The Best Exmouth Travel Guide by a Local 2026
Looking to swim with whale sharks, snorkel pristine coral reefs, and explore outback canyons — all in one destination? Exmouth, Western Australia, offers one of the world’s most unique marine-meets-desert experiences. Here’s your complete Exmouth travel guide written by me, a Perth local of 25 years.
This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.
Is Exmouth Worth Visiting?
Yes — and it might just be the most unforgettable place in WA. Exmouth is the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef, one of the only fringing coral reefs in the world where you can swim right off the beach and into the reef.
Best for:
- Whale shark swims (Mar–Jul)
- Humpback whale swims (Aug–Oct)
- Road trips along the Coral Coast
- Snorkellers, divers, and wildlife lovers
- Families, couples, and adventurers
👉 Where to Stay in Exmouth
👉 Best Tours in Exmouth
Where Is Exmouth?
Exmouth is located on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, about 1,250 km north of Perth. It borders the Ningaloo Marine Park and Cape Range National Park, combining wild beaches, reef-filled bays, and red desert gorges.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fbq8qbPwFkYLZVot9
Why Exmouth?
- Swim with whale sharks
- Drift snorkel at Turquoise Bay
- Explore gorges and canyons in Cape Range
- Experience WA’s wild north-west without needing to fly to Broome
👉 Western Australia Travel Guide
👉 Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Itinerary
How to get to Exmouth WA
Flights to Exmouth Airport
Qantas operates flights to Exmouth’s Learmonth airport, with a flight time of two hours. The airport is approximately 36 km south of Exmouth.
Exmouth Bus Charters operate a shuttle service from the airport to Exmouth town. Prices as of January 2026 are:
A$45/Adult, A$35/Pensioner, A$30/Child (15 and under)
Family rate one way (2 Adults and up to 3 Children = A$120)
Exmouth Car Hire
Several rental car companies operate booths in the airport terminal, with most being staffed during scheduled flight arrival periods.
Perth to Exmouth Road Trip
The drive time from Perth to Exmouth is around 12 hours, not counting any stops along the way. Consider breaking up your journey with an overnight stop in Kalbarri or Northampton.
Or, take your time and enjoy the stunning places along the way.
Exmouth to Coral Bay
Exmouth town to Coral Bay is around 150 km and will take about two hours.
Some people take day trips from Coral Bay to Exmouth (and vice-versa), but that’s a 300 km return journey to the town. If you want to do the drift snorkel in Turquoise Bay, the return trip will be 430 km return!
There are car hire booths at Perth Airport, but it’s best to pre-book your car rental.
To compare Australian car hire prices, Discover Cars is an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly rated.
Compare Rental Cars Here.
Best Things to Do in Exmouth
🦈 Swim with Whale Sharks – Join a once-in-a-lifetime tour (Mar–Jul)
🐢 Snorkel at Turquoise Bay – One of Australia’s top beaches
🏜 Cape Range National Park – Hike Yardie Creek or Mandu Mandu Gorge
🛶 Glass Bottom Boat Tours – See coral without getting wet
🪸 Snorkel Ningaloo Reef – From shore or on a reef tour
🐋 Humpback Whale Swims – New bucket-list tour (Aug–Oct)
🌅 Sunset at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse – Best golden hour in town
How Many Days in Exmouth?
1 Day
Catch a whale shark tour and relax at Turquoise Bay. Not ideal for first-timers — you’ll want more time!
2–3 Days
Perfect for seeing the reef, hiking Cape Range, and doing one major tour.
4–5 Days
Ideal for relaxed travellers. Plenty of time to mix tours, snorkelling, and beach time.
Best Time to Visit Exmouth
The best time to visit Exmouth is from autumn to late spring (March to October). This is also the most popular time and when accommodation prices are highest.
Summer temperatures are hot, with a tropical cyclone risk, so it’s an unpopular time to visit.
Rainfall is highest in June, followed by May, March, and February. September to November are the driest months.
Exmouth’s coldest month is July at 24 °C, with the hottest being January when the temperature averages 38°C.
The Indian Ocean is warmest in March when it reaches 29°C and then decreases to 21/22 in August.
| Month | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Mar–Jul | Whale shark swims — peak season |
| Aug–Oct | Humpback whale swims + turtle nesting |
| Nov–Feb | Hot and dry — fewer tourists |
Where to Stay in Exmouth ⭐
📍 Best Areas to Stay:
- Exmouth Town Centre – Close to shops, cafes, and tours
- Yardie Creek Road – Closest to Turquoise Bay and Cape Range
- Luxury Eco-Stays – Glamping near the reef
🛏️ Recommended Hotels:
Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury
- Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef – Eco-luxe glamping on the beach
TIP: Peak season in Exmouth (usually March to November) will see Exmouth accommodation at capacity and you will find most accommodation is booked up at least a year in advance, especially during school holidays. Therefore, book as soon as possible.
👉 Best Accommodation in Exmouth
Best Tours in Exmouth ⭐
🐋 Whale Shark Tours
- Season: March–July
- Full-day snorkel experiences with marine guides
👉 Book a Whale Shark Tour
🐋 Humpback Whale Swims
- August–October
- Less crowded, more intimate marine encounter
🪸 Reef Snorkelling + Diving
- Coral viewing + snorkelling at Turquoise Bay and beyond
- Half-day and full-day options
🛶 Glass Bottom Boat & Eco Cruises
- Ideal for families and non-swimmers
Exmouth Restaurants and Take-Aways
It can be expensive to eat out in Exmouth, but try the woodfired pizzas at the Whalebone Brewing Co. Or visit Whalers Restaurant, in the Exmouth Escape Resort, for delicious food (sit outside).
We didn’t eat at the Froth Craft Brewery in town, but the beers were great and the venue had a fun atmosphere.
If you have kitchen facilities and don’t mind cooking, buy some fish at the Fresh Fish Shack. This family-owned business has some of the freshest and tastiest fish we’ve ever had. It was so good that we bought fish from there three times during our stay in Exmouth.
On our last morning we wanted to find the Exmouth bakery for our tradition of a sausage roll when leaving a place. Ningaloo Bakehouse & Café didn’t disappoint with delicious sausage roll and jam donut
Visit The Social Society for nutritious vegan and vegetarian food, delicious coffee, and healthy fresh pressed juices. You can also buy eco friendly skincare, clothes, and artwork. I love their philosophy and dedication in trying to help save our beautiful planet.
Exmouth or Coral Bay?
Coral Bay is best if you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday and want to be close to Ningaloo Reef. All accommodation is close to Bill’s Bay, enabling you to snorkel off the beach to the reef.
Exmouth is great for those that want other things to do, like hiking and surfing. This town has more accommodation choices and places to eat. It also has a younger crowd with backpackers and couples experiencing the van life.
Or do as we did and see them both! Then you can make up your own mind which is best.
Exmouth Travel Tips
✔️ Book whale shark tours in advance
✔️ Pack reef-safe sunscreen
✔️ Pack wetsuit or sharkskin in winter months
✔️ Collecting flora and fauna (including shells and corals) is not permitted anywhere in the marine park
✔️ Bring snorkel gear if you have it
✔️ Bring shoes with good grip for hiking
✔️ Mobile phone reception is good in town but may drop out elsewhere. We found the lighthouse to have the best reception!
✔️ Buy your Cape Range NP pass online
👉 Compare Exmouth Accommodation
👉 Book Exmouth Tours
👉 Plan Your Road Trip
