Exmouth is a bucket list destination for many travellers visiting Western Australia, so it’s only fair you want to make the most of the time you have there. We’ll cover 15 of the best things to do in Exmouth in this guide so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
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Overview:
- Swim with whale sharks
- Drift snorkel
- Mandu Mandu Gorge
- Snorkel with turtles
- Explore a shipwreck
- Yardie Creek boat tour
- Oyster Stacks snorkelling
- Cape Range stargazing
- Vlaming Head Lighthouse
- Whalebone Brewing Co
- Jurabi Turtle Center
- Lakeside snorkelling
- Shothole Canyon (4WD)
- Yardie Creek Gorge
- Sunrise at Charles Knife Canyon
Swim with whale sharks
It’s probably no surprise that this experience is mentioned here as it’s one of the most iconic and best things to do in Exmouth. Swimming with whale sharks is a huge bucket list item for many people and you can do it ethically in Exmouth.
The tours are a little pricey and we can imagine you’re wondering whether it’s worth it, so to tell you the truth, yes, it’s 100% worth it.
You don’t get the opportunity to swim with the gentle giants of the ocean in many places in the world in such an ethical way as you do in Exmouth. We would highly recommend adding this experience to your Exmouth trip.
Tip: Book your tour well in advance and look out for tour operators that offer no-sighting guarantee, or a good-swim guarantee and a free reschedule should you have bad luck on your tour.
Drift snorkel at Turquoise Bay
One of the best things to do in Exmouth is drift snorkelling at Turquoise Bay.
Head down to the beach and walk at least 100 meters south (left from the carpark). From there you’ll be able to head out into the water and let the current take you back up towards the beach entrance.
Important: Make sure to exit the water before the sandy tip as the current is stronger there. Please read the signs carefully before entering the water.
Sunset at Mandu Mandu Gorge
If you are a sucker for a beautiful sunset like us, then head over to Mandu Mandu Gorge and watch the sunset over the Ningaloo Reef.
The trail is a 3 km return walk into the gorge and offers stunning views at the peak.
It’s a moderately difficult class 3 trail and you’ll need to walk on lots of small and big pebbles at the beginning of the trail, so we recommend wearing good shoes.
Tip: Bring a little picnic rug and enjoy a quiet moment while the sun sets before returning to the car park.
Swim with turtles at Osprey Bay
This was easily one of the highlights on our trip and one of the absolute best things to do in Exmouth.
Neither of us had ever swum with a turtle before and we were able to spot multiple turtles right from the beach at Osprey Bay.
Turtles are pretty common around the Ningaloo Reef but Osprey Bay is particularly known for it, so don’t miss out on this spot.
Reminder: Please do not attempt to touch or feed the turtles, they are wild animals and should not be harmed by humans.
Explore Mildura Shipwreck
This shipwreck ran aground in 1907 and used to be a cattle ship. It’s easily spotted from shore but is easier to spot at low tide.
It’s possible to snorkel around the shipwreck due to its proximity to the beach but it is not recommended for weak swimmers and children as the current here can be quite harsh.
Do a boat tour at Yardie Creek
Taking a boat tour down the calm waters of Yardie Creek Gorge is a great way to explore the area and spot the incredible wildlife that thrive around here, including the rock wallabies.
The tour runs for about an hour and is suitable for visitors of all ages.
Make sure to book in advance with Yardie Creek Boat Tours
Snorkel at Oyster Stacks
This activity requires a bit of planning as it is only possible to do when the tide is high (minimum 1.2 meters) as sufficient water over the reef is required.
We recommend checking online if you have reception, otherwise you can visit Milyering Discovery Centre and check the tide levels there.
Stargaze in Cape Range
If you are into astrology and/or night photography then this one is for you.
Imagine some of the best stargazing in Western Australia thanks to the minimal light pollution in Cape Range National Park.
Watch a sunset at Vlamingh Heat Lighthouse
Watching the sun set over Ningaloo is one of the best things to do in Exmouth, and Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is one of the most popular spots to do it but for a good reason.
The views from Vlamingh Head Lighthouse are spectacular and well worth a visit.
We recommend arriving early as parking spots can be limited and it’s one of the most popular spots for sunset.
Tip: Bring mozzie repellent or stay in your car, the mosquitos here can be next level, so come prepared.
Dinner at Whalebone Brewing Co
We are all for budget friendly travel but we also think having a night out and chatting for hours about all the new memories, highlights and special moments over drinks and dinner is something that can make a trip feel extra special.
Whalebone Brewing Co is the place to do that in Exmouth.
Tip: Don’t miss out on their pizzas, they are delicious!
Visit the Jurabi Turtle Center
Located past Vlaming Head Lighthouse on Yardie Creek Road, you’ll find Jurabi Turtle Center.
It’s a great place to learn more about the turtles around Ningaloo, where to best spot them and how to watch them without causing them any distress.
Tip: If you are visiting Ningaloo between late-November to March you can book a Turtle Eco-Education Tour online or through the Milyering Visitor Centre in person.
Snorkel at Lakeside
Lakeside is a favourite spot for snorkelling amongst many locals as it has calm water and sheltered waters. You’ll also find big bommies (coral formations) that will help attract diverse marine life including various fish species, turtles, sting rays and reef sharks.
It’s a great place for both beginners and experienced snorkellers.
Tip: Lakeside is located at the Milyering Visitor Centre turnoff and you’ll need to walk along the beach for about 20 minutes before getting to the right snorkel spot.
Explore Shothole Canyon (4WD only)
If you are visiting Exmouth in a 4WD, it’s definitely worth visiting Shothole Canyon.
You’ll drive at the bottom of the gorge for about 12 km along one of the most scenic routes in all of Cape Range National Park.
At the end of the 12 km drive, you’ll get to the car park where toilets and picnic tables are also available. The lookout is only a short walk away, but it’s classified as a class 4 hike due to the steps being very steep and narrow and the gravel surface can be quite slippery.
Tip: If you are visiting Exmouth between August and October, Shothole Canyon is a great place to see wildflowers.
Hike at Yardie Creek Gorge
Yardie Creek Gorge is a must visit spot in Exmouth, the views along the gorge are stunning and the wildlife is incredible.
We started the walk early in the morning to avoid hiking in the heat, by the time we got back to the car (around 9 am) it was already quite warm.
There are 2 hiking options at Yardie Creek Gorge, you can either do the Yardie Nature Walk, a 1.2 kilometres class 1 return walk that takes around 45 minutes to complete.
Otherwise, you can continue on from the Yardie Nature Walk to the Yardie Gorge Trail, which is a class 4 trail and an additional 1.5 km return.
Tip: Wear good shoes as you are required to walk on rocks, bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen.
Watch a sunrise at Charles Knife Canyon
Watching the sunrise at Charles Knife Canyon is one of the best things to do in Exmouth, so make sure to add this one to your itinerary.
Located about 20 minutes south of Exmouth, you’ll drive on a scenic road towards the canyon.
The last part of the road is unsealed but still easily accessible for 2WD.
The lookout is located right next to the carpark so there is no hiking required but there are options if you’d like to explore the area more.
Tip: Bring a little picnic rug and a coffee, it’s a great spot to just sit and enjoy the views.
Final words
This covers 15 of the best things to do in Exmouth and we hope you found it helpful
If you are just starting to plan out your Perth to Exmouth road trip, make sure you check our full 10 day itinerary here.