Best Things to Do in Exmouth, Western Australia
If you’re chasing wild landscapes, world-class marine life, and that feeling of being wonderfully off the map, Exmouth delivers in a big way. Perched on the edge of the Ningaloo Reef, this remote Western Australian town is where outback meets ocean — and it’s every bit as incredible as it sounds.
I visited Exmouth as the furthest point on our 14-day Coral Coast Road Trip with my family. Wish we could’ve stayed longer.
Where is Exmouth?
Exmouth is located in Western Australia, around 1,250 km north of Perth, on the tip of the North West Cape.
It sits between the rugged landscapes of Cape Range National Park and the world-famous Ningaloo Reef — one of the only places on Earth where a fringing reef is so easily accessible straight from the shore.
Despite its remote location, that’s exactly what makes Exmouth so special. You won’t find big crowds or overdevelopment here — just raw coastline, incredible wildlife, and that feeling of being completely off-grid.
Exmouth is a year-round destination, but what you experience depends heavily on when you go.
- March to August – Peak marine life season (whale sharks, manta rays)
- June to November – Humpback whale season
- April to July – Best overall conditions for Ningaloo Reef
👉 Read more: Best Time to Visit Ningaloo Reef
How to Get to Exmouth
Exmouth is remote — and that’s part of the magic.
- Fly: Direct flights into Learmonth Airport (about 30 minutes from town)
- Drive: A bucket-list road trip from Perth (around 12–13 hours), Don’t miss Carnarvon to stock up on supplies and visit the Quobba Blowholes and the Aquarium!
If you’re planning the ultimate adventure, don’t miss this: 👉 14 Day Coral Coast Road Trip
Best Things to Do in Exmouth
Snorkelling at Turquoise Bay (A Must-Do)
If you do one thing in Exmouth, make it this.
Turquoise Bay is famous for its drift snorkel — where the current gently carries you over vibrant coral gardens teeming with fish, turtles, and reef sharks. It’s easily one of the best shore snorkelling spots in Australia.
👉 Did Home and Away Film Here? You might be walking the same sand as Home and Away stars.
Snorkelling at Oyster Stacks
Smaller, quieter, and just as spectacular. Absolutely loved snorkelling the Oyster Stacks.
Oyster Stacks offers crystal-clear water and incredible coral formations right off the shore. Access is limited to high tide, which helps protect the reef — and keeps it pristine.
Take a Snorkelling Tour
While shore snorkelling is amazing, a guided tour takes you to even more remote reef systems you simply can’t reach on your own.
Expect vibrant coral walls, huge schools of fish, and a much deeper appreciation of Ningaloo’s ecosystem. Keep an eye out for Nemo! For tips go to my guide on Where to See Clownfish (Nemo) in the Wild in Australia.
Swim with Whale Sharks
This is the experience Exmouth is famous for.
Swimming alongside the world’s largest fish is surprisingly peaceful — and absolutely unforgettable. Tours run between March and August and are highly regulated to ensure both your safety and the sharks’ wellbeing. If you don’t want to gamble with the shoulder season – April to June.
Swim with Humpback Whales
For something truly next level, you can also swim with humpback whales during migration season.
👉 Learn how: How to Swim with Humpback Whales
Swim with Manta Rays and Turtles
Ningaloo Reef is one of the few places where encounters like this are almost guaranteed.
Manta rays glide effortlessly through the water, while turtles cruise along the reef — often spotted while snorkelling straight from the beach. Swim with turtles on a half day turtle kayak and snorkel tour.
Kayaking Along the Coastline
For a slower-paced adventure, hire a kayak and explore the coastline at your own rhythm. Or join a guided full day kayak and snorkelling explorer tour.
Paddle over coral gardens, spot marine life beneath you, and soak up the sheer remoteness of the area.
Explore Yardie Creek
Yardie Creek is where the rugged ranges meet the sea.
Take a boat tour or walk the Yardie Creek Gorge Trail for incredible views and the chance to spot black-footed rock wallabies clinging to the cliffs.
Visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
One of the best sunset spots in Exmouth.
From here, you’ll get sweeping views over the reef and coastline — and during whale season, you might even spot humpbacks breaching offshore.
Learn more about the history of Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
Drive Through Cape Range National Park
Much of Exmouth’s magic lies within Cape Range National Park.
Expect dramatic limestone ranges, red dirt roads, and access to some of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia.
Shot Hole Canyon & Charles Knife Canyon
Swap the ocean for the outback.
- Shot Hole Canyon – A rugged 4WD track through a dramatic gorge
- Charles Knife Canyon – Epic lookout points, especially at sunrise or sunset
Check Out the Termite Mounds
It might sound random — but it’s worth it.
These towering termite mounds are scattered across the landscape and are a fascinating reminder of how harsh and unique this environment really is.
Go Fishing (or Join a Charter)
Exmouth is a dream destination for fishing.
Whether you’re casting from the shore or heading offshore on a charter, you’ll find species like:
- Tuna
- Spanish mackerel
- Trevally
If you’re new to fishing in the area, booking a local charter is the best way to maximise your chances.
Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight
For a completely different perspective, take to the skies.
Helicopter flights over Ningaloo Reef reveal just how vast and untouched it really is — think turquoise lagoons, reef systems, and marine life visible from above.
Where to Stay in Exmouth
Exmouth has a range of accommodation options to suit different travel styles:
- Luxury – Sal Salis (glamping in Cape Range National Park)
- Mid-range – Exmouth Escape Resort
- Budget – Potshot Hotel Resort
- Camping – Beachfront campgrounds inside Cape Range National Park
Book early — especially during peak whale shark season. Cape Range National Park sites open for booking 180 days in advance. Jagging a camp during July school holidays is like getting Taylor Swift tickets!
There is no free camping in Exmouth and the rangers are ruthless. If the campgrounds and caravan parks are booked out, go to the Visitors Centre and use the QR code at the entrance to book overflow camping. Booking opens at 3pm. But beware, there is NO phone reception in Cape Range National Park!
Not sure if Exmouth is right for you. Read our guide Where to Stay in Ningaloo: Coral Bay or Exmouth? to compare the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmouth worth visiting?
Absolutely — especially if you love nature, marine life, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
How many days do you need in Exmouth?
3–5 days is ideal to experience the highlights without rushing.
Can you visit Coral Bay from Exmouth?
Yes — it’s about a 1.5-hour drive south and makes for a perfect day trip.
👉 Plan your visit: Best Things to Do in Coral Bay
Is Ningaloo Reef better than the Great Barrier Reef?
It depends — but Ningaloo offers incredible marine life with far fewer crowds and easier shore access.
Why Exmouth Should Be on Your Bucket List
Exmouth is the kind of place that quietly blows you away.
It’s not flashy or overdeveloped — and that’s exactly why it’s so special. From drifting over coral gardens to swimming alongside giants of the ocean, this is one destination that truly delivers on unforgettable experiences.
Planning to explore more of the region? Don’t miss Coral Bay — it’s smaller, quieter, and just as stunning.
If you’re planning a bigger North West WA adventure, Broome is the next major stop beyond Exmouth and well worth adding to your itinerary.
