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Best Things to do in Exmouth WA (2024)

Last Updated on 21 July 2024 by Ariana Svenson

I swear all the posts about ‘things to do in Exmouth WA’ must have been written by people with massive budgets or oodles of time.  That or they didn’t object to driving millions of miles back and forth to the Ningaloo Reef each day!  The key to a successful Exmouth holiday is – make a good plan, understand the logistics of the area, get a good map – and know your swimming abilities.  There are lots of highly recommended places that are simply NOT suitable for people who aren’t very capable swimmers!

exmouth sunset at the water

We have also covered some useful things like the best time to visit Exmouth, places to eat in Exmouth and more!

Also, keep in mind that every time you checkout ‘Things to do in Exmouth WA’ you will see swimming with Whale Sharks listed as the #1 activity.  It might be bucket list worthy, but it will also burn a real hole in your pocket if you are travelling with kids.  So, do your research.  Don’t forget that Exmouth does have a ‘Big 3’ so maybe swimming with the Manta Rays might be more your thing!

exmouth, kid exploring water wildlife
Enjoying the Ningaloo aquarium
Disclosure: Through my site there are links to affiliates, which means that I might receive commission if you buy something after clicking them. This costs you no more, and you definitely don’t pay extra. However, I do get a small amount which contributes to the upkeep of this blog. Thanks so much for all of your support. We hope you have a ball in Western Australia!

A Little about Exmouth Western Australia

person swimming in ningaloo reef
Turquoise Bay … it really looks like this!

In the grand scheme of things, Exmouth is a relatively new town.  It was founded in 1964 and has since become an extremely popular tourist destination for travellers along the north western coast of Western Australia.  Exmouth WA is considered a small resort destination with a population of about 3,000.  However, it is the gateway to Cape Range National Park and World-Heritage listed Ningaloo Marine Park.

Even though it is located 1,270 kilometres (789 mi) north of the Perth, a quick 1.5 hour flight from Perth will get you to Exmouth.

The indigenous name for the North West Cape Peninsula is Palyadi Manu.  Yinikutira, also recorded as the Jinigudira, are the traditional Aboriginal owners of the Country along the Ningaloo Coast in the area of the Exmouth Peninsula in Western Australia now known as the Cape Range National Park.

We respect and pay tribute to our First Nations people, the custodians of this beautiful land in which we live and love.  Through acknowledgement and learning together we can heal country.

wildflowers field

 How to get to Exmouth Western Australia

As mentioned above, a flight from Perth to Exmouth is about 1.5 hours long.  Several different airlines make the flight from Perth to Exmouth daily.  This is really the easiest and least time-consuming option for an Exmouth vacation.  Check the Qantas website as you can usually get a flight from Perth to Exmouth starting around $150.

However, it is also possible to drive to Exmouth from your location.  From Perth the drive to Exmouth WA will take you about a whopping 2 days as it is located on the tip of the northwest cape.  This makes the perfect Perth to Exmouth road trip (see more below).

Coming South from Broome is still a long 14- hour drive, though it would make sense to visit Karratha and Karajini National Park on the way!

We realize that things change all the time, and so it’s really important to us that we provide the most up to date information possible!  That’s why we go through our pages annually making sure they are as current as possible.  As always, if you notice something that’s not quite right, please let us know in the comments!

wildflowers of coral coast, western australia
Charles Knife Canyon

What is the Best Time to Visit Exmouth?

The best time to visit Exmouth Western Australia is typically from about April through to September.  This would be the autumn (fall) season, through winter, and into early spring in the Southern hemisphere.  Many Perth locals head up to Exmouth for winter vacation to soak up some sun.  The temperatures are moderate and sunny.  It is also considered the best time to go if your Exmouth activities include swimming with Whale Sharks.

However, this also falls within what is considered the wet season in Exmouth.  This shouldn’t put too much of a damper when thinking about things to do in Exmouth, but it is something to keep in mind when considering the best time to visit Exmouth WA.

things to do in exmouth ningaloo reef
Mandu Mandu Gorge

How Long to Spend in Exmouth?

While Exmouth town’s attractions are limited, the surrounds are insanely beautiful and diverse.  You can swim with Whale Sharks (the biggest fish on earth), relax on the gorgeous beaches, and more.  There are so many awesome things to do in Exmouth and the surrounding areas.

Most people say that 5-7 days around Exmouth and Cape Range National Park are enough.  We spent 8 days, including 2 nights at Bullara Station and a day trip to Coral Bay.

rock formation in ningaloo reef, exmouth
Anthills on the way to Cape Range National Park

Driving Times Around Exmouth

It is important to understand the distances involved with a visit to the Ningaloo Reef area!  In short, if you don’t plan your timing well, you can spend all day in the car, and little time soaking on those pristine white beaches.

  • Exmouth to Vlamingh Head & Jarabi Turtle Centre  17mins/ 19km
  • Exmouth to Tantabiddi boat ramp 30 mins/ 37km
  • Exmouth to Milyering Visitor Centre 40 mins/ 51 km
  • Exmouth to Turquoise Bay 50 mins/ 62km
  • Exmouth to Yardie Creek 60mins /88km

Remember – If you are staying in Exmouth, all these times should be doubled for ‘return’ times.

Note:  Speed limits within the Cape Range National Park are 80 or 90km an hour.  Don’t be like the pickles we saw hooning around, putting their lives, and the lives of other people on the road and the wildlife at risk.  You are on holiday, keep to the speed limits!

Best Things to do in Exmouth WA

exmouth ningaloo reef things to do

Get your Bearings at the Ningaloo Discovery Centre

Starting your visit to the Exmouth attractions at the Ningaloo Discovery Centre makes a lot of sense.  Here you can get an excellent overview of the unique American – Australian history of the area, and the importance of Exmouth as a US Navy base, as well as the area’s fascinating World War 2 history as a base for covert operations.

There are some great interactive exhibits like the ‘Red Bus’ to hear reflections of Australian-American life in remote WA.  Along with more recent history .  Enter the cyclone room and experience the devastation of Cyclone Vance … it’s pretty scary!

kid takes a bus, exmouth discovery centre
The Ningaloo Discovery Centre is very interactive, and good for kids

Make sure you continue on past the Ningaloo Aquarium, and into the fascinating section that describes who and what lives in the arid landscape of the Cape Range National Park.

My favourite part of the Ningaloo Discovery Centre was learning the shipwreck story of the stranded mariners from the barque Stefano and the local Yinikurtira (West Thalanyji) Australians in 1875.  The Stefano Manuscript was found 100 years later and is an ethnographic document recorded by people who lived with Indigenous Australians for six months and who came to admire their Aboriginal hosts.  As a description of Aboriginal pre-contact day to day life, the manuscript is vitally important.

Most importantly, the Barque Stefano story tells of respectful interaction between the indigenous and the European visitors in a time that positive relationships were not common.  It’s an inspiring story.  For more information check out their website.

kids watching nigaloo aquarium

Ningaloo Aquarium

If you are not going to be partaking in some diving or snorkeling tours, perhaps a visit to the Ningaloo Aquarium is a good substitute?  Part of the Ningaloo Discover Centre, the Ningaloo Aquarium is a must-visit Exmouth attractions.

With many interactive and hands-on exhibits, this is one of the Exmouth activities that is enjoyed by parents and children alike.  Learn about the many residents that inhabit the Ningaloo Reef and explore the cave systems of Cape Range.

car at road of exmouth
The towers of the Naval communication station.

Harold E Holt Naval Communication Station

Let’s say that you can’t miss the Harold E Holt Naval Communication Station!  The towers are huge and dominate the skyline for a great distance.  They are 6 kilometres north of Exmouth town and are well worth the trip, but you will go past them every time you head from Exmouth to the Ningaloo Coast area, so don’t make a special trip!

The communication station is home to Tower Zero, one of the largest towers in the southern hemisphere.  As far as we know, you can’t actually enter the Communication station.  However, we did stop to get pictures.

If you are interested in the important role the naval station has played over the years, spend some time in the history section of the Ningaloo Discovery Centre.  This provides an excellent overview of why the base was built on Northwest Cape, and how the base was responsible for passing messages between Australia and the United States’ command centres, their ships, and submarines.

kids in front of big lobster

The Exmouth Big Prawn

As you may know, Australians love big things and Exmouth is no exception.  If you are looking for a free thing to do in Exmouth, visiting the big prawn should be on your list.

Located right outside the Exmouth visitor centre, it is a representation from Exmouth Gulf Prawn Fishery that is located about 40 kms outside of Exmouth.

Speaking of big things?  If this is the kind of attraction you love, check out Famous Manmade Landmarks in Australia post.

nigaloo reef exmouth

The Exmouth Whale Shark

The opportunity to swim with Whale Sharks (the world’s biggest fish) is part of what puts Exmouth WA on the map.  There are multiple Whale Shark tour operators in town that can take you out to Ningaloo Reef for an up close and personal experience with these gentle giants.

Whale Shark diving tours can be quite spendy.  So, depending on your budget, this may or may not be on your list of things to do in Exmouth.  However, don’t despair.  You can check out the Whale Shark statue on Murat Road for a free encounter.  Although it is smaller than the real thing, it is still one of the free things to do in Exmouth that doesn’t disappoint.

Potshot Memorial in exmouth

Potshot Memorial

⁠The Potshot Memorial provided so much fascinating historical information about Exmouth.  It was a base for clandestine operations and the US Navy Submarine base built nearby under the code name “Operation Potshot. Exmouth’s World War 2 history was mind blowing; and I honestly had no idea.  The Japanese bombed the Exmouth Gulf in 1943 (yes, that close to Perth) and there was evidence that Japanese had even landed reconnaissance missions in the area.

We have a whole Instagram post about our visit.

Swim at the Beaches Close to Exmouth

town of exmouth, western australia
Town Beach, Exmouth

Town Beach

Popular Town Beach is at the edge of town centre and a great place for a quick swim.  This is one of the Exmouth activities that is actually close to Exmouth central.  However, be aware of the dingos as they can be threatening to small dogs.

While not the nicest beach in the area, it definitely is the closest to town.  Enjoy a swim, grab a bite to eat and sit on the picnic benches, watch the gorgeous sunset, or take a walk at low tide to see the many shells and crabs along the shore.

Snorkeling Ningaloo Reef
Bundegi Beach

Bundegi Beach

When you first read about Bundegi Beach, you get the impression that its main selling point is that much closer to the town than other beaches in Ningaloo Marine Park – just 11km from town.  But actually it’s a gorgeous beach and not as touristy as some of the others.

Also, being on the northern side of the Northwest Cape, it’s also more protected from the winds with clean and clear water.  You can safely swim here from the point down to the boat ramp.

Make sure you check out the Beach Shack.  They offer great breakfasts, lunches, or even a quick coffee break.

kid at beach
Turquoise Bay

Turquoise Bay

Often thought of as the best beach in Exmouth, and the most popular of all the beaches around the area.  Located inside Cape Range National Park, it is about a 50-minute drive from Exmouth central.

Also, take care to read the signs when arriving.  This is one of the Exmouth tourist attractions that can be unsafe.  If you decide to do the drift snorkel make sure you are a strong enough swimmer and you follow the signs.  We got to see a turtle while snorkeling just off shore, one of our highlights of Turquoise Bay.

person swimming in ningaloo reef

Exploring the Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth WA

There is a lot to see and do on the Ningaloo Coast, including visiting Cape Range National Park.  Make sure to read our Guide to Visiting Ningaloo Reef Exmouth and Cape Range National Park.

Swim with the Whalesharks Exmouth

Whale shark tours Exmouth are probably one of the most popular attractions there is.  If you have ever wanted to swim with the largest fish in the ocean, this is the place to do it.  Each year the Whale Sharks migrate through Ningaloo Reef giving visitors plenty of opportunity to see these gentle giants up close and personal.

Australia is very strict about Whale Shark tours Exmouth.  This is to ensure that humans do not disrupt their natural feeding and breeding patterns.  Tours are conducted extremely ethically.  So what is the best Whale Shark tour Exmouth you ask?  Well that is hard to say.  However, look below for some recommendations.

  • Best Time: Late March to late July.
  • Duration: Varies depending on the tour.  Most are full day tours.
  • Cost: Approximately $200-500 AUD.

TOP TIP – As of 2022 we’ve heard that Whale shark tours are booked months in advance.  So you might want to book this at the same time as your flights and accommodation.

underwater, shark in the sea

What is the Ningaloo Big Three?

Africa has its Big 5 but did you know that Ningaloo Reef has Australia’s Big 3?  That’s right Humpback Whales, Whale Sharks, and Manta Rays all call Ningaloo home at some point during the year.

Want to learn more about Ningaloo Reef?  Read our Facts about Ningaloo Reef here.

Swim with Humpback Whales or Go Whale Watching

Not only does Ningaloo have Whale Sharks but during certain times of the year you can also spot Humpback Whales off the coast.  From June to late October, Humpbacks Whales journey north from the Antarctic for mating and calving.  The Humpback Whales use the Ningaloo Reef area as their resting grounds along their migratory journey.

Opt to go on a whale watching tour, some of which allow you to get in the water to view the Humpback Whales.  To note, there are very strict rules around diving with Humpbacks just as there are with the Whale Sharks.

girl snorkeling underwater

Swim With The Manta Rays

It is really amazing that in Ningaloo you can swim with the Big 3.   Check out this Marine Eco Tour that includes swimming with Manta Rays.

Swimming along side the Mantra Rays is a remarkable experience.  Like their cousins the Whale Shark, these are gentle giants that do not have a barb making them safe to swim with.  They prefer to swim in shallow waters making them easy to spot if you are nervous about getting in the water with them.  You may even be able to see them leap from the ocean!

kids at ningaloo reef

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

We did this half day tour with Ningaloo Ecology Cruises, aka The Glass Bottom Boat.  It was a great way to see the Ningaloo Reef and all the marine species that call the reef home without getting wet.  However, you can also jump in with you fins and snorkel for a more up close and personal experience.

Also, it is a great tour if you are short on time and cannot commit to doing one of the longer full-day diving tours.

boat in the sea

Navy Pier Diving

If you are a diver, and you are visiting Ningaloo Reef then you may have heard of the Navy Pier Dive.

The Navy Pier is known as one of the best dive sites in the world.  Yes, you read that right!  This  300m long pier is 14 kms from Exmouth and, as the name suggests is a Navy Pier and is used for Navy ships for servicing the Naval base.  This means you can’t just rock up for a sunset stroll along the pier!

snorkeling Ningaloo Reef

Ningaloo Reef Snorkeling

If you are visiting Ningaloo Reef, you are definitely going to want to do some snorkeling.

Yes, Ningaloo is famous for its deep waters and amazing fringing reef in close proximity to the shoreline.  But the most exciting thing about Ningaloo Reef snorkeling is that it is all done right off the beaches.  That’s right, just pull up at a carpark, walk across the soft white sand and straight into the turquoise waters – and voila, you might be swimming with a turtle.  (I did!)  This is different than most other reefs around the world (like the Great Barrier Reef) where you have to pay big bucks for a boat trip out on the reef.

Turquoise Bay is famous world wide for its drift snorkeling and white beaches, but is not very safe for those who are not good swimmers.   For less capable swimmers we would recommend the Lakeside Beach.

We have LOADS more detailed information about Ningaloo Reef Snorkeling in our companion post The Best Things to do at Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park.

Learn How to Kitesurf

One of the most popular Exmouth activities is kitesurfing.  And would you know it, Exmouth is one of the most popular kitesurfing spots in all of Western Australia.  It goes without saying, that this would be the place to book a kitesurfing lesson.

If you are already an experienced kite surfer, then check out Graveyards, Sandy Bay, or Town Beach.

red wildflowers, best time to visit western australia

Other Exmouth Activities that Aren’t on the Water

See the Ningaloo Reef from the Sky

That’s right, you can see the famous and spectacular Ningaloo Reef from above.  If you have the time and money this is one of the best things to do in Exmouth.

We recommend Birds Eye View as they are the only company in all of Australia that has an Air Operators Certificate to spot Whale Sharks and Humpbacks Whales from a microlight plane.

Not comfortable with being up in the air? Check out below some other Ningaloo Reef tour recommendations.

Catch Your Own Fish

One of the top things to do in Exmouth Western Australia is fishing!  The most popular beaches for fishing are Yardie Creek, Sandy Bay, Point Billing, and Point Edgar.  Even the most seasoned fisherman is sure to be pleased!  There are many species of tropical fish that can be caught from these locations including coral trout, queenfish, bream, code, bonefish, and more.

Make sure to check out the regulations before casting out as there are many marine sanctuaries along Ningaloo Reef.  However, land-based fishing is allowed along much of the Exmouth coastline.

There are also many charter companies that offer amazing fishing excursions.

Stay in a Luxury Safari Tent on the Beach

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef is a glamping safari camp located in Cape Range National Park.  This is truly a magical experience on the white sand dunes of Cape Range.

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef offers 15 luxury glamping safari tents.  Each one has its one private eco-bathroom and cosy bed.  They also have an on-site chef preparing meals using only locally sourced ingredients.

Check here for current rates to stay at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef on Booking.com
Check here for current rates to stay at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef on Expedia.com
Check here for current rates to stay at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef on Agoda.com 

western australia wild flower tour, wildflower drive, wildflowers of Australia

Exmouth Wildflowers

Depending on the season, Exmouth is a good place to see Western Australian wildflowers (approximately mid-August to mid-October) Don’t expect the carpets of flowers that are famous a bit further south (around Cervantes, Jurien Bay and Eneabba) but we were still wowed by what we saw. If you are interested, this detailed post covers the best of Western Australian wildflowers  We also have detailed information about Exmouth Wildflowers in our companion post, A guide to Cape Range National park.

The woolshed at Bullara Station

Bullara Station Stay

Maybe this should be listed under Exmouth Accommodation but a visit to Bullara Station is so much more than a ‘place to stay’ – it is a full blown experience of the Australian outback.  For us it was awesome to walk on their trails and experience the Aussie bush.  More info at our comprehensive review of Bullara Station Stay.

Little kids play area at Mutts

Things to do in Exmouth with Kids

Are you looking for things to do in Exmouth with Kids?  We’ll share our honest opinions and thoughts about our experience – our kids were 2.5, 7.5 and 11 at the time of our visit in August; furthermore we got unseasonably bad weather with a couple of days of rain and colder than normal.  While we made the best of the situation (family games day in our apartment) and a couple of trips to Mutts for coffee and ice-creams; I have to say it may have affected our perception of Exmouth with Kids.  They didn’t have the “best” time.   If it had of been warmer and they could have tolerated more than 30 minutes in the cold water pool, their whole perception would have been different. But it was not to be.

When we blog about things to do in a place for kids, we look about things that most kids will truly LOVE.  I’ve yet to find kids that are really into hiking or long car drives for example.  They tolerate it, but enthusiastically embrace it.  I think not.  So when we are talking “things to do with kids” we’re talking things like mini golf, playgrounds, virtual indoor stuff…  interactive and engaging.

family buys ice creaam in exmouth
Icecream at Mutts

Best things in Exmouth for Kids

  • Ningaloo Discovery Centre and Aquarium – extremely well presented, interactive and excellent for kids. The Aquarium is particularly kid friendly.
  • Milyering Discovery Centre also had a giant whale and good information centre.
  • Mutts Coffee – has a good little kids playground
  • Whalebone Brewery – nice ambience in the late afternoon/early evening with a pretty fun playground.
family playing at playground in exmouth
Kids Play area at Whalebone Brewery

The main thing to do around Exmouth is swimming and snorkelling and even if the weather had of been good enough, I never realised that the drift snorkelling was potentially dangerous.  So keep in mind your children’s swimming abilities before planning a trip to Exmouth.

We decided to not do the Whalesharks or Manta Ray tours due to the cost – and it turned out to be a lucky decision because the weather was so cold. We did do a Glass bottom boat and snorkelling tour and we were bitterly cold after a short swim.  Also be very cognisant of your children’s abilities and resilience – my 11 year old daughter is a strong confident swimmer but she surprised me a lot when she was scared about jumping off a boat in the middle of the ocean.

Playgrounds in Exmouth WA

The main playground is a water playground themed around Whale sharks!  The week we were there we didn’t see any kids playing in it at all, but I assume it would have been a great place to spend hours and very popular in warm weather.    It is located directly across from the two IGA’s and shopping precinct.

top things to do in Exmouth WA

Places to Eat in Exmouth WA

If you are looking for an Exmouth restaurant, these are a few you should check out.

Whalers Restaurant

Located in Exmouth Escape Resort, this Exmouth Restaurant overlooks their gorgeous swimming pools and lush gardens.  Whalers Restaurant serves local seafood, steaks and the portions are generous.  They also have a great wine list.

This is a great family-friendly Exmouth restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and great food!  Give this Exmouth restaurant a try.

entrance of restaurant, exmouth nigaloo reef
Whalers Restaurant Exmouth

Mantaray’s Bar & Brasserie

Mantaray’s Bar & Brasserie is located at the magnificent 4.5-star Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort.  Mantaray’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.  This is one of the places to eat in Exmouth WA that offers amazing ocean views.

Many reviews rave about the local fresh seafood offerings and the extensive drink menu.

entrance of mutts coffee place in exmouth
Welcome to Mutts Coffee and Ice -cream Exmouth

Coffee at Mutts

Locals and tourists alike rave that this is the friendliest café in town.  Their ice cream is a must-try and their toasties are spectacular.

There are couches to relax on and a cute little play area for the kiddos.  Make sure you head on over to Mutts on Monday nights to enjoy love music!

enjoying a drink at exmouth beach

Which Exmouth Brewery Should I Visit?

There are two breweries that call Exmouth home and produce local craft beers.  Why not check them both out?

exmouth ningaloo reef things to do

Froth Brewery Exmouth

Froth Brewery actually has two locations: one in Exmouth and one in Bunbury.  The Froth Craft Brewery in Exmouth is in the town centre.  They offer a laidback, relaxing atmosphere while great drinks and appetizing food options.

If you are visiting Froth Exmouth in the winter, make sure to check out their Gimme M.O., a dark mocha oatmeal stout.  And, for a bite to eat, we recommend the Froth Fries and their weekly changing pizza menu.

Whalebone Brewing Co.

Whalebone Brewing Exmouth offers a large-list of brews on tap and amazing freshly made wood fired pizzas!

This Exmouth brewery offers a laid-back, tropical vibe and is even dog-friendly.  My kids had a ball playing on the different pieces of play equipment.

nigaloo reef with blue transparent water

Accommodation Exmouth

When you’re investigating accommodation in Exmouth there is one question you need to answer – to camp or not to camp?

Most accommodations around Exmouth are for self-contained campers.  The Ningaloo Coast over in Cape Range are all parks and biodiversity run campsites that are booked via this portal.  Friends that camp at Osprey Bay every year wait up all night for midnight when the camping spots open, so that they can get their preferred camp.  Yes, they are in such hot demand!

The closest private campground with facilities is at Yardie Creek Station/ Yardie Homestead Caravan Park.  They have chalets, holidays shacks and shearing quarters that book out well in advance.  Yardie Homestead Caravan Park has a really cool tropical swimming pool, a tennis court, BBQ areas, and a seasonal restaurant.  Yardie Homestead Caravan Park is located 4km North from Tantabiddi Boat Ramp.

In Exmouth town itself there are two main caravan parks – the RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park and Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort.

In addition, the town of Exmouth runs overflow camping at the back of the town oval, when we visited (August 2021) the overflow had been permanently open since the April, due to the influx of Covid related tourism.  You can book for the overflow camping area at the Ningaloo Visitor Centre.

For other accommodation (not camping) there are hotel rooms, backpackers and self-contained accommodation.  All types of accommodation has its pros and cons.  Keep in mind that Exmouth is a remote, exotic holiday location that books out at least one year in advance for peak periods like school holidays.  Even the most basic self-contained accommodation costs a cool $280/night right up to $500 a night for nicer, but not luxurious style places to stay.

accommodation in exmouth with pool

We visited all the main Exmouth accommodation and noted:

Nearly all the accommodation is located on the main Murat road in Exmouth, with the exception of the Luxury Mantarays Ningaloo Reef Resort.  Most of the places to stay are literally side by side or opposite one another.  None are really near Exmouth’s town beach.  Even though some advertise ‘walking distance to the beach’ it’s still a decent walk in what would be warm conditions at most times of the year.  However, if you are a young fit backpacker it would be ok!

All of the different places offer some type of self-contained accommodation and outdoor pools.  The more expensive places have newer buildings, and more elegant décor.  All have cold water pools and some onsite restaurants.

family playing in the pool of exmouth accommodation
The family mucking around in the Family apartments pool section of the Potshot Hotel

Where did we Stay in Exmouth?

We stayed at the Potshot Hotel Resort, which is also known as the ‘pub’ and backpackers.  I was suitably nervous, travelling with a grandmother and 3 kids that I had made a good choice by opting to stay at the Potshot.  It’s true that the Pot Shot is a sprawling catch-all resort that is very big and slightly unkempt.  Aside from backpacker accommodation, there are standard motel rooms, self-contained apartments, several bars and a pub-style bistro.

We stayed in a two-bedroom apartment which are on the opposite end of the property from the restaurant/bar area.  We had a small, clean swimming pool right outside our front gate.  The entire ‘apartment’ area of the Potshot had a family feel, and there were quite a few children staying at the same time as us.  The two bedroom and three-bedroom villas have recently been re-done and are clean and relatively modern looking.  They also have a small kitchen area (so you have the option to eat at “home”) as well as the washing machine and dryer in the bathroom.  They had small verandas and a barbecue at the back, so everything you need for an economical stay at home.

It must be remembered that Exmouth Western Australia is not a cheap destination, and that Exmouth accommodation is booked out years in advance.  So, given the prices of other places around town, we though the price was very reasonable for the whole family to stay.  Fantastic location as the town centre is a 5-minute walk away.  Quite literally it was quicker to walk out our backdoor and straight up to the two IGA supermarkets than drive.

If you are looking for something outside of Exmouth, read our An Awesome Bullara Station Stay Experience! for an experience that might intrigue you, and our blog post on accommodation in Bunbury, Western Australia.

people swimmingin ningaloo reef

A Day Trip – Exmouth to Coral Bay

The Exmouth to Coral Bay drive is 153km in distance, with a driving time of one hour and 38 minutes.  Almost all this drive is along the Minilya – Exmouth Road, which is a typical monotonous outback road.  If you have some extra time to spare during your visit to Exmouth, taking a day trip to Coral Bay will be a great addition to your holiday.

As we flew into Learmonth Airport and had not spent much time on the roads, (apart from back and forth to Turquoise Bay).  We thought the red landscape was gorgeous, dotted with hundreds of ant hills.

Spoiler Alert – When we head north next year, we will be basing ourselves in Coral Bay.  We think it makes a much better base for families.  Within Coral Bay, everything is within walking distance.

There are many things to do in Coral Bay so an Exmouth to Coral Bay day trip might be worth it.  These activities include:

  • Glass Bottom Boat Cruise – A glass bottom boat tour is a great way to see the beautiful coral and marine life.  This 1-hr tour is an easy activity to do on your Exmouth to Coral Bay day trip.
  • Swim with the Manta Rays – You can swim with the Manta Rays on a full day boat trip leaving from Coral Bay.
  • See Reef Sharks & Stingrays – Take a 20-minute walk from the main beach in Coral Bay over to the neighbouring bay to see hundreds of stingrays and Reef Sharks in the shallow water.
  • Quad Bike Tour – There are a few different popular quad bike tours out of Coral Bay.

Here are some of our favorite Coral Bay tour recommendations below.

girl enjoying view of exmouth landscape

A Perth to Exmouth Road Trip

Since it takes about 2 days (or more) to drive from Perth to Exmouth, a whole Perth to Exmouth road trip itinerary make sense.  There is so much to do and see along this route that a full 10 -days is recommended.

Main Stops on a Perth to Exmouth Road Trip

So, you are thinking about doing a Perth to Exmouth road trip?  The totally drive is 1270km.  Driving straight through you could complete the journey in about 12-14 hours.  However, that would be grueling!

Our Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Itinerary Would Look Like This:

  • Perth to Geraldton (414 km – 4.5 hours)
  • Geraldton to Kalbarri (154 km – 1.45 hours)  Note – We cover this section of the trip in our Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip
  • Kalbarri to Monkey Mia (400 km – 4.5 hours)
  • Shark Bay to Carnarvon (325 km – 3.15hrs)
  • Carnarvon to Exmouth (363 km – 3.40hrs)
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The Verdict – Things to See and Do in Exmouth WA

Exmouth, the Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park are massive attractions in the mid-west of Western Australia.   We think you can easily spend 5- 10 days around Exmouth in order to truly appreciate this wonderful reef and fantastic landscape.  Yes, there are lot of Exmouth activities that are on the water and quite heavy on the hip pocket – but on the other hand, you only live once.

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Best Things to do in Exmouth WA

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