The 16 best things to do in Exmouth

If you haven’t had any luck finding Nemo, here’s a bigger target to look out for – the world’s largest fish, the gentle whale shark. These spotted giants migrate to the shores of Ningaloo Reef (the world’s largest fringed reef) every year between February and July to feed on plankton and krill. Swimming with these super-sized spotted sharks – that can grow up to 18 metres in length – is a bucket list adventure and the heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park is one of the only places on Earth where you can have a face-to-fin encounter. Only 11 whale shark tour operators are licensed to run tours for a maximum of ten swimmers at a time, departing regularly from both Exmouth and Coral Bay. These full-day tours work in tandem with spotter planes which look out for the best positioning for your group to swim with the sharks. Keep an eye out for Exmouth’s other visitors, like humpback whales (July to November), giant manta rays, dugongs and spinner dolphins who drop by all year round.

To truly appreciate the majestic heights and depths of Charles Knife Canyon's gorges, you need to see it from above. The scenic 22-kilometre drive from Exmouth snakes up a winding road from which you can take in breathtaking views of the multi-coloured gorges that stretch 20 kilometres wide and rise to 320 metres above sea level. There are several scenic lookouts along the gravel road, offering plenty of photo opps, and a peaceful picnic area for you to relax at the top. Don’t forget to pack your own snacks.

Once crowned the third-best beach in the world by TripAdvisor, Turquoise Bay does exactly what it says on the tin. Its stunning turquoise waters make for a low-key afternoon spent swimming and snorkelling, with more than 500 colourful fish species, plus coral, turtles and squid, hiding below deck. Drift snorkelling is popular here, where snorkelers ‘ride’ the current rather than swim. Head out to the reef at the southern end of the beach and then let the current do the work as it washes you back to shore. Drift snorkelling is only recommended for strong swimmers at high tike (1.2 metres and above), while novice swimmers are advised to snorkel at Lakeside, Oyster Stacks or Osprey Bay instead.

Those who love barley and hops have all the more reason to head to Exmouth, especially since there are two stellar breweries less than five minutes apart. Established almost a decade ago, Exmouth’s first microbrewery, Froth, serves all its beers on tap through a piece of driftwood suspended above the bar, called ‘draughtwood’. You’ll froth over their tasting ‘fraddles’, where you can sample 4,6 or 22 ponies, perfectly paired with classic bar snacks. For an equally laid-back experience, kick off your shoes (or thongs) at family-owned Whalebone Brewing Co. Here you’ll find 15 beers, ciders and seltzers on tap, served up alongside local gin, pizzas and tunes.

When your sea legs need a stretch, head to Mandu Mandu Gorge for a somewhat challenging hike. The three-kilometre walking trail winds along a rocky creek bed and ascends to the gorge rim, where you can enjoy seriously spectacular panoramic views of Ningaloo Reef and beyond. Start early to increase your chances of spotting the rare black-footed rock wallaby and various birds of prey. Just two kilometres from camp, Sal Salis runs guided walking tours that provide fascinating insights into the area, which has been inhabited by humans for about 30,000 years. 

Not in the mood to swim? Jump aboard a glass-bottom boat to experience Ningaloo Reef from the dry comfort of a sturdy ship. Choose between one-hour coral garden tours or half-day snorkelling tours, including a new Nyinggulu cultural experience in collaboration with Baiyungu Dreaming. This special tour offers insights into the coast’s fascinating history from the traditional custodians of the land. 

If fresh seafood, cold beers and friendly service are what you’re chasing, Whalers Restaurant is where it’s at. Renowned as one of Exmouth’s best restaurants, seafood is undoubtedly king here. Decision-making will be tough though, especially between dishes like local tiger prawn gnocchi; reef’n’beef featuring char-grilled steak and cream garlic prawns; and a showstopping seafood medley for two. So ensure you pack an appetite and wear your stretchy pants. Whalers also welcome visitors for brekkie burritos and diner-style pancakes in the morning, or fish burgers and crispy calamari salads at lunch. 

With its deep blue water and striking red limestone cliffs, Yardie Creek Gorge is a must-visit on any trip to Exmouth. It’s located on the western edge of Cape Range National Park and is home to a huge variety of bird species, marine creatures and native mammals, including red kangaroos and the mysterious black-footed rock wallaby. Cruising down Yardie Creek is the best way to spot wallabies and seabirds nesting in the small cliff-face caves. You can also kayak around the waters, jump on a tour boat to learn more about the local wildlife and history, or hike the scenic 2.7-kilometre Yardie Gorge Trail.

Sitting at 61 metres above sea level, this hilltop lighthouse is one of the few places in Australia where you can watch the sun rise and set in the same place. It was built way back in 1912, following several shipwrecks, including the SS Mildura in 1907, which is still visible just 80 metres from the shore. Time your visit with sunrise or sunset for the most magical views stretching over the Indian Ocean.

Witnessing a baby turtle emerge out of its nest and waddle down to the water is a dream shared by many. If you're lucky enough to be in Exmouth from December to early March, you might just catch this incredibly heartwarming sight. Jurabi Turtle Centre welcomes visitors year-round, offering guided Turtle Eco-Education Tours during the summer months. On the tour, you’ll learn fun facts about the different turtle species and scout for female turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. Closer to March, you may even witness turtle hatchlings as they waddle down to the ocean to start their long journey to adulthood. 

If you have a day to spare, take a scenic 1.5-hour drive south to Coral Bay, Exmouth’s quieter neighbour. You could easily spend the full day relaxing on the sugar-white sands and floating in the turquoise waters, but we’d suggest strapping on your snorkel and exploring the incredible coral gardens that sit metres from the shore. These vibrant reefs are home to 500 species of fish and 300 species of coral, as well as turtles, dolphins and 80 manta rays. You can even join a dedicated tour from town to swim alongside these majestic mantas.

While Mantaray’s Bar and Bistro impresses with its menu full of daily-caught seafood, the true magic is in the view. Settle in early for breakfast as you watch the prawn trawlers head out to sea, then wait for the moon to rise out of the ocean in the evening. From August and November, you might even spot humpback whales chilling out in the Exmouth Gulf. Calves are also regularly spotted from the dining room as they practice launching themselves from the water. But back to the food: the pan-fried Exmouth prawns with tomato and eggplant salsa is a crowd favourite, especially when teamed with a side of rosemary and garlic fries.