Exmouth is a beautiful part of Western Australia that offers activities for everyone. Hikers can enjoy Cape Range National Park, swimmers can swim with whale sharks, and those looking to explore underwater can drift snorkel at Turquoise Bay.

Did you know that Exmouth was voted number 6 in the top 10 Aussie towns in 2021 by Wotif, the only Western Australian town to make the list?

If you are considering visiting, you need to know all the things to do in Exmouth WA and when is the best time to visit. Read on to find out more.

What is Exmouth Known For?

Exmouth is home to the famous Ningaloo Reef with its incredible marine life including whale sharks, whales, manta rays, and turtles. The coastal town is known for its excellent snorkelling spots, fishing, diving, white sand beaches, and national park.

Things to do in Exmouth WA

Exmouth is situated on the world heritage listed Ningaloo Reef marine park, and offers visitors an array of things to do either on land or in the water. The 300 km long Ningaloo Reef is one of the closest coral reefs to land in the world and Australia’s longest fringing coral reef.

If you visit during the whale migration season from June to November, you can take a whale watching tour or swimming with the humpback whales.

1. Snorkelling

There are unlimited snorkelling sites along the Ningaloo Coast and a variety of ways to access them. You can experience the Ningaloo Reef from a dive boat, snorkel tour, or simply snorkelling from the beach. Exmouth’s premier snorkel sites are located within the nearby Cape Range National Park and include Turquoise Bay, Oyster Stacks, and Lakeside.

As these beaches are located within a national park, park fees apply. The current cost is A$15 per car, but you can buy annual passes online (50% off for RACWA members) or pay the fee at the park entrance.

Lakeside Snorkel

If you’re looking for a great snorkelling spot, Lakeside is the place to go. From the car park walk, 500 m south (left) along the beach and enter the water after the first Sanctuary Zone marker. You’ll find some of the best coral formations between the shore markers and the two yellow floating buoys. You may see larger marine creatures like turtles or bigger reef fish, as well as harmless shark sightings. In addition, a resident giant groper lives in a coral cave here, so keep an eye out for him while exploring this beautiful underwater world.

Oyster Stacks Snorkel

Oyster Stacks is an excellent place to snorkel for families or inexperienced snorkellers as the coral reef, and marine life can be viewed just steps from the shore in calm, shallow water. You enter the water at the end of the walking trail and can snorkel either south or north. However, you should take care when entering or exiting the water as the shoreline has some sharp oyster shelled areas.

Oyster Stacks should only be snorkelled on a high tide of 1.2m or higher as this area is shallow, and you could damage the fragile coral. On a high tide, you can carefully peer under the large, oyster covered rocks to spot painted sweetlip, mangrove jack, and other large reef fish that live beneath them.

Turquoise Bay Drift Snorkel

Turquoise Bay was named the 6th best beach in the world by TripAdvisor’s People’s Choice and the 2nd best in the South Pacific region after Whitehaven Beach. It’s located about 60 km on the other side of the peninsula from Exmouth town, in the Cape Range National Park. You don’t need a 4wd to get to Turquoise Bay.

The Turquoise Bay Drift Snorkel is one of the best things to do in Exmouth and is known as one of the best shore snorkelling sites in Western Australia. The pristine waters are protected by an extensive reef complex extending over 1 km offshore and are part of the Ningaloo Marine Park sanctuary zone.

You can choose to spend the day snorkelling and swimming, but you need to be cautious year-round as strong winds can make the ocean rough with strong undercurrents, which can sweep you out deeper.

Bay Loop

The Bay Loop snorkel is easier than the Drift Loop and can be accessed via the Bay Loop car park, near the northern half of the bay. There’s plenty of coral and fish to see, and you may spot a turtle!

Drift loop

The Drift Loop should only be snorkelled at high tide (1.2 m and above), so check the tides online or with the Milyering Discovery Centre.

You access this snorkel site from the Drift Loop car park, where you can read information and warnings about the drift snorkel. Walk along the beach towards the southern end, enter the water, and let the natural current take you over the reef. This fantastic snorkelling experience allows you to explore the stunning reef gardens just metres offshore while drifting along. You must exit the water well before the north point of the sandbar as currents here are very strong.

We saw lots of colourful fish and coral, and there’s a chance to see turtles and squid. When you spot something interesting, duck dive to get a closer look. It’s difficult to swim back to the point of interest as you will be going against the current, but you may be able to kick against the drift to slow yourself down.

Tips for the Turquoise Bay Drift Snorkel

• The currents are strong at Turquoise Bay, and the Drift Snorkel is only recommended for swimmers with a moderate to high level of fitness and capability. You should wear fins to assist in exiting the water.
• Swim with a buddy.
• Assess the conditions before entering the ocean.
• Read all the safety signs at the beach entrance.
• Weak or inexperienced swimmers should snorkel at Lakeside or Osprey Bay.

Exmouth Snorkelling Tours

An excellent and safe way to experience Ningaloo Reef is on a snorkel tour. Exmouth has a range of tours depending on the time of year and what wildlife you’re interested in seeing.

Some of the most popular snorkel tours in Exmouth are:

• Turtle Tour – Ningaloo Reef Half Day Sea Kayak and Snorkel Tour
• Lagoon Explorer – Ningaloo Reef Full-Day Kayaking and Snorkeling Adventure
• Half Day 2.5hr Turtle Tour on the Ningaloo Reef
• Ningaloo Reef Snorkeling and Wildlife Adventure
• Muiron Islands Snorkeling in Exmouth

Click on the links for prices and reviews.

2. Have a coffee at The Social Society

Pop into 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. Love their philosophy and dedication in trying to help save our beautiful planet. Please help support them.

Owned by Anne and Kai who were both born in Germany and moved to Australia in May, 2010.

Address: 2/5 Thew Street

3. Have fun Tubing

Ulitimate Watersports operate from Town Beach Exmouth from May to October.  They offer a range of tubes, including banana shaped ones, so you can choose from a relaxing ride or a high-paced thrill.

Prices start from A$50 for ten minutes.

4. Relax on one of Exmouth Beaches

The Ningaloo Coast is where you’ll find some of Australia’s most breathtaking beaches. Whether it be for swimming, snorkelling, water sports, or simply relaxing in paradise, this coast has them all and more.

Exmouth Town Beach

Exmouth Town Beach is located just 1km from town and is ideal for morning walks and beachcombing. Swimming is best on high tide, and low tide is good for playing in the shallows. You can drive on this beach, and dogs are allowed on the northern part.

Bundegi Beach

Bundegi Beach is 12 km north of Exmouth and marks the start of the Ningaloo Marine Park. This beach is great for swimming, snorkelling, and fishing, with a boat launching facility located at the southern end.

Surfers Beach (Dunes Beach)

Surfers Beach is 17 km north of Exmouth on the North West Cape. The surf break here is the safest, easiest to access, and most popular wave in Exmouth.

Mauritius Beach

If you’re looking for a clothing-optional beach, head to Mauritius Beach, just past the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse.

Cape Range National Park Beaches

The Cape Range National Park has some of the best beaches in Australia, including Turquoise Bay. The road to Yardie Creek is sealed and suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles, but there are numerous unsealed beach access tracks throughout the park. These offer easy access to pristine, white sand beaches with fantastic snorkelling just steps from the sand.

Sandy Bay is great for families due to the shallow, clear waters, wide beaches, and shaded tables. It’s a perfect picnic spot with shaded tables and ideal for swimming or land-based fishing.

Osprey Bay is another excellent beach for families with picnic tables and toilet facilities. In addition, it’s a fantastic site for snorkelling from a kayak, small boat or from the shore.

5. Hire a Kayak

Exmouth Boat Hire have the largest range of kayaks to hire in Exmouth. Choose from awesome single or doubles clear-bottom kayaks, single & double fishing ones, or snorkelling kayaks with a dive platform.

Alternatively, you can choose a half day or full day package that gives you access to five fun products – stand up paddle boards, kayaks, transparent kayaks, pedal boats, and the Hobie Eclipse.

See half day prices here or full day prices here.

6. Visit Marina Quays

We rented a Holiday Home in the Marina Quays area, which is a lovely part of Exmouth. Take a drive or walk around and stop in at Mantarays Ningaloo Resort for lunch or a drink at their Beach Lounge & Bar – try their signature espresso martini!

7. Humpback Whale Tour – August to September

Rating: 5/5⭐️ with over 1,400 reviews

These tours occur during whale migration season, when thousands of humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic for mating and calving and return south for the summer feeding grounds.

The best part of this experience is watching whales breach and slap their tails on the water. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to get a close-up photo of these incredible creatures, but you can still enjoy them from afar.

Some tours, like this Humpback Whale Swim Tour, give you the flexibility to swim with humpback whales or stay dry and watch them from the boat.

8. Swim with Whale Sharks in Exmouth – Late March to Early August

Rating: 5/5⭐️ with over 1,400 reviews

One of the best things to do in Exmouth Western Australia is swimming with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef. Being in the water with these harmless giants is mesmerising and an experience of a lifetime.

The price includes an air-conditioned courtesy bus from your Exmouth accommodation for the 36 km journey to the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp, with an informative commentary on local points of interest, including the Cape Range National Park. From the boat ramp you are transferred to the 17 m boat, “Draw Card”. Once on board, you are fitted with wetsuits and snorkel equipment, the crew are introduced, and a vessel safety brief is given.

The adventure begins with an introductory snorkel on the inner Ningaloo Reef, where you have the chance to see turtles, stingrays, reef sharks, octopus, and a variety of colourful fish amongst the coral. Snorkel tuition can be provided if you are new to snorkelling and flotation aids are available for weak swimmers.

The spotter plane will be up in the air looking out for whale sharks for your whale shark swim. You are divided into one or two groups of ten and take turns swimming with the whale sharks.

Depending on the time of year, there may be the opportunity to swim with manta rays or see humpback whales.

Morning tea, buffet lunch, and afternoon tea are supplied during the day, with refreshments always available. 

One THE BEST Exmouth experiences.

9. Take a Whale Watching Tour

If you don’t want to get wet, book a whale watching tour instead. The only ones I could see are the sunset wildlife cruises that depart from Exmouth.

10. Hire a Boat

There are a few companies that hire boats in Exmouth. We haven’t used any of them, so I can’t recommend a particular one, but Exmouth Boat & Kayak hire seem to be the most popular and offer a wide range. Dinghy’s start at A$165 a day, going up to A$700 for a 7.3m Island Cabin boat.

11. Book a Fishing Charter

Exmouth Boat hire also offer private fishing charters and pay per person group charters. You can choose what you want to do like fishing, spear fishing, game fishing, snorkelling, whale watching, or visit the Murion Islands.

12. Catch your Dinner

There are some great land-based fishing spots including Torpedo Bay, Bundegi Flats, and Lighthouse Bay. Yardie Creek and Exmouth Marina offer some good fishing too. The best boat fishing spots in Exmouth are the Murion Islands and Exmouth King Reef (an artificial reef only 10 minutes from the Exmouth Marina Boat Ramp).

13. Kitesurf

Sandy Bay in Cape Range National Park is one of the most popular kitesurfing spots in Western Australia. The calm water makes it perfect for families and beginners.

For more advanced and those that enjoy kitesurfing waves, Graveyards (between the Lighthouse Caravan Park and Yardie Homestead) is a good spot.

Exmouth Surf Centre offer kitesurfing lessons for those who want to learn and you can hire kitesurfing equipment from them too.

14. Hire a Stand Up Paddleboard

Get out onto the water and make the most of the calm conditions. Exmouth Surf Centre offer SUP lessons and board hire.

Or choose from a half day or full day package that gives you access to five fun products – stand up paddle boards, kayaks, transparent kayaks, pedal boats, and the Hobie Eclipse.

See half day prices here or full day prices here.

15. Learn to Surf

Exmouth Surf Centre provides surfing lessons and hire out equipment including snorkel sets and surfboards.

16. Look for Wildlife in Cape Range National Park

Cape Range National Park, located 40 km south of Exmouth, is a must-visit for those who prefer more land-based activities. The park covers over 50,000 hectares and offers things to do like hiking, four-wheel driving, wildlife spotting, and viewing native flora.

The landscape is dominated by a rugged limestone range, incredible deep canyons, and 50 km of pristine beaches. The area, created by the ancient seafloor being thrust upwards by the earth’s crust, descends to meet with the ocean, where you can see sand dunes and coastal plains.

There’s a wide variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, echidnas, emus, monitor lizards, birds, and other reptiles.

Access to Cape Range National Park is via both sealed and unsealed roads. Most of the sites are suitable for two-wheel drives, but wet weather can cause them to deteriorate quickly. The speed limit is 80 km to protect wildlife, and you should avoid driving at night for the same reason.

National Park fees apply, with the current cost being A$15 per car, but you can buy annual passes online (50% off for RACWA members) or pay the fee at the park entrance.

17. Hike Yardie Gorge Trail

The Yardie Gorge Trail begins with the easy Yardie Nature Walk from the car park at the end of Yardie Creek Road. The path follows the northern side of the gorge and provides several vantage points that give excellent views of the gorge, creek mouth and Ningaloo Reef. Keep an eye out for the rock wallabies on the southern side of the gorge. The Nature Walk is a Class 1, 1.2 km return walk.

The class 4 Yardie Gorge Trail leaves the Nature Trail at the end and ascends the range. The walk starts easy but gets harder as you go up with some rock scrambling involved. As you walk, you will most likely see the rare black-footed rock wallabies and birds nesting on the rugged gorge walls.

Do not go any further than the end of the walk to protect the threatened flora and fauna. Unfortunately, despite signs telling you not to pass that point, we saw several people ignoring them and sitting on cliff edges and walking beyond the end of the trail! Not only is this incredibly dangerous, but it disturbs this sensitive habitat. Not cool people!!

The return is easier, although it can be a bit slippery on the gravel as you descend. The trail is 1.5 km return to the trailhead at the end of the Nature Walk.

18. Cruise along Yardie Creek

There are Yardie Creek boat tours that depart from the jetty close to the car park. However, they only run a couple of times a day, so bookings are recommended.

19. Take in the views from Charles Knife Canyon Lookout

Charles Knife Canyon is located on the east side of Cape Range National Park, 21 km south of town. Part of the winding road is gravel and not suitable for two-wheel vehicles. The drive takes you up to the top of the range and lookout and provides breathtaking views of the multi-coloured gorges and rugged terrain with several lookouts for photo opportunities.

20. See the Views from Thomas Carter Lookout

Thomas Carter Lookout, one of the highest points in Cape Range National Park, is 311 metres above sea level and where you can enjoy ocean views of both east and west.

21. Hike the Badjirrajirra Walk trail

The class 4, 6 km, Badjirrajirra Walk trail starts from Thomas Carter Lookout. It’s a moderately difficult loop that winds its way through bushland, small gorges, and rocky gullies.

22. Drive through Shothole Canyon

Shothole Canyon is also on the east side of Cape Range National Park, 17 km south of town. The canyon got its name after holes caused by explosives detonated to trigger miniature earthquakes for seismographic studies during the oil searches in the 1950s.

The rough gravel track twists along the gorge floor and over dry creek beds, which can be challenging to maneuver through in places. Nethertheless, the drive offers stunning views of the different colourful rock layers, Trealla, Tulki and Mandu limestone, on the canyon walls.

The track can be difficult in places, so I’d recommend some four-wheel drive experience.

23. See the views from the Shothole Canyon lookout

At the end of the 12 km 4wd track, there’s a picnic area and a short walking trail up steps to a lookout area over the canyon.

24. See the sunrise from Vlamingh Lighthouse

Vlamingh Lighthouse, built in 1912, is situated 61m above sea level. In 1967, a new light was established on one of the radio communication towers near Point Murat, so Vlamingh Lighthouse was discontinued. However, the views of the coastline and Ningaloo Reef are spectacular and an excellent spot at sunset or sunrise.

25. Play a round of Golf

Play a round of golf at the public Exmouth Golf Course, just 5 minutes from town. The 18-hole course provides players of all abilities the chance to enjoy a game with mostly grass tee boxes and sand greens.

26. Visit the Milyering Discovery Centre

The Milyering Discovery Centre in Exmouth, Western Australia, is a hands-on museum with exhibits dedicated to showcasing the local area. It’s perfect for those looking to learn more about things in Exmouth Western Australia, as it offers a wide range of information about Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Marine Park.

It was built in 1988 of rammed earth and powered by solar energy and was the first totally environmentally-friendly building of its type in Australia. 

The staff are really friendly and helpful and will try to answer any questions you have.

The centre also sells souvenirs and hires out wetsuits and snorkel equipment.

27. Dive the Exmouth Navy Pier

Exmouth Navy Pier is one of the most popular dive sites in Western Australia, with a depth range of up to 15 meters and one of the world’s top shore dives. It offers some incredible marine life for divers to explore, including scorpion fish, frog, fish moray eel, toad fish, shrimp and octopus. In addition, the pier is covered with sponges and soft corals, which attract beautiful reef fish such as butterfly, angel, moorish idol and parrotfish.

The Navy Pier is a tidal dive site, so each tour has a different start time based on what the tide is doing that day.  

As it’s still an active Navy Pier, it is sometimes used by Navy ships and is therefore inaccessible to the general public and must be dived through a licensed company. You must be fit to do the Navy Pier Dive and logged a dive within the past twelve months.

28. Scuba Dive Ningaloo Reef

Dive two different dive sites on Ningaloo Reef with a guide who will help you navigate the underwater areas. This reef is home to over 250 species of corals and over 500 species of fish, including cod, giant trevally, and snapper, plus turtles, reef sharks, and sea snakes.

29. Dive the Muiron Islands

The Muiron Islands Dive Tour lets you experience amazing coral gardens, deserted islands and a collection of marine life. This incredible adventure to Muiron Islands is suitable for divers and operates daily between March and December, when you may encounter turtles, dugongs, and stingrays.

30. Take an Exmouth Turtle Tour

The long, flat sands of Ningaloo are perfect for turtles to lay their eggs, and hatchlings have a chance to grow up without being harassed by predators. As a result, it’s not uncommon to see the distinctive shape of a turtle head poking out from the water while they hunt for food or sunbathe on the sandbanks.

It’s one of the most important coastal habitats for turtles, and you may see them mating in the shallows, female turtles coming ashore to lay eggs, and turtle hatchlings making their way to the sea. 

The number of visitors looking to view the turtles has increased significantly, and their nesting process is disturbed by self-guided visitors. Such disturbance can harm the reproductive success of these threatened turtle species that nest on the NW Cape. If you would like to view the turtles nesting or hatching, visit the Jurabi Turtle Centre.

The Ningaloo Coast offers a range of opportunities for visitors to see the turtles. They can be spotted at various points along the coast, including Cape Range National Park and Exmouth Gulf on land or from an organised boat tour in the water. The turtle experience will not be forgotten by those lucky enough to witness it first-hand.

31. View Coral from a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

Ningaloo Glass Bottom Boat Tours offer a range of cruises from an one-hour coral viewing tour to a half day snorkel and coral viewing tour.

32. Discover Exmouth Wildflowers

Exmouth is full of natural beauty and unique wildlife, which also includes the wildflowers. Cape Range National park is the best place to find wildflowers, including the brilliant red sturt desert pea, which flowers in late winter. Other flora you may find in the park are mulla mullas, wattles, everlastings, native fuschias, fanflowers, and dampiera.

You can read our post on Western Australia Wildflowers for more information.

33. Shop in Exmouth Town

The town of Exmouth has a variety of shops including local boutiques and souvenir shops. You can download a copy of the Exmouth Town map here.

34. Let the Kids cool down at the Water Spray Park

Children will love playing in this Exmouth water playground, conveniently located in Federation Park in the town centre. It’s completely fenced off to provide parents with added security.

The playground incorporates fibreglass turtles, dolphins, and a humpback whale in its centre. A cave, constructed from 140 tonnes of concrete, is sculpted to replicate Cape Range and features mist sprays and cascading water over non-slip steps.

Kids enjoy the randomly sequenced water sprays and a pirate boat with water guns.

A permanent, cyclone rated shade structure provides protection year-round.

35. Wander around an Art Gallery

There are a few art galleries in Exmouth that are worth visiting:

Gallery 6707 features the stunning art of photographers Jess Hadden and Sadie James – they not only sell prints but jewelry, sand-free towels, and lot of artistic creations.

Ningaloo Inspired Gallery showcases original art, photography, glass art, and homewares by Alan McKenzie and featured artists.

Exmouth Cultural Arts Centre supports local artists, including children. Here you can meet the artists and see them at work.

36. Take a Photo of the Giant Prawn

The Giant Prawn is an Exmouth icon, and no visit is complete without a photo of this large sculpture.

37. Have a craft beer at an Exmouth Brewery

There are two breweries to choose from in Exmouth – Whalebone Brewing Co and Froth Craft Brewery.

Froth craft micro-brewery can be found in the centre of town where you’ll have an extensive choice of beers to choose from.

Whalebone is owned and run by two local families out of a no-thrills venue, allowing you to chill and enjoy your beer while the kids have a play.

38. Visit the Ningaloo Centre & Aquarium

The Ningaloo Centre is just off Murat Road at 2 Truscott Crescent, next to the car park. This visitor centre offers a range of services including free maps and information, booking of tours, and information on Exmouth events.

It also houses the Exmouth Aquarium, which showcases the region’s fascinating history and has live displays of marine and terrestrial animals. I have to be honest and say that I was a little disappointed in the size of the actual aquarium as I was expecting something much bigger. However, it’s something to do with the kids on a rainy day in Exmouth.

39. Glamp under the Stars

What’s more romantic than camping under the stars? A luxury eco-tent! Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef Exmouth eco-resort is an exclusive camp nestled in the sand dunes of Cape Range National Park.

40. Eat Fresh Seafood

Luckily we discovered the Fresh Fish Shack when we first arrived in Exmouth as the fish was so fresh and delicious that we kept on returning. It’s a family-owned commercial fishing business that own and operate fishing boats out of the town, providing the freshest and highest quality seafood available directly to the public.

41. Trial Micro Gliding

Soar above Ningaloo Reef on a trial introductory flight with Birds Eye View – the only Microlight School in Australia to obtain an Air Operators Certificate to spot whale sharks and humpback whales from a microlight.

42. View Ningaloo from Above

If micro-gliding doesn’t appeal, how about a scenic flight? Take this 60-minute private scenic flight over Ningaloo Reef for up to three people and spot whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and humpback whales in the waters below.

Admire the stunning colours that make up this beautiful region, including the red Cape Range, white beaches and turquoise ocean.

For added romance, book this 60-minute sunset scenic flight which includes a complimentary beer, bubbles, or soft drink.

43. See the Mildura Shipwreck

Wrecked in 1907 by a cyclone, the remains of the cattle steamer SS Mildura can be seen best at low tide.

44. Try Wakeboarding

Zoom across the water on your choice of board (wakeboarding, skiing, kneeboarding, or skurfing). This experience includes 30 minutes being towed, all equipment, and safety training.

Available from May to September only.

45. Hire a Jetski

Enjoy your own jet ski adventure with several options to choose from, including:

30 minutes on a 2019 Seadoo GTI jet ski at Town Beach

60 minutes of a sleek 2019 Seadoo GTI jet ski plus bonus stand up paddle board

Two to Three hour guided jet ski tour plus snorkelling on Bundegi Reef

46. Swim with Manta Rays

There’s a chance of seeing Manta Rays while on a Whale Shark Swim tour, but the best way to see them is in Coral Bay on a dedicated Manta Ray tour.

Spend a couple of nights in Coral Bay as it’s a long drive from Exmouth to do in a day.

47. Dance the Night Away

Brad’s Bar at Potshot Resort transforms into a dance floor every Friday night until midnight. While there, enjoy a beer in their Vance Bar & Beer Garden (named after the cyclone that destroyed it in 1999) or dine on the deck overlooking the pool.

48. Listen to Live Country Music

Visit Cadillac’s for live country music (on selected nights) along with American and local dishes – Exmouth’s only American country music-themed bar.

1 Pelias Street

49. Stroll around Markets

Visit Federation Park in town for the Sunday Markets from 8 am to 12 pm. See this flyer for dates in 2023.

50. Spot Exmouth’s Emus

Emus, the largest native bird in Australia, are a common sight in Exmouth. If you don’t see them strolling down the street, try heading into Cape Range National Park.

51. Family Time at Santos Park

The redevelopment of this local recreational precinct includes include an upgrade to the outdoor cricket nets and half basketball court, a new outdoor exercise area and nature play area, a mini cycle path for children and an upgrade to the skate park.

The exercise area and nature play area are now open and the rest should be completed by April 2023.

52. Take a Free Diving Course

There are a few operators in Exmouth that offer free diving courses. You’ll learn breathing techniques and skills to train your body to be more efficient with oxygen. Level one enables you to dive up to 20 metres.

Free Diving is when you hold your breath while diving, without any breathing apparatus.

53. Sunset Cruise

Departing at 4.30 pm, this two- hour sunset cruise often encounters dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales (in season). Watch the sun set over the ocean as you enjoy snacks and drinks before heading back to the marina.

54. Relax at a Spa

At Imbibe Body Therapy, you can choose from a relaxing massage, indulge in a treatment, or an advanced therapy. Give them a call to find out what’s available for your dates.

55. Meet the Locals

Buy a cold beer at the Truscott Memorial Club & RSL (named after WWII RAAF fighter pilot Keith “Bluey” Truscott) and chat to the locals. They’re a wealth of knowledge and tips on the best tour companies and where to go.

56. Visit Pligramunna

You can find Pligramunna off Yardie Creek Road, south of Mandu Mandu Gorge. You can fish off the beach at this beautiful coastal spot or snorkel on the shallow reef. This is one of the best snorkel sites in Exmouth with diverse marine life, beautiful coral formations, colourful reef fish, rays, and sharks. Be careful, though, as there can be large swells and strong currents.

57. Cycle around Exmouth

If you don’t have your own bike, hire one from Somebodys Bike. They offer standard town bicycles (1 gear), youth bikes, and children bikes – all designed for short journeys around town.

Book through the website and collect your bicycle at Mutts Café.

58. Take a Yoga Class

Inhala Yoga Studio is a place of self-discovery and self-improvement where you can express yourself through the practice of yoga and meditation. There are several yoga classes to choose from, all with incredible Yoga teachers.

59. Learn about Operation Potshot

Visit the Potshot Memorial, commemorating the use of the West Australian coast for the allied attacks on the Japanese in World War II.

Located on Minilya – Exmouth Road, 1.5 km north of Learmonth.

60. Experience Flyboarding

Try this fun activity where you’re propelled into the air like a superhero. The experience starts with a safety briefing followed by 30-40 minutes of flying time.

Find out more about Flyboarding here.

61. Embark on a Two Day Trekking Adventure

This two-day trek takes you through the upper reaches of Yardie Creek, Cape Range, and the beaches of the Ningaloo Coast with a sunset camp overlooking the Ningaloo Reef.

Book Your Exmouth Tours

Exmouth Location

Exmouth is on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, part of the Pilbara Region, with the Ningaloo Coral Reef offshore. 

Perth to Exmouth is about 1,250 km.

How to get to Exmouth WA

International and domestic visitors will fly into Perth Airport. Find details about visas, prohibited items, currency, and safety in this Australia Travel Guide and tips on arriving into WA and other essential travel information in this Western Australia Travel Guide.

There are car hire booths at Perth airport, but it’s best to pre-book your car rental.

To compare Australia 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 have a high rate of customer satisfaction.

Drivenow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia as it includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, Jucy as well as smaller ones.

Compare Rental Cars Here.

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. See up to date prices here.

Exmouth Bus Charters operate a shuttle service from the airport to Exmouth town. Prices as of January 2023 were:

A$40/Adult (or A$75 return), A$30/Pensioner, A$25/Child (15 and under)

Family rate one way (2 Adults and up to 3 Children = A$100) 

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. I would consider breaking up your journey with an overnight stop in either Kalbarri or Northampton.

Alternatively, take your time and enjoy the stunning places along the way. Read this Perth to Exmouth Road Trip guide for ideas on where to stop and what to do there.

Exmouth to Coral Bay

Exmouth town to Coral Bay is just over 150 km and will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes driving, but it is an easy drive along Minilya-Exmouth Road.

I’ve heard some people take day trips from Coral Bay to Exmouth (and vice-versa), but that’s a 300 km return journey just to the town. If you want to do the drift snorkel in Turquoise Bay, the return trip will be 430 km return!

What is the Best Time to Visit Exmouth WA?

The best time to visit Exmouth is from autumn to late spring, which is also the most popular time and when accommodation prices are highest. However, summer temperatures are extremely hot, and there’s a tropical cyclone risk at this time, making it an unpopular time to visit Exmouth.

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 ocean (Indian Ocean) is warmest in March when it reaches 29°C and then gradually decreases to 21/22 in August, before starting to rise again.

You can see the Exmouth weather 7-day forecast on the Bureau of Meteorology.

How many days do you need in Exmouth?

I recommend spending at least three days in Exmouth, but five days allows you to experience most of the activities it has to offer.

Exmouth Accommodation

Have you booked accommodation?

We use Booking.com for most accommodation bookings as they offer free cancellation on many properties and have a price match guarantee. We book through Stayz (part of VRBO) for private accommodation as we find it is often cheaper than Airbnb.

Tip: Accommodation gets booked quickly, especially during the WA school holidays. To avoid disappointment, book early.

Exmouth offers a range of accommodation, including resorts, private rentals, motel-style rooms and camping sites.

Here is my pick of the accommodation in Exmouth WA:

Hotel	Stars	Rating	Price	Pool	Booking.com
Exmouth Escape Resort	4.5	8.7	$$$	Y	Book here
Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort	4.5	8.6	$$$	Y	Book here
Bullara Station Stay	–	5/5	$		Book here
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef	4.5	9.4	$$$		Book here
Ningaloo Lodge	3.5	7.8	$	Y	Book here
RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park	4.0	7.8	$	Y	Book here
Madafarri Drive private properties	–		$$$		Book here
Corella Court private properties	–		$$$		Book here
Kestral Place private properties	–		$$$		Book here
Potshot Hotel Resort	3	6.7	$	Y	Book Here

For a detailed breakdown, see this guide on the best accommodation in Exmouth.

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, I recommend booking as soon as possible.

Exmouth Restaurants and Take-Aways

It’s quite 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

Exmouth Travel Tips

• Collecting flora and fauna (including shells and corals) is not permitted anywhere in the marine park, including most of Exmouth beaches.
• Be careful of the coral when diving or snorkelling. Living coral is delicate and, once damaged, it often takes years to grow back, so do not stand on the coral.
• Mobile phone reception is good in town but may drop out elsewhere. We found the lighthouse to have the best reception!
• If you’re visiting in winter, bring a sharkskin top or wetsuit to keep you warm in the water.
• Bring shoes with good grip for hiking.

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. You can read more about it and things to do in Coral Bay here.

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 and 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 or Broome?

You can’t make me decide between these two beautiful WA towns! They both offer visitors a vast range of activities, spectacular scenery, incredible wildlife experiences, and a tropical laid-back vibe. Read our guide on things to do in Broome and see what appeals to you the most. Or you could always return and see the place you missed out on last time!

Other posts you may like

• Perth to Exmouth road trip itinerary
• Things to do in Green Head & Leeman
• Things to do in Jurien Bay
• Things to do in Geraldton
• Things to do in Shark Bay Monkey Mia & Denham
• Things to do in Coral Bay
• Things to do in Carnarvon
• A guide to Australia’s Coral Coast

Western Australia Travel Guide

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of the fun things to do in Exmouth Western Australia. No matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone here. From snorkelling to hiking or even just relaxing on the beach, this town has a little bit of everything and we want to help you experience it all. If you would like more information about any of these activities or if you need help booking anything through our links, feel free to reach out anytime with questions.