Last Updated on 22 January 2026 by Ariana Svenson
I swear all the posts about things to do in Exmouth, Western Australia’ 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 to make a good plan, understand the logistics of the area, get a good map, and know your swimming abilities. There are many highly recommended places that are simply NOT suitable for people who aren’t capable swimmers!
Also, keep in mind that every time you check out ‘Things to do in Exmouth WA’, you will see swimming with Whale Sharks in Exmouth 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.
Do your research… Don’t forget that Exmouth does have a ‘Big 3’ (Humpback Whales, Whale Sharks, and Manta Rays) ,so maybe swimming with the Manta Rays might be more your thing!
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 northwestern 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 the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park.
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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.
How to get to Exmouth, Western Australia
From Perth:
- Exmouth is located 1,270 kilometres (789 mi) north of Perth
- Flights from Perth to Exmouth are 1.5 hours and the route is run by several airlines. Check the Qantas website, as you can usually get a flight from Perth to Exmouth starting around $150.
- You can also drive to Exmouth from Perth in around 2 days – it’s the perfect road trip itinerary. Read our Perth to Exmouth road trip guide for lots more information on the route!
Here’s a map of Exmouth’s location with Perth also labelled for reference:
From Broome:
- It’s a 14 hour drive from Broome. It would make sense to visit Karratha and Karajini National Parks on the way!
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.
Example timings, depending on traffic!
- 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 per 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!
The Best Things to Do in Exmouth + Nearby (The Coral Coast)
The Best Things to Do in Exmouth, Australia
Here are the TOP things to do in Exmouth, WA + plenty of tips!
Get your Bearings at the Ningaloo Discovery Centre (Ningaloo Visitor 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 area’s unique American–Australian history, the importance of Exmouth as a US Navy base, and the area’s fascinating World War 2 history as a base for covert operations.
There are some great interactive exhibits, like the ‘Red Bus,’ where you can hear reflections of Australian-American life in remote WA and more recent history. Enter the cyclone room and experience the devastation of Cyclone Vance… It’s pretty scary!
Make sure you continue 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 which is just a short drive from Exmouth.
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. It is an ethnographic document recorded by people who lived with Indigenous Australians for six months and who came to admire their Aboriginal hosts. The manuscript is vitally important as it describes Aboriginal pre-contact daily life.
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.
Visit Ningaloo Aquarium
If you won’t be partaking in diving or snorkeling tours, perhaps a visit to the Ningaloo Aquarium would be a good substitute. Part of the Ningaloo Discover Centre, the Ningaloo Aquarium is a must-visit Exmouth attraction.
With many interactive and hands-on exhibits, this is one of the Exmouth activities enjoyed by parents and children alike. Learn about the marine life of the Ningaloo Reef, see plenty of colourful fish and explore the cave systems of Cape Range.
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.
See The Exmouth Big Prawn
As you may know, Australians love big things, and Exmouth is no exception. If you are looking for something free to do in Exmouth, visiting the big prawn should be on your list.
Located right outside the Exmouth visitor centre, it represents Exmouth Gulf Prawn Fishery, which is about 40 km outside of Exmouth.
Speaking of big things? If this is the kind of attraction you love, check out the post about Famous Manmade Landmarks in Australia.
Swim with the Whale Sharks in Ningaloo Reef
The opportunity to swim with Whale Sharks (the world’s biggest fish) is part of what puts Exmouth, WA, on the map. If you have ever wanted to swim with the largest fish in the ocean, this is the place to do it.
Each year, whale sharks migrate through Ningaloo Reef, giving visitors plenty of opportunity to see these gentle giants up close and personal.
Whale Shark diving tours can be quite expensive, so depending on your budget, this may or may not be on your list of things to do in Exmouth, WA. Multiple whale Shark tour operators are in town, and they can take you to Ningaloo Reef for an up-close and personal experience with these gentle giants.
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.
Australia is very strict about Whale Shark tours. 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 in 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 – 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.
Read our guide to swimming with whale sharks in Ningaloo here.
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 was 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 the 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 Beach, Bundegi Beach and Turquoise Bay
Exmouth has its own beach and several fantastic beaches close by:
- Town Beach: At the edge of the town centre. It’s not the nicest beach in the area, but you can enjoy a swim, eat and sit on the picnic benches.
Bundegi Beach: A beautiful beach 11km from Exmouth. Also, being on the northern side of the Northwest Cape, it’s more protected from the winds and has clean and clear water. You can safely swim here from the point down to the boat ramp.
- Turquoise Bay: Often thought of as the best beach in Exmouth, although it’s located inside Cape Range National Park 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.
You can read more about the top beaches in the area in our full Exmouth beaches guide.
Swim with Humpback Whales or Go Whale Watching in Ningaloo Reef
Not only does Ningaloo have whale sharks, but you can also spot humpback whales off the coast at certain times of the year.
From June to late October, Humpback 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.
Swim With The Manta Rays in Ningaloo
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!
We did a glass bottom boat tour It was a great way to see the Ningaloo Reef and all the marine species that call the reef home without getting wet. This 2 hour coral viewing tour also looks fantastic!
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.
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 km 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!
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 from 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 Ningaloo Reef guide.
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.
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.
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.
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If you’re wondering what your accommodation choices are in Exmouth, make sure you read our full Exmouth accommodation guide.
Spot the 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.
Experience 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.
Enjoy a Wildlife Spotting Sunset Cruise
Sunset cruises start in the late afternoon and include viewing the beautiful sunset and all the colours in the sky that come with it! You can spot humpback whales + plenty more local marine species. Many tours are on luxury boats, and some even include drinks and nibbles. Cruises usually run in late July or early August through mid-October
This sunset cruise by Ningaloo Discovery is very popular.
This sunset cruise with whale watching is also a great option!
Visit Cape Range National Park
Cape Range National Park is the rugged, wild heart of the Ningaloo Coast – and an absolute must-visit while you’re in the area. Think limestone gorges, deep canyons, and red earth landscapes. Make sure you read our full guide to Cape Range National Park for more details!
What is the Best Time to Visit Exmouth?
The best time to visit Exmouth 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. There are moderate temperatures, and it’s sunny. It is also considered the best time to go if your Exmouth activities include swimming with Whale Sharks or going on a whale watching tour, as it’s peak whale shark season (April-September)
However, this also falls within what is considered the wet season in Exmouth. This shouldn’t put too much of a damper on thinking about things to do in Exmouth, but it is something to keep in mind when considering the best time to visit Exmouth, WA.
If you’re visiting multiple places in WA, make sure you read our guide to the best time to visit Western Australia.
How many days should you 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.
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 had unseasonably bad weather, with a couple of days of rain and colder than normal temperatures.
While we made the best of the situation (family games day in our apartment) and made a couple of trips to Mutts for coffee and ice cream, I have to say it may have affected our perception of Exmouth with Kids. They didn’t have the “best” time.
If it had 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.
The top things to do in Exmouth with 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 -it’s also one of the top places to eat in Exmouth.
- Whalebone Brewery – nice ambience in the late afternoon/early evening with a pretty fun playground.
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.
There are also some good playgrounds in Exmouth. 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.
The Verdict – Things to See and Do in Exmouth
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 a 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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