Exmouth is the perfect destination for ocean lovers looking to explore the beauty of Ningaloo Marine Park. We were there for a long weekend and were surprised by how much we could see and do in such a short time. Whether you're interested in snorkeling, diving, fishing, or just soaking up the sun on the beach, Exmouth is the perfect place to do it.

When to visit

Exmouth is a destination that offers year-round activities and warm weather, so there's really no bad time to visit. However, if you're interested in seeing the migrating humpback whales and turtle hatching, the best months to visit are September through March. If you want to see and swim with Whale Sharks, you should visit from March to August.

Beaches and Snorkelling

Exmouth is home to some of the most beautiful beaches we've ever seen, with plenty of calm, easy-to-snorkel areas to explore.

If you're looking for an incredible snorkelling experience, head to Oyster Stacks. Oyster Stacks should only be snorkelled at high tide when there is plenty of water covering the reef. Keep in mind that there is a strong current at Oyster Stacks, so it can be challenging for some, but it's worth it to see the beautiful coral and the diverse sea-life that frequent the area. Turquoise Bay and Lakeside are two of the best spots to visit with young kids because it’s easier to avoid the current.

If you're planning to spend more than a week in Exmouth, we recommend bringing your own snorkelling gear to get the most enjoyment out of your time in the water. While you can rent gear in town, having your own equipment can be more convenient and cost-effective in the long run. We found many cost-effective options online to choose from.

If you're visiting Exmouth during the winter months for the whale shark season, you may also want to consider hiring a wetsuit. While the weather in Exmouth is warm year-round, the water can be quite chilly, especially in the winter. A wetsuit will help you stay warm and comfortable in the water, allowing you to fully enjoy your time exploring the beauty of Ningaloo Marine Park.

Vlaming Head Lighthouse

No trip to Exmouth is complete without a visit to the Vlaming Head Lighthouse. Located just 17km north of town, this lighthouse is easily accessible by a tar-sealed road. When you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Cape Range National Park, Lighthouse Bay, and the town of Exmouth.

The Vlaming Head Lighthouse is the perfect spot to end a day of adventures, watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean. If you're lucky enough to be in Exmouth during whale season, the high vantage point offers a great view of the whales as they pass by, making it the perfect spot for whale watching.

Charles Knife Canyon

The Charles Knife Canyon lookout in Exmouth is a must-see destination for any photographer or traveler. The easy drive to the lookout offers breathtaking views of the canyon and gulf below. To truly experience the magic of this spot, we recommend visiting at sunrise when the sun rises directly between the valley. In addition to the breathtaking views, there are also some unofficial hikes in the area that are worth exploring for a change of scenery.

Where to eat

Exmouth has some great dining options. Here are a few of our favourites:

Froth Brewery and Whalebone Brewery - These breweries are great places to grab a cold drink and some tasty food, and they often have live music as well. The pizzas at Whalebone are a must-try!
Social Society Café - Exmouth's trendiest cafe, this is the perfect spot to grab a coffee, breakfast or get some work done on your laptop. In our opinion they have the best coffee and smoothies in Exmouth. We highly recommend trying their 'The Hemp Temple' smoothie.
Falafel Food Truck - On Sunday nights, Mutts Café has a food truck that serves some of the best falafels and donuts we've ever had. They also have plenty of vegan and gluten-free options!

Where to stay

If you are a camper, there are a variety of campsites along the Ningaloo coast for those who are looking to be closer to the popular beaches and snorkel spots. We stayed in Exmouth town and booked our accomodation through booking.com.

With many of the popular beaches located 30+ minutes out of Exmouth town, having a car to get around is a must. We hired ours through Avis and picked it up from Learmonth Airport. Luckily, you can get to most places in a 2WD so we didn’t feel the need to hire a 4WD.

As the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park, Exmouth offers endless opportunities for those wanting to get out on the water and discover all that this stunning region has to offer. So if you're an ocean lover looking for your next adventure, be sure to add Exmouth to your list of must-visit destinations.

If you have any questions, please comment below and we will get back to you as soon as we can!