The best place to escape the cold in Australia is the north. Exmouth, in Western Australia, is one of the top destinations for sun and sea.
Exmouth, on the Coral Coast, is one of the most special places in Australia. It is the gateway to Ningaloo Reef.
Exmouth, Australia, is one of the best-kept secrets in Australia. It offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling, diving, fishing, and surfing, as well as a wide range of marine life.
Exmouth’s whale shark season is from April to July. From June to October, whale watching is best.
Exmouth: The Best Things to Do
Exmouth is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
There are many beautiful attractions and activities in the Ningaloo Reef National Park, Cape Range National Park, and the town. Let’s not forget about the crystal-clear waters with colorful coral reefs, as well as pristine beaches such as Turquoise Bay or Osprey Bay.
Swim with the largest fish in the Ocean
Exmouth is the only place where you can ethically swim with whale sharks.
Australia has very strict rules and regulations when it comes to swimming with whale sharks. The goal is to protect sharks and not have their feeding and breeding patterns affected by people in the water.
Tour companies generally offer the same thing: a spotter aircraft for the sharks and a guarantee that if you do not see a whale shark on your tour, you will get free time.
Some companies provide extras such as free pictures or a guarantee in case you feel seasick.
If you are not able to swim with a whale shark, you should book your whale shark tour as soon as you arrive in Exmouth. This will allow you to redeem your free time during the same trip.
This is one of the most popular attractions in Exmouth.
It is an incredible experience to swim next to a Whale Shark. You can feel safe next to them despite their size, which is often between 5.5 and 10 meters.
View Marine Turtles Nesting
The turtles are able to nest between November and March every year. Visitors can visit the Jurabi Turtle Centre and go on a guided tour to learn more about turtle nesting from December to February.
You can see turtles nesting on the beach. The JTC shelter provides information about the stages. A tour is recommended, however, to avoid disturbing turtles.
The tours last between 3 and 4 hours. They include a presentation about marine turtle biology, ecology threats, and conservation measures. Bookings for tours can be made at the Exmouth Visitor’s Centre.
You should read the Code of Conduct before you go to the beach and watch the turtles.
Vlaming Head Lighthouse offers incredible views
Vlaming Head Lighthouse is one of the best places to see in Exmouth. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the Ningaloo Coast and town, whether it’s at sunrise or sunset.
The Vlaming Head Lighthouse is located 17 km away from Exmouth. It’s best to reach it by car via Yardie Creek Road. If you are lucky, you might even be able to see humpbacks migrating down south.
You can catch one of the most beautiful sunsets in Exmouth on the West Coast in the late afternoon. Stay until the night for a stunning view of the Milky Way and shooting stars.
The Ningaloo Reef, as seen from the Sky
Ever dreamed about flying? Birds Eye View is the only Australian company that has an Air Operators Certificate and can spot whale sharks or humpbacks from a Microlight.
The company offers 30-minute, 60-minute, and 90-minute flights over Exmouth as well as the Coral Coast.
The 30-minute flight will only take you over Exmouth and Exmouth Gulf, while the 60-minute flight will take you over Cape Range Canyons and then over Ningaloo Reef. A 90-minute combination flight includes all three.
One of the best things to do in Exmouth is to enjoy the view from above and spot whale sharks as well as a variety of marine life.
Birds Eye View offers free images from flights captured by a GoPro mounted on a wing.
Take a SUP Tour or Session
Standup paddleboarding is a popular activity along the Ningaloo Coast.
You can buy both performance SUPs and soft SUPs in town.
Exmouth is home to many companies that offer SUP tours and lessons.
Exmouth is home to many companies that offer SUP tours and lessons.
Take a freediving course
Although the idea of diving to 20 meters and holding your breath might seem terrifying, it is actually meditative.
Exmouth is a great place to learn freediving and become certified.
Several companies in town offer level 1 courses. They usually last two days.
The benefits of freediving are numerous, including stress management, relaxation, and control over your breathing.
It’s fun, too!
Whale Shark Festival
The Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival is held every year in Exmouth to celebrate the annual arrival of whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef.
The goal is to improve education on whale sharks and strengthen the relationships between government departments and businesses, industries, and communities.
The Whale Shark Festival is an excellent opportunity to learn and share other people’s experiences. It also allows you to present the latest technological advances, as well as innovative ideas and research.
The festival, which is usually held on the last weekend of May, is a family-friendly event that is full of activities and entertainment.
View the Shipwreck SS Mildura
You can view the wreckage of the SS Mildura from the shores of Lighthouse Bay. This cattle steamer was blown ashore in 1907 by a cyclone.
The hull served as a combing training vessel during World War II. Most of the remaining remains were salvaged for renovation.
The remains of the SS Mildura are best viewed at low tide. They now rest just 80 meters from the shore.
Follow Yardie Creek Road up to the North West Cape.
Cape Range National Park Hike
Cape Range National Park offers many walking trails with spectacular views of the range, canyons, and Ningaloo Reef, as well as Exmouth Gulf.
Hikers and bushwalkers will enjoy the 3 km return Mandu Mandu Gorge trail, the 1.5 km Yardie Gorge Trail or longer trails like Shothole Canyon’s 24.5 km.
Charles Knife Canyon is a stunning place to walk. The Charles Knife Edge Walk, 3.5 km long, takes you there.
Yardie Creek Trail is a beautiful walk that follows Yardie Creek Road along the coast.
It is not recommended to walk the trails between December and March. The weather can be very hot.