From swimming with the most important fish within the ocean to star gazing with the Milky Approach above, right here is our record of the very best issues to do in Exmouth!
When winter hits in Australia, the very best place to hunt solace from the chilly is up north. And in Western Australia, Exmouth is well the most effective locations for the solar and sea.
Whereas Western Australia is normally skipped by many vacationers visiting the land down beneath, Exmouth is a particular place on the Coral Coast that may’t be missed as a result of it’s the gateway to the unimaginable Ningaloo Reef.
With beautiful turquoise waters for snorkelling and diving, nice alternatives for fishing, epic surf circumstances and loads of marine life, Exmouth is considered one of Australia’s best-kept secrets and techniques.
From April to July, Exmouth is hottest for its whale shark season and June to October is the right time for whale watching.
Right here’s an superior record of issues to do in Exmouth Western Australia.
The 18 Superior Issues to do in Exmouth
For nature and outside lovers, you’ll by no means be left considering of what to do in Exmouth.
Between the city, Cape Vary Nationwide Park and the Ningaloo Reef, there are many lovely sights, sights, actions. And naturally, let’s not overlook the crystal clear waters lined with coral reefs and vibrant fish, and pristine seashores like Turquoise Bay and Osprey Bay.
Right here is our record of 18 superior issues to do in Exmouth.
READ MORE: Try this nice street journey itinerary from Perth to Exmouth!
1) Swim with the Largest Fish within the Ocean
Yep, that’s proper, THE LARGEST fish within the ocean migrates via the Ningaloo Reef every year and if there’s a spot to ethically swim alongside whale sharks, it’s right here in Exmouth.
Australia is extraordinarily strict in terms of guidelines and restrictions round swimming with whale sharks. All of that is supposed to guard the sharks and make sure that their breeding and feeding patterns are unaffected by these within the water with them.
Try this text for extra the explanation why it is best to swim with whale sharks in Exmouth.
Usually, the tour firms provide the identical issues: a spotter airplane for the sharks and a assure so in the event you don’t see a whale shark in your tour, you’ll get one other tour at no cost.
Some firms provide extra issues reminiscent of free images or a assure in the event you get seasick.
It’s greatest that you just ebook your whale shark tour at first of your time in Exmouth within the occasion you don’t get to swim with one so to redeem your free tour on the identical journey.
It’s no surprise that is the highest of Exmouth sights.
Swimming subsequent to a whale shark is a surreal expertise. They’re very docile so you’re feeling fully protected being subsequent to at least one regardless of them typically being anyplace from 5.5 to 10 metres lengthy!
- Finest time: Late March to late July.
- Period: Round 9 hours ranging from round 7:30 am.
- Price: Roughly $500 AUD.
2) View Marine Turtles Nesting
Marine turtles nest from November to March every year and guests can go to the Jurabi Turtle Centre (JTC) and take a guided tour from December to February to be taught all in regards to the turtles nesting.
The JTC is a shelter with info on the phases of nesting and you may view the turtles on the seaside. Nonetheless, a tour is really helpful to keep away from disturbing the turtles.
Excursions are normally 3 to 4 hours, together with an academic presentation on marine turtle biology, ecology, threats and conservation measures. Excursions may be booked via the Exmouth Customer’s Centre.
In case you are planning on heading to the seashores and viewing the turtles and not using a tour, it is best to learn this Code of Conduct prior.
- Nesting season: November to March
- Excursions obtainable: December to February (relying on availability)
- Occasions: day or evening relying on nesting phases
3) Get pleasure from Unimaginable Views at Vlaming Head Lighthouse
The highest of Exmouth sightseeing alternatives is the view at Vlaming Head Lighthouse. Whether or not it’s dawn, sundown or simply beneath the twinkling sky, that is the spot to soak up the Ningaloo coast and the city.
Located 17 km from Exmouth and greatest reached by automobile on Yardie Creek Highway, the Vlaming Head Lighthouse provides panoramic views and in the event you’re fortunate, you could even see humpback whales migrating south.
In case you are in Exmouth throughout the brand new moon, make sure to head up within the late afternoon to catch the most effective sunsets on the west coast after which keep till evening to get a spectacular view of the Milkyway and capturing stars.
READ MORE: Plan your journey round Australia with our complete journey information!
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4) See the Ningaloo Reef from the Sky
Ever dreamed of flying? Birds Eye View in Exmouth is the one firm in Australia that holds an Air Operators Certificates to identify whale sharks and humpback whales from a microlight.
The corporate provides 30, 60 and 90-minute flights over Exmouth and the encircling space of the Coral Coast.
The 30-minute flight solely takes you over Exmouth city and Exmouth Gulf whereas the 60-minute flight takes you over the Cape Vary Canyons earlier than hovering over the Ningaloo Reef and the 90-minute flight combines all of it.
Undoubtedly the most effective Exmouth issues to do, you’ll get to get pleasure from an entire new perspective of the reef and have enjoyable recognizing whale sharks and an abundance of marine wildlife from the sky.
Birds Eye View additionally provides free images from the flight captured from a wing-mounted GoPro.
- Price: From $199 for 30 minute flight; $349 for 60 minute flight and $469 for 90 minute flight.
5) Get pleasure from a SUP Session or Tour
The Ningaloo coast provides prime circumstances for standup paddleboarding.
On the town, yow will discover delicate SUPs (appropriate for learners) and efficiency SUPs for these of you who actually know what you’re doing.
Corporations on the town additionally provide SUP classes and excursions which makes for the right household exercise in Exmouth.
6) Snorkel By the Ningaloo Marine Park
The Ningaloo Marine Park is off WA’s North West Cape extending alongside the west coast of the Cape Vary Peninsula.
This part of northern Western Australia is named the Coral Coast, and for good cause! Being a protected space, the seashores are stuffed with beautiful corals and marine life.
Turquoise Bay, Osprey Bay, and Oyster Stacks are in style snorkelling spots the place you may spot turtles, stingrays, reef sharks and way more.
Should you don’t personal your individual snorkelling gear, there are lots of locations on the town providing leases.
7) Take a Freediving Course
Whereas the considered holding your breath and diving down to twenty metres may sound terrifying, it’s really very meditative and stress-free.
Freediving is turning into more and more in style and for anybody who has ever dreamed of the mermaid life, Exmouth provides an incredible alternative to be taught and be licensed.
A stage 1 course is normally 2 days and there are a few completely different firms providing programs on the town.
Freediving has loads of advantages reminiscent of offering instruments for managing stress, leisure and management over your breath.
On prime of this stuff, it’s additionally simply actually enjoyable!
READ MORE: Add a bit of extra journey in your Western Australia journey with this street journey itinerary from Perth to Broome!
8) Go to the Whale Shark Competition
Yearly, Exmouth celebrates the annual go to of whale sharks to Ningaloo Reef by holding the Ningaloo Whaleshark Competition.
The target is to boost training about whale sharks and strengthen relationships between authorities departments, companies, business and group members.
The Whale Shark Competition is a superb alternative to share and be taught from completely different experiences, current new advances in know-how in addition to new concepts and analysis.
Often held over the past weekend in Might, the competition is a group occasion and is crammed with actions and leisure for the entire household.
9) View the Shipwreck of SS Mildura
From the picturesque shores of Lighthouse Bay, you may see the shipwreck of SS Mildura, a cattle steamer that was wrecked in 1907 throughout a cyclone.
The hull was used for combing follow in World Conflict II and a lot of the stays had been salvaged and used for renovations.
Finest seen on a low tide, the stays of the SS Mildura now relaxation solely 80 metres from shore.
You possibly can attain it by following Yardie Creek Highway all the way in which up the North West Cape.
10) Hike By Cape Vary Nationwide Park
For a relaxation from the water, the Cape Vary Nationwide Park boasts many unbelievable strolling trails that supply spectacular views over the vary, canyons, Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth Gulf.
Bushwalkers and hikers can benefit from the 3 km return path via Mandu Mandu Gorge, the 1.5 km Yardie Gorge Path, or some longer trails such Shothole Canyon’s 24.5 km path.
The three.5 km Charles Knife Edge Stroll can also be in style, because it takes you thru the beautiful Charles Knife Canyon.
You may also select to hike the Yardie Creek path, a stunning stroll via nature that follows Yardie Creek street alongside the shoreline.
You ought to be effectively geared up with solar safety and water as it may well get fairly sizzling and usually, strolling the paths isn’t really helpful between December and March.
READ MORE: You should definitely try all of those nice issues to do when you find yourself in Perth!
11) Study Find out how to Kitesurf
Kitesurfing is without doubt one of the greatest Exmouth actions because it provides probably the most in style kitesurfing spots in Western Australia. E-book your self in for a lesson on kitesurfing and decide up a brand new pastime!
Or in the event you’re already a eager kitesurfer, deliver your gear and take a look at Sandy Bay, City Seashore or Graveyards relying on the time of the yr.
Sandy Bay is a flatwater spot with sandy bottoms. It’s additionally an incredible spot for the entire household to hang around and calm down if just one particular person is kiting. Sandy Bay is greatest through the summer time months from mid-August till March.
City Seashore is the very best spot from April to August, has a rocky and sandy backside and is greatest surfed 3 hours both of excessive tide. Low tide ought to be prevented.
Graveyards is situated 25km from the city centre is a major spot for these thinking about Kitesurfing waves. One of the best time to kitesurf right here is between mid-August and March.
12) Swim with Humpback Whales or Go Whale Watching
Between June and the top of October, hundreds of humpback whales make their migratory journey north from the Antarctic for mating and calving.
The whales use the Ningaloo’s pristine waters as their ‘resting space’ throughout their migration cycle. This implies an unimaginable 40,000 whales move by Exmouth yearly!
There are just a few firms licenses to supply Humpback Whale swims to the general public and there are lots of strict guidelines round it.
On whale watching excursions, you may select to both swim within the water beneath the steerage of divemasters or decide to stay on board and watch them from the floor.
- When: August to November
- Price: Whale watching excursions value roughly $85 AUD and swimming with whales is roughly $410.
13) Get Scuba-Licensed
Because you’re on the doorstep of probably the most lovely reefs on the planet, you could as effectively use this chance to get licensed to go Scuba Diving.
That is open you as much as superior new adventures within the underwater world and actually get to discover all that the Ningaloo has to supply.
If in case you have the time, your Open Water certification will take 3 days, will help you go right down to 20m and certifications are accepted world wide.
Divers with certifications may go for his or her Superior certification or Dive Grasp right here too!
These quick on time can do the sooner or later Uncover Scuba Diving which can take you on 2 dives with a certified dive teacher subsequent to you the whole time.
14) Attempt Flyboarding
We’ve all imagined getting on a hoverboard in some unspecified time in the future (absolutely) and proper right here in Exmouth Western Australia, you get the prospect to get on a board and fly up excessive above the water.
After going via a security briefing, you’ll be given the choice to expertise flyboarding with a digital actuality headset or can get straight into it.
For first-timers, you’ll should go for the Study to Fly package deal which provides 15 – 20 minutes of flight time.
For these with expertise, the Superior Flyer package deal permits you 30 – 40 minutes of flight time and alternatives so that you can check out additional manoeuvres and management the board extra.
15) Catch Your Personal Fish
Though the Ningaloo Reef space has many marine sanctuaries, land-based fishing is allowed alongside a lot of the shoreline.
Fishing alongside the western stretch from Ningaloo Homestead to the cape is assured to blow any eager fisher away.
The fishing spots at Exmouth have a variety of tropical species together with coral trout, spangled emperor, blue bone tusk fish, mangrove jack, trevally, queenfish, bream, bonefish and cod.
Some in style fishing spots for seaside fishing are Level Edgar/Janes Bay, Yardie Creek, Sandy Bay, Level Billie and Pilgramunna.
For these with a ship, you’ll want a leisure fishing licence for fishing from a ship. You should definitely test laws rigorously earlier than heading out.
Should you’d wish to go fishing however don’t have any of your individual gear, there are constitution firms that supply day journeys out and supply the gear you want.
Nothing extra rewarding than catching your individual meals!
16) Camp Below the Stars
Think about going to sleep beneath a sky fully lit up with stars and waking as much as the sound of waves softly crashing on the shore understanding that you’re just a few steps away from the seaside.
You possibly can go out of your tent and dive straight into the crystal blue waters of Ningaloo Reef.
You possibly can ebook a campsite inside Cape Vary Nationwide Park, reminiscent of Mesa Campground or Neds Campground on Yardie Creek Highway simply north of Turquoise Bay.
For a extra distant expertise, discover the campgrounds on the Ningaloo Coast at Janes Bay, Level Billie, North Lefroy, South Lefroy Bay or Winderabandi.
Some campsites may be booked prematurely (and ought to be) whereas others function on a first-come, first-served foundation.
- The place to ebook: E-book on-line at https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park-stay
- Price: from $11 per evening
17) Day journey to Coral Bay
Should you didn’t observe this superior street journey from Perth to Exmouth, you could not have seen Coral Bay but and this can be a good approach to break up your time in Exmouth.
Positioned 150km south of Exmouth, Coral Bay is a small city excellent for a day journey.
The seaside at Coral Bay is calm, crystal clear and is ideal for snorkelling and diving.
Stroll to the correct of Coral Bay’s seaside to Skeleton Bay, a reef shark nursery the place you may see some shark pups!
You may also go quad biking on the sand dunes, exit on diving, fishing or boat excursions.
18) Surf it up on some Western Australia Waves
Eager surfers can deliver or rent boards and luxuriate in that nice Australia surf that everybody raves about.
The most well-liked surf break within the Ningaloo Reef space is Dunes Surf Seashore.
One of the best swells are from July to October and the break is protected and simple to entry.
Browsing classes are additionally obtainable on the town in the event you’re thinking about studying in any other case, simply head right down to the seaside and luxuriate in watching some surfers tackle the waves.
Exmouth Journey Information
Now that you realize what to do in Exmouth, we wish to assist you to make your different plans as effectively by sharing the very best lodging and locations to eat within the metropolis.
Finest Lodging – The place to Keep in Exmouth
Lodging on the town ranges from campsites, small models and villas to resorts so in the event you’re the place to remain in Exmouth, all of it is dependent upon what sort of journey you’re after.
Most lodging will provide kitchen services and this actually helps with budgeting as eating out is pricey in Exmouth.
Throughout the peak season (April to July/August), it is best to ebook as far prematurely as attainable. Whereas this may be laborious in the event you’re planning on visiting through an epic street journey from Perth, lots of the extra inexpensive choices and campsites are inclined to ebook out.
To actually get pleasure from all the pieces that Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef have to supply, it’s greatest to remain on the town for a few days and camp within the Nationwide Park if it’s obtainable to you.
On the whole, lodging isn’t low-cost in Exmouth and the Coral Coast area. Being primarily a vacationer city, that is unsurprising and with the prices of excursions and eating out to think about, your journey may add up.
Your best choice for reducing down on lodging bills is to camp.
The Finest Hostel in Exmouth – YHA Potshot Resort
You actually solely have one hostel possibility in Exmouth however fortunately, YHA Potshot Resort is fairly respectable and provides all the pieces a finances traveller wants.
With dorm beds, motel-style rooms or household models on provide, the YHA is situated solely 700m from the city centre, has a pool, outside BBQ setting and bar.
Finest Finances Lodging for {Couples} – RAC Exmouth Cape Vacation Park
This lodging web site options cabins with a separate bed room, small kitchenette and eating space.
It provides all the pieces a pair wants in finances lodging. Some cabins solely have shared lavatory choices although there are some with non-public bogs too.
Rooms and shared bogs are clear, there’s a pool and the location is inside strolling distance of many retailers, the grocery store and eating places.
The kitchen services are nice for these wishing to avoid wasting a bit of cash and never dine out a lot.
For these with tenting gear or an RV, this lodging additionally provides powered and unpowered tenting websites which might be pet-friendly.
Finest Mid-Vary Lodge in Exmouth – Exmouth Escape Resort
Providing snug and trendy self-contained lodging with a patio and an on-site automobile park, Exmouth Escape Resort additionally has a big outside swimming pool and kids’s wading pool.
The flats and villas have air con (a should within the Aussie warmth), are spacious, clear, have their very own little BBQs and terraces.
There are additionally two or three-bedroom house choices for these travelling with associates or as a household.
Finest Luxurious Lodge in Exmouth – Mantarays Ningaloo Seashore Resort
This peaceable resort has lovely views of the ocean and is the very best luxurious lodge on the town. The situation is unbelievable, the rooms are clear, spacious and comfy and the restaurant is divine.
Should you’d fairly keep out of the ocean, there’s a massive outside swimming pool that can also be excellent for households.
The resort is situated just a few kilometres out of city so you will want a automobile to get round however for the peace and tranquillity you’ll expertise, it’s positively value it!
Extra Luxurious Choice in Exmouth – Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef Lodge
For these desirous to fully spoil themselves within the final sort of luxurious trip, Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef Lodge is an unique safari camp located within the dunes of Cape Vary Nationwide Park.
With 9 spacious luxurious fashion tents simply metres away from the seaside, the camp is designed to have minimal impression on the atmosphere and promotes sustainability.
Every tent has its personal en-suite lavatory, a snug mattress and scrumptious meals offered by the lodge chef cooking Australian delicacies with bush meals and native produce. This place is ideal for these desirous to splurge on the place to remain in Exmouth.
Finest Eating places in Exmouth Western Australia
Round Exmouth, you’ll discover lots of cafes and informal eating locations in addition to meals vehicles close to a carpark. Because you’re proper on the Ningaloo Reef, it’s no shock that seafood is obtainable in most locations and you may anticipate it to be good and recent.
If there’s a spot to strive a very good ol’ Aussie fish and chips, it’s right here in Exmouth.
Finances: Whalebone Brewing Firm
For domestically brewed beer and low-cost pizzas, Whalebone Brewing Firm is the perfect spot for households or associates on a finances.
You’ll discover a informal environment with dwell music nights, a playground for teenagers and simply an total buzz within the air.
Mid-range: Adrift Café
Adrift Café is a large hit amongst locals for good cause – the meals is recent and scrumptious.
That is arguably the very best restaurant in Exmouth and shouldn’t be missed.
Excessive-Finish: Mantarays
Positioned in Mantarays Ningaloo Seashore Resort, Mantarays brings scrumptious high-end delicacies in a relaxed atmosphere with views over the Exmouth Gulf.
That is the right place for having fun with a particular meal in Exmouth.
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