Brimming with adventure and exquisite beauty, Exmouth is paradise personified. Whether you’re a turquoise water enthusiast or a lover of the rust-red outback terrain, it’s here that the two worlds meet.
Located approximately 1,250 kilometres from Perth — or a scenic 13-hour drive — the small town hugs one of the most magnificent and diverse stretches of coast in the country. It’s a destination fit for mermaids, fishermen, boaters, explorers, swimmers, and sunbathers. A place deserving of the bucket list, if it’s not already gracing it.
From the best ways to while away the hours to where to stop for a bite and tipple, here’s everything you need to know about Exmouth.
Things to do in Exmouth
Explore the coast
There are few places as exquisite as the Exmouth coastline. Here, where the desert meets the sea, internationally renowned beaches like Turquoise Bay are ready and raring to be discovered. Some others worthy of a gander include Bundegi Beach for swimming and fishing and the clothing-optional Mauritius Beach if you’re looking for a full-body tan. Surfing-wise, local favourites include Dunes and Lighthouse Bay.
Scenic flight tours
While you can swim, boat, or kayak among the marine life, you can only see so much. If you’re happy to throw down a few dollars, the best way to explore — in our humble opinion — is by plane. There’s not much better than taking to the skies on a scenic flight for a birds-eye view of the dreamy coastline below.
Exmouth-based Ningaloo Aviation offers scenic flights over Ningaloo Reef, as well as aerial photography, and whale shark spotting flights if that’s more your thing. You’ll fly over the rugged Cape Range and some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes and wildlife.
Swim with whale sharks
If you’ve been wanting to tick swimming with whale sharks off your bucket list, this is your chance. It’s the experience of a lifetime and a must-do when you’re visiting the area. Ningaloo Reef is the world’s largest fringing reef, stretching more than 300 kilometres along Western Australia’s coastline. It’s also one of the only places in the world where whale sharks reliably congregate each year. Being in the water with the world’s biggest fish is exhilarating and serene, and simultaneously awe-inspiring and humbling.
Fishing charter
With the continental shelf mere kilometres offshore, Exmouth is regarded by many as one of Australia’s premier fishing destinations. The waters of Ningaloo are home to all six Australian billfish species, longtail and yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, cobia, spangled emperor, blue bone, coral trout, Spanish mackerel, queen fish, whiting, bream, and giant trevally, to name a few.
There are plenty of options to choose from, whether you’re keen to launch your own boat, interested in a full-day fishing tour, or a private charter.
Hike Cape Range National Park
Exmouth is known for its land-based recreations, with world-class hiking just one of the many reasons visitors flock to town. It’s best to tackle the walks earlier in the day before it gets too hot and don’t forget to bring a water bottle.
The three-kilometre Mandu Mandu Gorge trail is one of Exmouth’s most impressive, offering views from Yardie Creek to Ningaloo Reef and the vibrant red cliffs. You might even spot a rock wallaby keeping cool within the gorge walls. Another popular route is the two-kilometre Yardie Nature Trail and Yardie Creek Gorge Trail.
Go for a snorkel
Packed with more than 500 species of fish and technicolour coral, Exmouth’s beaches, reefs, and rock pools are home to a plethora of world-class snorkelling sites.
The white sandy shores and pristine waters of Turquoise Bay — unsurprisingly considered one of Australia’s best beaches — are well worth a little exploration. Walk along the beach towards the southern end, take to the tides, and let the current take you over the reef for a sensational snorkelling experience. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, squid, and plenty of fish living in and around the reef.
Kayaking
For some, spending the days pruning away while floating in the bays of this coastal wonderland is the definition of a picture-perfect holiday. However, there are other ways to see the best of the reef — kayaking is another popular option to experience the Ningaloo Reef without getting as wet.
There are even moorings for you to tie off on and dive in, if you’re keen to get closer to the coral and fish. You’ll see plenty out and about, exploring what’s known as the Ningaloo Kayak Trail. You can navigate it yourself or book a tour to guarantee you won’t paddle off in the wrong direction.
Watch the sunrise at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
The 1912-built Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is one of the state’s best sunrise spots, well worth checking out while you’re in town. It’s one of a small handful of places on the Australian coast where you can observe both sunrise and sunset — any nature fiend ought to experience both.
You’ll revel in exquisite panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and Ningaloo Reef, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale or two during the migration season between June and the end of October.
Day trip to Coral Bay and swim with manta rays
Take a day trip to the nearby Coral Bay and jump aboard a Half Day Manta Ray Tour to experience the best of what Ningaloo Reef has to offer. We’re talking snorkelling amongst coral gardens with graceful manta rays, and cruising pristine waters in search of dolphins, turtles, reef sharks, and dugongs.
Where to eat and drink in Exmouth
The BBQ Father
Gourmet deli and espresso bar by day and Italian restaurant by night, The BBQ Father is the place to wine and dine. You’ll find all of the usual favourites like woodfired pizza and pasta, alongside fall-off-the-bone smoked meats so tender they’ll melt in your mouth. Did we mention they also have gelato?
Bamboo Exmouth
If you’re searching for drool-worthy, you’ll find it here. Swing by Bamboo for a healthy helping of sushi to pack for your day out.
Whalebone Brewing Company
Whalebone Brewing Company is Exmouth’s local craft brewery and distillery. Relaxed, family-friendly, and complemented by delicious pizza and smoker nights, this is a place where you can kick off your thongs, sit under the stars, and soak up the tunes by local and travelling musicians.
The Short Order Local
You’ll find this coffee van perched at Town Beach pouring morning brews on the daily. Sip your oat dirty chai overlooking the dreamy turquoise water for the best start to the day.
Froth Craft Brewery
Froth Craft Brewery is a beloved micro-brewery, restaurant, and live music venue for both locals and blow-ins alike. With a kitchen slinging consistently delicious local produce, a bar pouring artisan craft beer brewed on-site, and a café grinding out great coffee, it’s a must if you’re searching for a great place for a feed.
Whalers Restaurant
Set within Escape Resort, Whalers is open for all of your breakfast, lunch, and dinnertime cravings. You’ll find all things burgers, steak, freshly grilled seafood, and local fish and chips.
Where to stay in Exmouth
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
If waking up with the sun from your eco-luxury safari tent is your idea of heaven, this should be number one on your accommodation bucket list. Imagine peeking out to a World Heritage-listed coral reef just metres away, bound by ancient West Australian folklore-filled terrain surrounding you. Nestled on the Ningaloo Reef coastline, Sal Salis is a luxury beach camp home to 15 wilderness tents with mind-boggling views. It’s all-inclusive and it doesn’t get much better.
Exmouth Escape Resort
Set in town, Exmouth Escape Resort is a modern, family-friendly, and self-contained accommodation option just a stone’s throw from restaurants, pubs, and shops. Whether you’d prefer to stay in a villa or apartment, there’s something for all tastes and preferences.
Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort
With an enviable location, Mantarays is a casual yet stylish resort suited for those looking for something a little luxe. Choose from one, two and three-bedroom, self-contained apartments and beachside bungalows. Then while away the hours by the pool with a cocktail in hand. That’s a big yes from us.
RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park
Set within one kilometre of the town centre, RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park is a great option for campers and caravanners or those looking for the comfort and convenience of a cabin.
Yardie Homestead
Yardie Homestead is perched just 32 kilometres from Exmouth, at the entrance of Cape Range National Park. Surrounded by the rugged ranges and breathtaking coastline, it’s the perfect base whether you fancy a campsite, chalet, cabin, or the shearer’s quarters.
Getting to Exmouth
When it comes to travelling to Exmouth, you’ve got two options. You can hit the road for a long and scenic car trip or take to the skies for a speedier and equally picturesque journey.
By Car
Exmouth is located 1,250 kilometres — just under 13 hours by car — north of Perth along the Coral Coast Highway. Yes, it’s a fair way, but it’s the perfect opportunity to turn your journey into a world-class road trip by experiencing the incredible destinations and attractions along the way.
By Plane
For an efficient albeit more expensive journey, you can take the two-hour flight from Perth to Exmouth. You’ll fly into Learmonth Airport, which is located approximately 36 kilometres from the town centre.
