The Best Way To Experience Exmouth In Western Australia.

Many people don’t think of Exmouth as being much more than a small “mining town” in Australia. But I’d love to tell you why Exmouth should be on your list! This small town is the gateway to World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, and where you can swim alongside an incredible Whale Shark.

I’ve visited Exmouth twice now and discovered all it has to offer. Exmouth is surrounded by the incredible raw landscape of Western Australia on one side, and the amazing Ningaloo Reef on the other. So there’re so many beautiful snorkeling spots that can be accessed right from the beach. And, you’ll get the most amazing sunsets each night. 

Getting to Exmouth, Western Australia:

Exmouth is located on Australia’s west coast. Unless you want to drive for hours from any main city, flying to Learmonth (LEA) Airport is the best way to get to Exmouth. The only flights into Learmonth are from Perth and the only airline that operates commercial flights is Qantas. Thankfully, Perth airport is one of the largest in Australia and is accessible from pretty much anywhere in the world.

Upon landing at Learmonth airport you’re approximately 37km from Exmouth town. So I would highly recommend hiring a car (and booking it in advance). You’re in a remote area and having your own car will give you the freedom and flexibility to get the most out of your adventure. Car hire starts from approximately $110 per day, plus insurance and most car hire companies will charge a relocation fee if you are picking up and dropping off at the airport, as their offices are in town. 

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Otherwise, the other option to get to and from the airport is booking a seat on the airport transfers shuttle bus that is provided by Exmouth Bus Charter.

Exmouth Town, I’m sorry to say, is nothing special. There’s one pub (Potshots) that gets busy but that’s about it. The food in town is average and overpriced like nowhere else I’ve been. I once paid $6.50 for a small coffee in Exmouth, I’ve never ever spent that much on a coffee in Australia. But the locals in my experience were lovely and very helpful.

The Best Reason to go to Exmouth: 

The main reason I went to Exmouth was to swim with Whale Sharks. Exmouth is a hot spot in Australia for Whale Sharks and there’s a number of tour operators that you can book through. I chose Three Islands Whale Shark Dive and they were fantastic. These tours run from mid-March to August.

Other Things to do in Exmouth, Australia:

So, once you’ve locked in the date of your whale shark swim, make sure you’ve got a couple of free days to jump in your car and head towards Cape Range National Park (entrance fee charged when you enter). By the way, the national park is basically one road so you can’t get lost.

Ensure you pack:

• Snorkeling gear (which you can hire from the visitors center if needed)
• Beach towels / Bathers
• Food
• Drinking-Water
• Camera
• Car charger

And a full tank of petrol!

Cape Range National Park

This national park is so beautiful and it really feels like you’re in the Australian outback. Also, keep an eye out for wildlife on the road, such as emus, blue-tongued lizards, and kangaroos. 

In addition to the landscape, the beaches near Exmouth are absolutely incredible. There are so many snorkeling sites along the Ningaloo coastline and a lot you can access right from the beach. You’ll discover some beautiful marine life and you’ll always be able to find a quiet spot where there’s no one else in sight. I’d definitely recommend stopping at the following;

• Turquoise Bay, especially for drift snorkeling
• Sandy Bay
• Oyster Stacks

The whole Exmouth area is so beautiful and as an Australian, I’m so proud that we have managed to keep the beaches and Ningaloo Reef so pristine.

Charles Knife Canyon

This is another awesome place to visit and one that is perfect if the sun isn’t shinning enough for a swim. Head south out of Exmouth town to Charles Knife road and at the end of a very bumpy road is Charles knife canyon and the Thomas Carter Lookout.

So along here the road isn’t sealed and some parts are very narrow and the last time I was there it was very bumpy. But we were only driving a compact car and managed – just. Charles Knife Gorge is like a tiny version of the Grand Canyon. It really is beautiful and untouched.

At the end of your day, you must take the time to experience a Westside sunset. Head to the beach with some drinks and a little selection of your favorite snacks and take the time to just sit, relax, and witness something beautiful.