18 best Things To Do in Exmouth
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Exmouth is a beautiful coastal town in Western Australia located next to the Ningaloo Reef, which makes it the perfect destination for your beach holiday. There is plenty to do in this vibrant community, from exploring the natural wonders of the Ningaloo Reef to enjoying some locally crafted beers.
Many places are within driving distance of the town, making it the perfect base for a holiday full of activities. However, for a real outdoor experience, I recommend staying at the Cape Range National Park, where you can snorkel along the reef or do some beautiful hikes.
During my trip around australia, I stayed in exmouth about 10 days and put together a list of the 18 best things to do in Exmouth that can help with planning your trip.
READ ALSO: From Perth to Broome: the best road trip in Western Australia in 3 weeks
How to get to Exmouth?
From Perth to Exmouth
Exmouth is located about 1200 kilometers north of Perth and the best way to get from there is by car. It is one of the most beautiful road trips I’ve done as you will pass some amazing sights like Kalbarri National Park, Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake), Shark Bay, and Coral Bay.
There are many rental companies in Perth where you can get a campervan or even a 4WD to explore the beauty of the Coral Coast.
READ ALSO: 11 amazing things to do in Shark Bay, Western Australia
Flights from Perth to Exmouth (Learmonth)
There are a number of flights to Learmonth airport, which is located just south of Exmouth. However, the airport is a small airport and only offers a few flights each day. So, if you’re looking to fly into Exmouth, be sure to check the availability of flights before booking your trip.
The flight from Perth to Exmouth is about 2 hours.
Bus Services From Perth To Exmouth
If you’re not interested in driving, there are a number of bus services that offer trips from Perth to Exmouth. The trip takes around 24 hours, and the buses stop in a number of towns along the way, including Geraldton, Carnarvon, and Coral Bay.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Exmouth?
The best time to visit Exmouth is during the winter months (April – September), as this is the peak season for whale migration and tourism. However, you can visit Exmouth also during the summer months if you want to skip the crowds.
Just keep in mind that it can be very hot during these months and other will be some very strong winds. My last trip was in mid-summer (January), and I faced temperatures of 48 degrees Celsius during the day.
So, it’s all about taking what the weather throws at you and making the most of it. And don’t forget to pack a beach umbrella or gazebo to stay protected from the sun!
Entrance Fee for Cape Range National Park
Like most of the National Parks in Western Australia, you’ll need to pay an entry fee to visit the Cape Range National Park. The fee is AU$ 15/vehicle and does not include your camping spot.
An Annual National Park pass is more convenient if you decide to explore more national parks in Western Australia. This Park Pass costs only AU$ 120 and is valid for up to one year and covers most of the parks in WA.
Accommodation In Exmouth?
There are a number of options for accommodation in Exmouth, including camping grounds, backpacker hostels, and hotels. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance, as the town can be quite busy during peak season.
For a more adventurous holiday, I recommend camping in the Cape Range National Park right in front of the Ningaloo Reef.
TIP: Don’t forget to book a camping spot and your National Park Pass if you go camping in Cape Range National Park
The Cape Range National Park is located 70km out of town and offers a range of hiking trails and camping grounds. In my opinion, you can stay here at some of the most beautiful camping spots in Australia.
Prices are AU$ 11 per person/night
This caravan park is located just a few minutes from Town Beach and offers camping and accommodation options, including cabins and villas.
The park is also home to a number of facilities, including a swimming pool, a kids playground, and a BBQ area.
Prices start from AU$ 40 per night for an unpowered campsite
If you’re looking for a unique accommodation option, be sure to check out Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef. This is a luxury safari camp located on the beachfront and offers a range of activities, including whale watching, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Besides, the camp is home to a number of different animal species, including kangaroos, emus, and wallabies.
Prices start from AU$ 3500 for 2 nights
How Many Days Do You Need In Exmouth?
Most people spend around 3-4 days in Exmouth. This gives you enough time to explore a bit of the town and the Ningaloo Reef. Although, I preferred to travel slowly and relax on the beaches of the National Park.
If you’re interested in doing some hiking or outdoor activities, be sure to add an extra day or two to your trip. I stayed 2 times here for 5 days each time and still, there are more places to discover.
Keep in mind to book your accommodation in advance during the winter months as many families will travel from Perth to Exmouth because of the school holidays.
Extra tips For Visiting Exmouth
Use The Free Showers At Town Beach
If you’re visiting during the summer, be sure to take a trip to Town Beach. Not only is it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, but it also features free showers, which come in handy after a day spent at the beach.
Free Drinking Water And Clean Toilets At The Ningaloo Aquarium And Discovery Centre:
The Ningaloo Aquarium and Discovery Centre offer free drinking water and clean toilets, making them a great spot to stop for a break while touring the area.
Free Wifi at the Milyering Visitor Centre:
The Milyering Visitor Centre offers free Wifi, making it a great spot to catch up on emails or check the latest news. Also, the center has a range of information about the area, making it a great place to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
Bring Enough Drinking Water:
Be sure to bring enough drinking water with you, especially if you’re planning on staying at one of the campsites in the Cape Range National Park as there is no drinking water available.
TIP: There is drinking water available next to the visitor center in town and a bore water tap is available across the road at Neds Campground
Make Sure You Have An Beach Umbrella Or Gazebo:
The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella or gazebo with you. This will help protect you from the sun and sand and will come in handy if you plan on spending time outdoors.
Bring Snorkelling Gear:
The waters off the coast of Exmouth are some of the best in the world for snorkeling. If you’re interested in exploring the area’s marine life, be sure to bring your snorkeling gear with you.
TIP: float along the reef at ‘The Drift’ in Turquoise Bay
Visit During Whale Season:
If you’re interested in seeing whales, be sure to visit during whale season. The town is located close to the Ningaloo Reef, one of the best spots in the world for whale watching and spotting other amazing creatures in the ocean.
17 Fantastic things to do in Exmouth
Go on a Humpback Whale Tour
The waters off the coast of Exmouth are home to a large population of humpback whales. Between June and November each year, these magnificent creatures migrate north to the warmer waters around Indonesia. This makes it the perfect time to go on a whale-watching tour.
Many tour operators in Exmouth offer whale watching tours, so you can get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. The view of these gentle giants breaching the surface is an unforgettable experience. Also, keep an eye out for dolphins, sharks, and other amazing wildlife.
I joined a tour with Ningaloo Discovery and paid about AU$ 350, which was excellent as they have a photographer on board and if you don’t see any whales, they give you your money back or you can book another tour.
TIP: Join a Humpback whale tour on the first days of your holiday in Exmouth. In case you don’t see any or due to bad weather, you can join another tour in the next few days for free.
Snorkel At “The Drift” In Turquoise Bay
Turquoise Bay is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations in Western Australia. The clear, blue waters and abundance of marine life make it a snorkellers’ paradise. The Bay is located just a few minutes from Exmouth town center, making it easy to get to.
Just Park your car on the beach and wade into the water. Be sure to keep an eye out for turtles, dugongs, and dolphins.
TIP: Bring your snorkel gear and drive to the parking area of “the Drift”
Swim With Manta Rays In The Ningaloo Reef
Manta rays are one of the most beautiful and graceful creatures in the ocean. These gentle giants can often be seen swimming near the water’s surface, making them perfect for swimming with.
The Ningaloo Reef is a Marine Park located just off the coast of Exmouth. It is world-renowned for its population of manta rays and offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world.
With a Whale Shark tour, you can spot these beautiful creatures while snorkeling and most tour operators have a professional photographer on board, so no worries about taking a GoPro or underwater case for your camera.
Stay At Some Of The Best Bush Camps In Australia
If you’re looking for a remote and peaceful bush camp to stay at, then look no further than Exmouth. Many camping spots are located in front of the beaches in the Cape Range National Park.
Most sites are accessible for caravans and RVs but with a 4WD you can explore a bit more off-the-beaten-path areas in the national park. I stayed at Osprey Bay and Kurrajong, which were the most beautiful campground in Australia
The campsites can be booked through the DPAW Website and cost about AU$ 11 per person/night.
Visit The Jurabi Turtle Centre And Try To Spot Nestling Turtle Turquoise Bay
The Jurabi Turtle Centre is a non-profit organisation set up to promote the conservation of marine turtles. The centre offers visitors the opportunity to learn about these amazing creatures and their ecology.
The best time to visit Exmouth for turtles is in summer when you have a good chance of seeing baby turtles making their way to the sea.
Find Turtles Nests On Hunter Beach
Hunter beach is a beautiful, secluded beach located just North of Exmouth. It’s a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and turtle spotting. The beach is home to a large population of turtles and is often used as a nesting ground.
The locals in Exmouth told me that this is one of the best places to spot baby turtles during summer. There were a lot of turtle nests and crawling tracks on the beach, so, If you’re lucky, you may be able to see some of the turtles making their way to the sea.
Go For A Hike Or Boat Ride At Yardie Creek
Yardie Creek is a beautiful, rugged gorge located in the south of the Cape Range National Park. The area is a popular spot for hiking and offers some of the best views in the area.
There is small hiking that goes along the Yardie Creek with some spectacular views. The best time to go for a hike is around sunset or sunrise. The creek can also be explored by boat, with many tour operators offering trips up and down the creek.
BOOK: It is recommended to book a boat tour at Yardie Creek in advance during the high season
Try To Spot Some Wildlife Like Rock-Wallabies And Emus
One of the best things about Exmouth is the abundance of wildlife seen in the area. The town is located in the heart of the Cape Range National Park, which is home to various animals, including rock wallabies, emus, and kangaroos.
Be sure to take a drive or walk through the park to see if you can spot any of these creatures.
Watch The Sunset Or Spot Wales At The Flaminghead Lighthouse
The Flaminghead Lighthouse is a beautiful, historic lighthouse located on the north end of Exmouth. It offers visitors some of the best views in the area, including stunning sunsets and a view of Wales (the only place in Australia where you can see it).
The lighthouse is open to the public and popular for tourists and locals alike.
Get Information In The Visitor Center (Free Wifi)
If you’re looking for information on what to do in and around Exmouth, the Visitor Center is the place to go. The center offers a wealth of information on the local area, including maps, brochures, and advice from the locals.
They also offer free wifi so you can stay connected while you’re in town.
Enjoy Some Local Taste At The Breweries
Exmouth is home to two local breweries, namely the Froth brewery and Whalebone brewery. Both breweries offer a range of local beers, ciders, and spirits. Make sure you try their tasting plates as it is on AU$ 26 to taste 6-7 of their best beers.
In addition, the breweries are both located in great spots, with the Froth brewery in the middle of the town of Exmouth and the Whalebone brewery set in a beautiful garden. So be sure to check them out if you’re looking for some local flavor.
Wander around the small shops in town
Exmouth has a small town with some nice clothing shops, a cafe, 2 IGA supermarkets, a camping shop, and a liquor store. The town is not very big but it has a nice coastal vibe where you can do some afternoon shopping or have a morning coffee.
Also many tours in the Ningaloo Reef can be booked in town.
Have a BBQ in Federation Park
The Federation Park is a large park located in the heart of Exmouth. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with plenty of grassy areas for picnics, BBQs, and games of cricket or football.
The park also features a playground, skatepark, and splash pool, making it the perfect spot for a day out with the family. Furthermore, the park is free to enter, making it a great option for budget-minded travelers.
Picnic at Town beach
Town Beach is the main beach in Exmouth and is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics. The beach is located in the town center and is within walking distance of most hotels and caravan parks.
It’s also one of the best beaches in town to do kayaking, jetskiing, or paddleboarding, so it’s a great place to people watch and soak up some sun.
Explore Charles Knife Canyon With Sunrise Or Sunset
The Charles knife canyon is a beautiful, rugged canyon located just outside Exmouth. It’s a popular spot for hikers and can be explored with or without a guide.
The canyon offers some of the best views in the area, with opportunities to see sunrise and sunset. It’s also home to various wildlife, including eagles, kangaroos, and wallabies.
BOOK: Join a tour of the Ningaloo Safari Tours and have an excellent day exploring the beauty of Exmouth with Dave.
Admire The Underwater Life At The Ningaloo Aquarium
The Ningaloo Aquarium is a small aquarium located in the town of Exmouth. It’s home to a range of marine life, including sharks, dolphins, and turtles. The aquarium offers a range of exhibits and displays and a gift shop and cafe.
It’s a great place to learn more about the area’s marine life and get some close-ups of some of the locals.
INFO: Find here more information about the Ningaloo Aquarium
Visit The Mildura Wreck
The Mildura wreck is a shipwreck located just off the coast North of Exmouth. It’s a popular spot for divers and snorkellers and offers some of the best diving in the area.
The wreck is well-preserved and is home to a variety of marine life, including coral, fish, and sea urchins. Be sure to check it out if you’re looking for an underwater adventure.
Discover The Murals Of Exmouth
Exmouth is home to a number of beautiful murals, which can be found throughout the town center. The murals depict the local history and folklore scenes and are a great way to learn more about the town and its people.
They’re also a great spot for taking photos, so be sure to snap some shots while you’re in town.
Exmouth is a beautiful town located in the North-West of Western Australia and offers a range of activities and attractions, including the Ningaloo Reef and Whale Shark Encounter.
Additionally, the town is surrounded by the Cape Range National Park, which offers a range of hiking trails and camping grounds. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance, as the town can be quite busy during peak season.
Do you have any other tips or advice for visitors looking to explore Exmouth? If so, be sure to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy your stay in Exmouth!
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Explore Exmouth with my favorite travel apps
To plan my adventures, I use these FREE websites and apps as they provide the best information, the best deals, and they are user-friendly.
- Skyscanner – Flight deals
- Booking.com – Hotels and accommodation
- TourRadar – Group trips
- TripAdvisor – Reviews and activities
- HostelWorld – Hostels
- GetYourGuide – Activities and excursions
- RentalCars – Car rental
- Omio – Transport
- iVisa – Travel documents
- InsuredNomads – Travel Insurance
PICTURES AND EDITING
All the pictures on this page are made and owned by me. If you are interested in some pictures to use for your magazine, website, blog, or any other purpose, just send me an email and we’ll figure it out.
Do you like the edits? My Presets will be online soon so you can edit your pictures in just one click!
The camera gear I used for this trip
I never go out without my camera and many people ask me which gear I use. So to make it quite easy, I listed all the gear I used for this trip below.
Most of the time, I travel with the Sony A7III and the Sony 24-105mm/f4 as my primary lens but depending on the location, I change to another setup. However, I love the Tamron 17-28 to shoot in the big cities.
