Exmouth & Cape Range: Our top picks

From epic snorkels to breathtaking gorges, we’ve rounded up the must-see experiences that will make your Exmouth and Cape Range adventure unforgettable.

Looking for your next epic adventure? Exmouth is where it’s at. Located at the top of Western Australia’s North West Cape, it’s a seriously magical place where stunning red rock gorges meet turquoise waters.

The cruisy coastal town serves as the gateway to Cape Range National Park, which is home to spectacular limestone ranges and canyons, and the Ningaloo Reef – one of the world’s most pristine fringing reefs.

We spent five epic weeks exploring the reef and range, and can’t get enough of this place! It’s literally in our top five destinations Australia-wide. Our guide will take you through our absolute highlights.

1. Yardie Creek Gorge

Location: 88km north of Exmouth Town

Explore this permanent water source flowing beneath spectacular sheer cliffs by kayak or walking tracks, including the 2km Yardie Gorge Trail.

Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for rock wallabies. If kayaking, go to the end of the gorge where you’ll most likely spot them. We used our own inflatable kayak, but you can hire them from Exmouth Adventure Co.

2. Whale Shark swim

Location: 37km north of Exmouth Town

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and swim with the majestic whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef from March to August.

Tip: We opted for Ningaloo Discovery as they offered Exmouth’s only catamaran whale shark dive tour. Tours leave from the Tantabiddi boat ramp.

3. Osprey Bay

Location: 78km north of Exmouth Town

If swimming with turtles is on your bucket list, Osprey Bay is an absolute cracker of a spot! It also offers camping with stunning ocean views.

Tip: It’s best to swim straight out from the boat ramp.

4. Turquoise Bay

Location: 62km north of Exmouth Town

An exceptionally beautiful place to spend the arvo relaxing, swimming and snorkelling. Turquoise Bay’s Drift Loop is one of Ningaloo Reef’s most popular snorkels.

Tip: The Drift Loop begins 300m south of the ‘Drift Snorkel’ carpark and the current pushes you north. If you’re keen for more snorkel action, head to Oyster Stacks!

4. Mandu Mandu Gorge

Location: 66km north of Exmouth Town

Experience this spectacular gorge via the Mandu Mandu Walk (Class 4). The 3km loop trail travels along the rocky creek bed and up to the gorge rim with epic ocean views.

Tip: After the hike, cool off at nearby Turquoise Bay.

6. Charles Knife Canyon

Location: 29km south of Exmouth Town

Follow Charles Knife Canyon Drive to the top of the range, where you’ll take in spectacular views of the rugged Cape Range and waters of Exmouth Gulf.

Tip: The road is accessible with a 2WD vehicle, but be prepared for a windy drive.

7. Lighthouse sunset

Location: 20km north of Exmouth Town

The Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is a sensational spot to toast the sunset, with panoramic ocean views.

Tip: Get there a bit early to beat the crowds and secure a primo spot.

8. Take to the skies

Location: 13km south of Exmouth Town

A next-level way to see the spectacular sights of the Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range. It’s seriously an experience you’ll never forget.

Tip: We did the 60-minute ‘Ningaloo Explorer Flight’ with Ningaloo Aviation and it was 10/10.

9. Lakeside Sanctuary

Location: 53km north of Exmouth Town

Escape the crowds and explore incredible coral bommies home to an abundance of marine life.

Tip: To access the snorkel area, walk 500m south on the beach to where you’ll see two in-water sanctuary markers (yellow buoys). This was our favourite snorkelling spot!

10. Shothole Canyon

Location: 28km south of Exmouth Town

Go deep inside Shothole Canyon on a 12km scenic 4WD track which travels along the floor of this spectacular gorge.

Tip: At the end of the track, there are parking spots and picnic tables, offering a great spot to stop for lunch and take it all in.

11. Cape Range camping

Cape Range National Park

Cape Range NP offers more than 150 campsites across 11 campgrounds. They’re all 2wd accessible and must be booked online (up to 180 days in advance).

Tip: Popular sites sell out as soon as bookings open, so get ready for a midnight booking. We’ve stayed at several sites, and loved the beach views of Osprey and chilled vibe and rolling dunes of Mesa.

12. Whalebone and Froth

Exmouth Town

Head to Whalebone Brewing Company or Froth Craft Brewery to enjoy a brew, live music and laid-back vibe.

Tip: The woodfired pizzas at Whalebone are delicious!

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