Exmouth is a perfect base for a great Western Australian road trip; once you’ve discovered the fantastic beauty of the Ningaloo Marine Park's coral reefs teeming with marine life, you can visit Cape Range National Park for its stunning cliffs and gorges, and even go turtle-spotting at the Jurabi Coastal Reserve.
This is some of the best that outback Australia has to offer: whether you're a nature-lover, a whale-watcher, a bush-walker, or someone who just wants to relax on the beach and work on your tan at Turquoise Bay, you'll find plenty to delight you in this tourist paradise.
Get below the surface
The town of Exmouth and its surrounds are particularly known for the wonders that lie beneath its water. Between April and July, you’ll find massive whale sharks (the world’s biggest fish) congregating along Ningaloo Reef. Those lucky enough to visit during this time can go snorkelling with these beautiful creatures, for a truly, once in a lifetime experience. You’ll find lots of other spectacular marine life too, including humpback whales, dugongs, and manta rays.
Ningaloo Reef is the world's closest fringing reef and one of the most pristine and biodiverse coral reefs in the world. Accessible a short distance from shore, this extraordinary natural phenomenon stretches from shore to nearly 20 kilometres out to sea, covering a phenomenal 5,000 square kilometres stretch of ocean.
With over 200 varieties of coral and 500 species of fish, the region is a veritable paradise for divers and snorkelers. The outer reef is also home to turtles, manta rays and visiting humpback whales.
Maritime history
Back on dry land, the Naval Transmission Station is just 10 minutes away in a rental car from Exmouth. The station was built as a means of communicating with the Australian and US Navy. Operated by the US Navy until the 90s, it now serves as a fascinating reminder of a period when many Exmouth residents were Americans, and locals celebrated the Fourth of July with their neighbours.
Cape Range National Park
The Cape Range National Park is an enjoyable contrast from the Reef’s marine scenery. You’ll find kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas here, as well as fantastic bird life. The Park is arid, but surprisingly lush, especially in wildflower season: more than 630 plant species having been recorded here.
Yardie Creek
A visit to Yardie Creek is a must-do when visiting Cape Range National Park. The ancient gorge features an array of stunning colours, with deep blue water, and dramatic red limestone cliff walls. Take a guided boat tour and enjoy the tranquility and the wildlife that this ancient landscape offers.
