Exmouth is the kind of place that pulls you in, and you never want to leave. It’s a magical gateway to some of the most stunning reefs and national parks Australia has to offer.
Before diving into all that The Ningaloo has to offer, be sure to carve out some time in your itinerary to experience Exmouth itself.
Having spent some time soaking in all that this charming town has to offer, here are our top recommendations for an unforgettable experience.
Quicklinks:
1. Swim With Whale Sharks
2. Cape Range National Park
3. Exmouth Food Scene
4. Exmouth Town Centre
5. Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
6. Exmouth Breweries
7. Town Beach
8. Splash Park
9. Exmouth Markets
10. Whale Tour
11. Semi-Submerged Boat
12. Turtles
13. Ningaloo Visitor Centre Aquarium & Discovery Centre
14. Exmouth Library
15. Explore the SS Mildura Wreck
Where to Stay in Exmouth
1. Swim With Whale Sharks
If you’re in Exmouth between March and July, don’t miss the chance to swim with whale sharks. These gentle giants visit Ningaloo Reef during their annual migration, and I’ll never forget the awe of seeing one of these massive creatures up close, gliding effortlessly through the water.
We loved how eco-friendly these tours were, and the laws in place to protect these magnificent animals are truly commendable.
There are several tour operators in town offering this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We’ve had the pleasure of experiencing ‘Ningaloo Discovery’ on both their Catamaran and speed boat tours, and we rate them highly! We now understand why they’ve earned 5 stars on TripAdvisor. We’d recommend booking in advance, as these tours fill up quickly.
2. Cape Range National Park
One afternoon, we went for a drive and somewhat stumbled upon this amazing National Park. You can either drive to the lookout or hike through the dramatic landscapes of Charles Knife Canyon. With a broken toe, I wasn’t able to manage the 6km hike, but it certainly looks incredible.
Make sure to visit Shothole Canyon while you’re there too. The park’s diverse ecosystems are a haven for birdwatchers, and I can only imagine the sunsets here would be absolutely epic!
3. Exmouth Food Scene
When it comes to food, Exmouth doesn’t disappoint. From casual cafés to more refined dining options, there’s something to suit every palate. Don’t miss a visit to the local seafood spots, where you can savour the freshest catch of the day. A dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants, with views of the sun setting over the ocean, is the perfect way to end a day of exploration. If you’re after a quick bite, the bakery offers some scrumptious options.
4. Exmouth Town Centre
While Exmouth’s natural beauty is its main draw, the town itself has its own unique charm. The small but vibrant town centre is perfect for picking up souvenirs, enjoying a coffee, or simply taking a leisurely stroll. It’s also a great place to get a feel for the local culture and meet friendly residents. The post office doors are constantly rotating with travellers picking up parcels, and the bakery is a must-visit. We also discovered a little gem of a shop there called Rising Spirit.
5. Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
For panoramic views of the coastline, head to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. The drive up offers scenic vistas, and the lighthouse itself is a great spot for photos. It’s also a fantastic place to catch either a sunrise or sunset, making it the perfect way to start the day or wrap up a day of adventure. If you’re heading up for sunset, be sure to bring some snacks and a cold bevvy of your choice.
6. Exmouth Breweries
So, there are two great spots in town! Whalebone is the larger of the two, with a fantastic vibe. There’s plenty of outdoor space for the kids to play, a stage for live music, and delicious pizza. On the evening we visited, we even saw a horse drinking a beer – the things you witness while traveling across Australia!
While Whalebone seems to be the people’s favourite, we’re going out on a limb to say that we thought the beers were better at Froth Craft Brewery in town. The food was great, and although there was no live music the day we visited, there are some epic photos circulating of bands playing on their roof.
7. Town Beach
Honestly, this beach might not compare to the ones further along the Ningaloo, but it’s still a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the water. Town Beach offers calm, shallow waters ideal for kids to splash around in, plus stunning sunrise views. If the wind picks up and you’re looking for something to do, head down the beach to watch the kite surfers in action.
8. Splash Park
A family favourite for sure, the Exmouth Splash Park is a fantastic way to cool off on a hot day. With interactive water features and plenty of shade, it’s a hit with younger kids and offers an easy, low-cost way to spend a fun afternoon.
9. Exmouth Markets
We loved the Exmouth markets! If you’re in town on a weekend, don’t miss them. Browse local arts, crafts, fresh produce, and delicious food stalls while soaking up the relaxed coastal vibe. It’s a great way to support local businesses and grab a unique souvenir. A cruise ship was visiting town on one of the days we were there, so an additional Thursday market was set up. Check local flyers or ask at your accommodation for the exact dates.
10. Whale Tour
There’s no shortage of marine wildlife passing through the area. If you miss the whale shark season, you might be in luck with the whale migration. From June to October, Exmouth is one of the best places in Australia to see humpback whales up close! Whether you choose a boat tour or the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with them, it will be an unforgettable experience and a true bucket list item.
11. Semi-Submerged Boat
We decided not to take the kids on a whale shark tour at the time since they were only 4 and 5 and probably needed to be a bit more confident in their swimming to hit the deep water. Instead, we took them on a semi-submerged boat tour, and it was awesome!
For those who want to experience the magic of Ningaloo Reef without getting wet, the semi-submerged boat tour is a must! With large glass windows below the waterline, you’ll get a front-row view of vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, and maybe even a turtle or two.
We also added in some snorkelling, and it was perfect. All four of us loved it!
12. Turtles
Exmouth is home to some incredible turtle nesting sites, with the best viewing season running from November to March. Visit the Jurabi Turtle Centre to learn about these amazing creatures or take a guided tour to watch them hatch under the moonlight.
13. Ningaloo Visitor Centre Aquarium & Discovery Centre
A fantastic first stop in Exmouth! This modern centre is filled with interactive exhibits, a small aquarium, and lots of information about the local environment, marine life, and the region’s history.
14. Exmouth Library
We loved this little library – a great spot to escape the heat for a while. It offers a cozy reading space, free Wi-Fi, and a small but well-stocked collection. It’s also a fantastic place for kids’ activities and local events. They often host additional activities during school holidays. You can even join the library and hire books for about $8.
15. Explore the SS Mildura Wreck
I wasn’t expecting much from this wreck, but WOW – history meets adventure at the SS Mildura wreck site. This cattle ship, wrecked in 1907, still lies just off the coast. You can view it from the shore or snorkel around the remains for a closer look. My 6-year-old said it was ‘pretty cool,’ and I have to agree!
Where to Stay in Exmouth
Caravan Parks
There are two main caravan parks in Exmouth:
RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park: Situated just 1 km from Exmouth’s town centre and a short 10-minute walk from the beach. The caravan sites are on red dirt, but the amenities are great. There are two pools, a modern camp kitchen, an entertainment area, a car washdown bay, and a fantastic outdoor seating and BBQ area overlooking the pool. After spending almost three weeks off-grid, we were very thankful for the large number of washing machines available. For those traveling with pets, you’re in luck – it’s pet-friendly too.
We stayed at the start of the season when it wasn’t yet booked out. We still booked in advance as we had other bookings on the Ningaloo coast and knew when we would be in town. The sites provided plenty of space to set up, and we met lots of lovely people staying here. There’s ample space for kids to ride bikes, but do be mindful that the roads in the park can get quite busy.
If you’re an RAC member, you get a discount when you book directly. If you’re a Big 4 member, book through the BIG 4 website to get your discounted stay.
Exmouth Ningaloo Caravan & Holiday Resort: This park is centrally located, making it an easy stroll to town. There’s a pizza restaurant and bar on-site, open during high season, as well as a modern camp kitchen. People love the card payment option on the washing machines, but reviews mention that during peak season, they would have liked a bigger pool.
This is a privately owned park, so check out their website for offers.
Backpacker Campground: If you’re in a rooftop tent, tent, or swag, Exmouth has opened up a backpacker campground at Exmouth Horseman’s Club. At $11.50 per night per person, this is by far the cheapest place to stay. There are toilets, but no showers at this stage.
Accommodation
Lastly, if you’re not traveling with a set-up or you’re looking for more comfort, there are many great places to stay. Check out Booking.com for all your options.
Look, there are a lot of places in Australia, and even with 12 months to explore, you won’t see it all. But if you ask us, Exmouth and the Ningaloo isn’t a place to skip over. The detour is 1000% worth it.
Check out our other blog posts on the Ningaloo and Bullara Station to round out 1 epic adventure.