Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Exmouth

Exmouth, a beautiful seaside town in Western Australia, is known for its natural wonders and weird marine experiences. Situated on the Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth has something for adventurers, nature lovers and those who just want to chill. With turquoise waters, stunning views and thriving marine life, this guide highlights the top 10 must-see attractions in Exmouth that will give you the experience to remember.

Exmouth: A Brief History

’s history is tied to being a Royal Navy base during the Cold War era, particularly with communication and defence under the Command. Founded in the 1960s, it has become one of ’s top tourist , combining its military past with local natural assets. Today, , , is famous for its calm coastal and reefs, so it’s worth a visit.

Weird Marine Life in Exmouth

one of the largest fringing reefs in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage has many types of marine life. Here you can find swimming among gardens or swim with and , big but gentle . They offer some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world thanks to their and high biodiversity, including popular spots like or .

How do I get there?

You can get to by different means of transport. The Learmonth Airport is 36km from the and has regular flights from Perth or Broome and others. If you drive from Perth, it will take around 12 hours to get to the scenic Western Australian landscapes. While in , hire a 4WD so you can drive on dirt roads outside of .

Plan your Exmouth Activities

To make your visit more fun, plan your activities during the which is May to October. Book your Exmouth tours in advance, such as swims or diving trips. Monitor the weather and prepare for outdoor activities. There are options for first-timers and experienced divers, such as snorkelling or watching.

Exmouth Attractions

Snorkel

Snorkelling in is hands down the best any visitor to this amazing place will ever have. has exceptional underwater biodiversity, with some of the best and snorkel spots in Australia. and are just a couple of the nice spots to see underwater beauty.

These beautiful offer guided snorkel tours with local operators like so you can snorkel safely, learn and have fun. Knowledgeable guides will take you through marine ecosystems, tell you about the importance of reefs and show you the different animals you might see. Whether you’ve never snorkelled before or are an experienced diver, these guided tours will add to your underwater and make your visit to one to remember.

Camp or ‘Glamp’ on the Beach

If you’re looking for something different in , camping or ‘glamping’ on the beach is a great option. Within the , there are many alternatives to stay, including old-fashioned campsites to luxury glamping retreats, each offering a different way to the natural beauty of this area.

For a more rugged , traditional camping is available at places like the , where you can get back to nature. Located near the beach, the park is a quick walk to the beach and for swimming. The park has facilities to cater to campers, including barbecue areas, clean amenities, and shaded for your comfort.

offers luxury glamping tents for a touch of glamour in the bush. The tents have soft beds, modern furniture and en-suite bathrooms. The raised platforms and large patios have great of , where you can spend your downtime taking in the . It’s also an old-fashioned charm with modern conveniences so you can have a comfortable but immersive .

Hike the Canyons in Cape Range National Park

has hikes of varying difficulty that take you through different landscapes and ecosystems. The rough terrain, and beautiful gorges make it a favourite among hikers because each one is unique in its challenges and rewards.

In this park is , which is one of the most popular hikes through a rugged gorge with of the surrounding landscape. This walk takes you through towering rock walls forming part of a bed and exposes the geological history of the area. You may see different wildlife species, including kangaroos and birds, so it’s worth visiting, especially if you’re a nature lover.

is another must-do hike. You’ll pass through steep cliffs and deep gorges along the trail and have over the surrounding plains as you walk down. Walking across allows you to see the unique geological features of the park, the coastal plain, and the Indian Ocean.

Swim with Whale Sharks

March to August is when these come to ’s . Most trips are designed to make it easy for people to see them, often using planes to find out where they are at any given .

It’s not just swimming with ; most of these trips offer more. It usually includes talks about the biology and behavior of these . You’ll learn about their eating habits, migration patterns and their role in the marine ecosystem. Knowledgeable guides and marine biologists will answer all your questions so you can learn more about them.

4WD through the canyon

A four-wheel drive through ’s is the best way to see the region’s rugged landscape and geology. The various landforms and off-road tracks are an adventurous way to see this area naturally.

is one of the most popular 4WD routes. In this , you’ll find many big formations and rocky landscapes that are exhilarating to drive. You’ll be blown away by the walls and the desert beauty as you tackle these challenging tracks.

is another must-do for off-road enthusiasts. This road takes you through stunning scenery with rough gorges and rocky outcrops. Along the way, you’ll see different geological formations and vantage points from which to or photograph scenic . By taking , you see nature from a different perspective, and it’s one of the most adventurous drives in

Local seafood

isn’t without trying local seafood, as it’s what tastes like. There are plenty of dining options in that cater for all types of people who love , and can pair them with craft beers. The has fisherman’s restaurants with fresh , juicy prawns and other delicacies delivered straight from the sea to reflect its rich marine resources.

For the real deal, try , where seafood is celebrated for its freshness and quality. Family members prepare each dish using locally sourced ingredients, so you get the natural flavours. They have casual or more formal dining, but what stands out is the seafood, so when you visit here, make sure to get a taste of , which is coastal at its best.

Vlamingh Head Lighthouse views

is perched on a headland, so you get up and down the coast and over in every direction. For of this area, this was built to help mariners navigate safely. From the top, you get a big of the , meeting the rugged landscape that makes for great photo ops.

It’s also a visual landmark and a historical with information about the maritime history of the area. Interpretive displays and information panels tell the story of the and how it has helped ships navigate through rough . is a natural beauty with a dash of history.

Watch marine turtles' nest

If you want to see these amazing marine animals lay eggs, especially at , is the place to do it. For those who want to watch nest, this could be the hotspot for them as they will see one of nature’s most incredible things up close. Every year, these old salts cross over to ’s beaches during the breeding season and lay eggs, so it’s an for tourists from all over the world.

At , presentations and guided tours explain the work of conserving and the life cycles of different species. The centre is dedicated to saving these animals and educating the general public about their role in oceanic environments. Seeing them nest and knowing why they need protection adds to your visit and makes it a must-do.

Paddle Yardie Creek

is a beautiful to explore along the calm . Kayaking or canoeing on the puts you right in one of ’s most beautiful spots. You’ll be surrounded by cliffs and foliage as you paddle through the quiet , it’s a wildlife watching paradise.

will take you deeper into this amazing area. These experts have been through the creeks many times and know the local flora and fauna and will show you some of the wildlife. Whether you’re a serious paddler or just want to take it easy, paddling down in nature is one of the highlights of visiting .

Whale Watching

June to October is watching season in . This is when the and other species pass through the waterways of this area. Join a -watching tour and get up close to these magnificent and learn about their behaviour from the knowledgeable guides.

The tours are designed to give you the best viewing while also showing respect to the whales. You’ll see these leaping out of the and back in again in their own backyard so you’ll have moments of pure nature magic. If you’re into marine biology and want to have some wild-life interaction, then watching in is the adventure for you.

Conclusion

has so many natural and unique marine life in . Something for everyone, from snorkelling at to deserted and fresh seafood in this little . is a place where you are looking for adventure or just want to chill out and have fun away from city life.

FAQ

When to go?

The peak season is May – October when the weather is cool enough for outdoor activities like water sports.

How do I get here?

Learmonth Airport is the airport used by visitors to Exmouth, located about 36kms from the town centre. Major cities also fly into Exmouth regularly. Or you can drive from Perth which takes about 12 hours.

Where to snorkel?

Turquoise Bay, Oyster Stacks and Mandu Mandu Gorge are all within Ningaloo Marine Park.

When is Whale Shark Season in Exmouth?

From March to August, you can swim with these gentle giants and see them up close during whale shark season.

Are there turtles in Exmouth?

Yes, the Jurabi Turtle Centre is where you can see nesting sea turtles during their annual migration.

Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Exmouth

Contents

Exmouth: A Brief History