Discover Exmouth: Ningaloo, Town Beach and Nature

Exmouth brings together the town and experiences at Ningaloo Reef, beaches and nearby attractions. The choices range from the aquarium in town to walking trails, viewpoints and activities on the water. You can tailor your stay to whether you want to focus on marine life, a visit to the beach or time on a walking trail.

Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef

Exmouth is the gateway to Ningaloo Marine Park, which is listed as a World Heritage Site. The nearby park is home to hundreds of fish and coral species. Snorkelling is possible there just metres from the shore. Swimming with whale sharks is also one of the possibilities in Exmouth. These two experiences appeal to different interests: you can explore the reef from the water or encounter a remarkable marine animal.

The Ningaloo Aquarium & Discovery Centre is located in the Ningaloo Centre and offers an immersive experience for the whole family. The aquarium holds 60,000 litres of water and features live coral and more than 50 endemic species of Ningaloo Reef. Guided tours and group bookings are available at the Centre. A visit therefore complements outdoor experiences with an insight into the reef’s wildlife.

Nearby, Navy Pier is among the world’s top ten shore-based dive sites. More than 200 fish species live there, including Queensland groupers, bigeye trevally and barracuda. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between snorkelling just metres from the shore and a dive site described as shore-based.

Town Beach: relaxation and water sports

Town Beach is the beach closest to Exmouth town centre and an important recreational area for locals and visitors. At the end of Warne Street, there is parking and barbecue facilities. One section of the beach is dog- and car-free and suitable for young families. The beach offers a range of ways to spend a visit, from a morning walk to time by the water.

At high tide, Town Beach is suitable for swimming, including with children, although conditions can vary. Windsurfing and sailing are regular activities there, and windsurfing is a popular water sport. At sunset, you can watch the moon rise over Exmouth Gulf from Town Beach—a different view of the coast than during the day.

Views from Vlamingh Head Lighthouse

Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is 17 km north of Exmouth’s town area and overlooks Lighthouse Bay. You can watch sunrises and sunsets from there. Possible views also include passing humpback whales and Ningaloo Reef. This makes the lighthouse a destination in its own right for visitors who want to combine scenery and wildlife watching.

Hiking in Cape Range National Park and at Yardie Creek

Cape Range National Park lies south of Exmouth. You can hike the Badjirrajirra Loop Trail there. There are further walking options at Yardie Creek: the Yardie Nature Walk is one option, while the Yardie Gorge Trail is rated Grade 4. The two trails also differ in their described characteristics, so checking their length and terrain can help you choose.

The Yardie Nature Trail is 1.25 km long, gentle and easy to follow. It offers views of Yardie Creek and towards Ningaloo Reef. The Yardie Gorge Trail, by contrast, is 750 m long, often rough and requires a moderate to high level of fitness. Its Grade 4 rating provides further guidance. The shorter distance alone therefore says little about the demands of the trail.

At Yardie Creek, you can also explore the gorge on a boat tour. Hiking and a boat tour offer different perspectives on the same location: the trails focus on the route and the views, while the boat tour lets you explore the gorge.

For the broader travel overview: Shire of Exmouth.