Exmouth is a tiny unassuming town on the west coast of Australia that packs a big punch. For nature lovers, adventure seekers or relaxing holidaymakers there is something for everyone. Here are 13 of the best things to do in Exmouth.
Just a side-note; we Brits would pronounce it Ex-muth but Down Under it is pronounced ex-mouth, as in ‘mouth’.
Swim with whale sharks
Swimming with whale sharks is probably at the top of everyone’s bucket list. During whale shark season, March to September, Ningaloo Reef is graced with large numbers of these gentle giants. Book in a tour for the opportunity to snorkel alongside the world’s biggest fish.
Be sure to pre-book and opt for your first day in Exmouth just in case you were not lucky enough to spot any whales on day one. Most tours offer a free tour until you are able to swim with the whales.
Hike the Mandu Mandu Gorge
Cape Range National Park doesn’t just provide access to Ningaloo Reef. There is plenty to explore on land and the best way to see it is to dust off those walking shoes and go hiking. The park has several hikes to choose from but the 3km Mandu Mandu Gorge loop is arguably the best. The hike follows the dry creek bed all the way up to the northern ridge for an incredible panoramic view of the gorge and the Indian Ocean. Get on the trail early before it gets too hot and pack plenty of water and suncream.
Watch sunrise or sunset from Vlamingh Head Lighthouse
The Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is the perfect spot to watch sunrise or sunset over the ocean. If you are lucky enough you might even spot passing whales.
Swim with humpback whales
Exmouth also welcomes the southern hemispheres highest density of humpback whales. We are talking 30,000 of them! Tours have recently opened allowing you to swim with humpback whales. Book a tour from June through to November for your chance to get close to a 40-tonne whale!
Camp on the beach
Camp on a pristine white beach within Cape Range National Park right next to the ocean. There are 120 sites within the park with my personal recommendation being Osprey Bay for its phenomenal view over the lagoon and outer reef. Wake up and dive straight into the cool calm water, cast a fishing line or simply relax on the gorgeous beach.
Accessible via 2WD. Drop toilets and picnic benches provided however there is no running water or power. Fires and pets not allowed. Pre-book well in advance here.
4WD through Shothole Canyon
Take your own 4WD or join a tour to explore the base of Shothole Canyon. Aptly named after the shot holes left by charge explosions in the search for oil in the 1950s, driving through Shothole Canyon is a humbling experience as you traverse deep into the canyon. Discover the colourful layers of rock, the local wildlife and the gorgeous wildflowers (July to October).
The 12km track is easy off-roading consisting mainly of pebbles. There is a picnic bench and a short walking trail at the end of the track.
Whale watching
If getting in the water with giant sea life isn’t your thing, instead opt for a boat tour to watch humpback whales from the surface.
Snorkel the Ningaloo Reef Drift at Turquoise Beach
Firstly, Turquoise Beach is exactly what it says on the tin. The water is an incredible shade of blue. Secondly, you can reach Ningaloo Reef from the beach. Walk left all the way down the beach, swim out to the reef and let the drift carry you across the beach as you look out for turtles.
Go kitesurfing
Book in a kitesurfing lesson suited to your ability. Exmouth Surf Centre offers lessons from beginners to advanced as well as multi-day clinics. If you don’t fancy kite surfing try regular surfing or stand up paddle boarding.
These guys also happen to make the best coffee in town.
Birdwatching at Mangrove Bay
Enter the bird hide at Mangrove Bay and watch the thriving birdlife on the lagoon and sanctuary area.
Cruise through Yardie Creek
The road through Cape Range National Park ends at Yardie Creek. The road is now impassable even for 4WD vehicles. Boat tours cruise from Yardie Creek through the impressive red-walled gorge. Look out for black-footed rock wallabies and birdlife.
Fishing
Cape Range National Park and the greater Exmouth area have some fantastic fishing spots. From the shoreline or out on the ocean, there are great fishing opportunities to be had. You can read up on the strict sanctuary zones in Ningaloo Marine Park here before you drop your line.
Wildlife watching in Cape Range National Park
Cape Range National Park is abundant with birds, reptiles, marsupials and other mammals. You don’t have to try hard to spot some of the local residents. Large birds of prey like ospreys and kites, mobs of emus (how great is that collective noun ‘mob’), black-footed rock wallabies and dingoes.
Have you visited Exmouth? What else would you add to this list?
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