Australia is to swim with the whale shark, the largest fish in the world that can grow up to 18 meters long. The Ningaloo Reef is one of the only places in the world where you can swim ethically with these giant animals. While a maximum of 10 people head out to the open ocean, a small “spotter plane” circles the reef and scans the ocean with them.
Once found, you enter the water and observe the whale shark from a respectful distance. From March through August you can book a tour like this. Keep in mind, it’s still nature and sightings are not 100% guaranteed. Unfortunately, we weren’t lucky enough to see a whale shark on our tour. However, we did encounter plenty of other incredible marine life, including giant manta rays, reef sharks, whales, and turtles! We joined with Coral Bay Ecotours and can only recommend them!
2) Snorkeling in Ningaloo Reef
Snorkeling the breathtaking Ningaloo Reef is arguably the best thing to do in Exmouth. As the largest fringing coral reef in the world, we found it even more stunning than the Great Barrier Reef. Its untouched corals are teeming with marine life, and every year, thousands of turtles nest on the beaches of Cape Range National Park. Exmouth offers plenty of incredible snorkeling spots, from vibrant coral gardens to sea turtle nesting areas. We went snorkeling at several places after consulting the local ranger and are now happy to share the best snorkeling spots in the Cape Range National Park near Exmouth!
Would you like to go snorkeling but prefer not to go alone? This guided snorkel tour takes you to the most beautiful snorkeling sites in Exmouth and the experienced guide will make sure you snorkel safely and don’t miss a thing!
1) Oyster Stacks
Here you will find beautiful coral formations in shallow water with a huge variety of fish species. Furthermore, here you also have a chance to see the blue spotted ray. The beach at Oyster Stacks is very rocky, so be careful when entering the water. A pair of water sandals are definitely recommended here. You can only snorkel at Oyster Stacks during high tide, because at low tide the corals themselves rise above the water. At the visitor center you can check the hours when it is safe to snorkel at Oyster Stacks.
Opening hours Milyering Discovery Centre: daily from 09:00 to 15:45
2) Osprey Bay
This is where you should be if you want to see turtles in their natural habitat. In Osprey Bay you will find lots of sea grass in the ocean, something turtles really like to eat. In addition, this is also one of their breeding grounds. So when you go snorkeling here, there is a very good chance that you will see a turtle. When we snorkeled there we saw as many as five turtles, a magical experience!
3) Lakeside
The Lakeside snorkeling spot is right by the visitor center (Milyering Discovery Centre) of the Cape Range National Park. You first walk 1 km down the beach until you get to the designated spot. Here again you will find beautiful coral formations, and especially large formations. As a result, you are also more likely to find larger animals here that like to hide around these corals. Think manta rays, reef sharks and turtles.
4) Turquoise Bay
At Turquoise Bay, you can park at the drift loop and experience one of the most exciting ways to snorkel, letting the current carry you along as you explore the underwater world. Again, you can see beautiful corals and numerous animals here. Just be aware that the current here can be very strong. Get in the water up to your waist and take a moment to feel how strong the current is. If you’re confident, you can safely snorkel as long as you exit at the designated spots. Flags on the beach indicate safe entry and exit points, and wearing flippers is highly recommended to help navigate the current if needed.
TRAVEL TIP: At the visitor center you can buy wetsuits, snorkels and flippers rent for one or more days. So you don’t need to bring any in advance.
3) Relaxing at Turquoise Bay
Even if you are not into snorkeling, you should definitely make a stop at Turquoise Bay. A small sandbank splits Turquoise Bay into two parts: on the one hand, you have the snorkeling area with the drift loop, and on the other, a bay with crystal clear water with no current. Turquoise Bay therefore owes its name to the beautiful water and its turquoise color. It’s the perfect spot to relax on the beach, and thanks to the incredible clarity, you can see the sandy bottom even without a snorkel!
4) Hiking in Yardie Creek
Not a fan of the ocean? In addition to snorkeling, you can also do some beautiful hiking in Exmouth. The most scenic hike is undoubtedly the one at Yardie Creek. Here you follow from the parking lot an easy trail of 1.2 km out and back that takes you to a viewpoint over the gorge. Along the way you’ll have a view of the orange rocks and who knows, you may even encounter a rock wallaby. Those who wish can then continue hiking along the Yardie Gorge trail. This 2 km hike takes you deeper into the gorge, but is more challenging. Finally, you can also rent kayaks or board a Yardie Creek Boat Tour and explore the gorge from the water.
5) Brunch at The Social Society
For a scrumptious breakfast or lunch, be sure to visit The Social Society. The extensive menu features numerous healthy dishes in addition to fresh smoothies and the tastiest coffees. Everything is vegetarian or vegan and freshly made. When you finish brunch, you can also take a look in the store of this nice brunch bar. You’ll find contemporary clothing and products from local Australian designers.
6) Sunset watching at Charles Knife Canyon
Driving through Charles Knife Canyon feels like stepping onto another planet. As the road winds through the massive canyon, breathtaking views unfold on both sides. You can drive a regular vehicle up to the Charles Knife Canyon lookout. The road is mostly paved, only the last bit is a gravel road but is doable with a 2WD. Beyond that, the road turns into a 4WD road. Sunset is the best time to visit, as the canyon glows in stunning shades of orange. Located just 20 minutes from Exmouth, this is a drive you won’t want to miss!
7) Tasting local beers in breweries
You might not immediately expect it, but the town of Exmouth is home to no less than two craft breweries. The Froth Craft Brewery is a downtown microbrewery with a full restaurant attached. At the Whalebone Brewing Co, you’ll find “Ningaloo Spirits” and delicious pizza in addition to local beers. Pull up a chair at one of the long wooden tables, get chatting with fellow travelers or locals and, on weekends, enjoy live music while tasting your beer.
8) Must do in Exmouth: swim with whales
Another great experience to do in Exmouth, Australia is whale watching and swimming with them! Following the whale shark season, you’ll find humpback whales along the coast from June to the end of October. Since 2024, you have the chance to swim with these giant animals in Western Australia. Again, this is in a very ethical and regulated way, and it is one of the only places in the world where you can do this. Furthermore, on this tour you will also explore the Ningaloo Reef and be able to admire the beautiful coral where you will also encounter numerous other marine animals.
Where to stay in Exmouth
If you travel with a camper like we did, it’s best to stay at one of the beautiful campgrounds in the Cape Range National Park. Here you park right on the shoreline, in the middle of nature. It is advisable to book the campsites in advance as they are very popular. Bookings can be done through the official website of Cape Range National Park.
Exmouth itself offers nice accommodations for every budget:
- Budget ($): RAC Exmouth Holiday Park – a downtown campground where you can also stay in one of the cozy bungalows
- Comfort ($$): Exmouth Escape Resort – well-kept cottages where you have access to the pool and restaurant
- Luxurious ($$$): Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort – beautiful resort right on the beach with fitness, pool and restaurants that make you never want to leave
How to visit Exmouth
The coastal town of Exmouth is located in the state of Western Australia, about a 13-hour drive from the city of Perth. So the best way to visit Exmouth is to make a fun road trip along Western Australia’s coastline. There are also daily flights from Perth to Exmouth Learmonth Airport. The flight takes about 2 hours.
Best time to visit Exmouth, Western Australia
The best time to visit Exmouth in Western Australia is between March and October. Then the weather is pleasant and not too hot. From November to March it can be extremely hot in this part of Western Australia and you also have a chance of cyclones. So it is best to avoid this period, but it is the ideal travel time for the East Coast of Australia. Read here the perfect itinerary from Melbourne to Sydney!
Best months to see marine animals in Exmouth
The Ningaloo Reef’s vibrant marine life is a major attraction in Exmouth, with certain species appearing during specific times of the year. To help plan your visit, here’s a guide to the seasonal wildlife encounters:
- Whale sharks: March to early August
- Humpback whales: June to late October
- Giant mantas: year-round, but a greater chance from mid-May to mid-September
- Turtle nesting and brooding: nesting occurs between December and February while eggs hatch between January and March
Do you have any tips for what do in Exmouth, Australia? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information for your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us contact or feel free to email info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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