Exploring Exmouth: A 6-7 Day Adventure Guide

Exmouth on the Coral Coast of WA is the ultimate destination for adventure and relaxation. Famous for its beaches, marine life and landscapes Exmouth is the perfect 6-7 day getaway. From snorkelling in Ningaloo Reef to hiking in Cape Range National Park this itinerary will show you how to make the most of the beautiful beaches, unique wildlife and experiences Exmouth and surrounding areas have to offer.

Day 1: Arrive in Exmouth and get local

Arrive in Exmouth and get local. After settling into your accommodation—be it a Caravan Park, eco-lodge or beachfront resort—spend your first day exploring the town. Take a walk along Town Beach, one of the most beautiful spots in the area, and get a feel for the relaxed vibe of this small coastal town.

For a bit of adventure on day one head to Charles Knife Canyon where the views over the WA outback will blow your mind. The gorges and chasms in this area are fantastic for photos so nature lovers will love it.

Highlights:

• Town Beach
• Charles Knife Canyon Gorge
• Seafood at local restaurants

Day 2: Dive into Ningaloo Reef and Turquoise Bay

Day two is all about Ningaloo Reef, one of the longest fringing reefs in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start the day at Turquoise Bay, where you can snorkel in the crystal clear waters that are teeming with life. This spot is famous for the coral reef and swimming with sea turtles, tropical fish and, if you’re lucky, reef sharks.

Book a Exmouth whale shark tours if you’re here between April and July when the whale sharks are at their most active. If you’re here outside of whale shark season, you can still do optional activities like snorkelling or diving with manta rays, another of the reef’s giants.

Highlights:

• Snorkel at Turquoise Bay with coral reef and turquoise water views.
• Whale shark tours
• Optional manta ray swimming and reef diving.

Day 3: Cape Range National Park and Osprey Bay

Today, we head to Cape Range National Park, an amazing place with massive gorges and wildlife. Start the day by hiking Mandu Mandu Gorge or Yardie Creek Gorge and see the limestone cliffs and wildlife, including rock wallabies and various bird life. The views over the landscape are epic.

After your hike, head to Osprey Bay, one of the many beautiful beaches with calm water that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Osprey Bay is less crowded than the other beaches so it’s the perfect spot to get away from the tourist crowds.

Highlights:

• Hike Yardie Creek Gorge and Mandu Mandu Gorge.
• Relax at Osprey Bay and swim.
• Enjoy Cape Range National Park.

Day 4: Coral Bay and Manta Rays

Coral Bay, just a short drive from Exmouth is another must see destination in Western Australia. This small coastal town is famous for its coral gardens and marine life. Take a Coral Bay Ecotours trip to see the manta rays gliding through the water. Whether you’re diving or snorkeling Coral Bay has an amazing experience with coral reef and marine life.

If you want to do more exploring head to Hamelin Pool, one of the few places in the world where you can see living stromatolites, ancient life forms that have been around for billions of years. Hamelin Pool is part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, another good reason to get out of Exmouth.

Highlights:

• Manta ray encounters with Coral Bay Ecotours.
• Snorkeling at Coral Bay’s coral reef.
• Hamelin Pool to see the stromatolites.

Day 5: Island Hopping and Muiron Islands

Take a day trip to the Muiron Islands, a hidden gem off the coast of Exmouth. This is island hopping heaven, with secluded beaches, hidden pools and amazing diving spots. The waters around the Muiron Islands are home to sea turtles, rays and tropical fish. It’s an iconic activity and a day of adventure and relaxation.

After your island adventure, head back to Exmouth and relax in the evening. If you’re staying at a Holiday Park, you can chill out in their outdoor pool or join other travellers for a barbecue under the stars.

• Muiron Islands.
• Diving.
• Pool.󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Day 6: Monkey Mia and Shark Bay

Take a day trip to Monkey Mia in Shark Bay where the dolphins visit the shore daily. Dolphin encounters at Monkey Mia are a wildlife experience like no other, get up close and personal with these playful creatures. The calm waters of Monkey Mia are the perfect spot to relax and get back to nature.

On the way to or from Monkey Mia, stop at Eagle Bluff, where you can take a walk along the boardwalk and see marine life from above. The waters below are often full of sharks, rays, and other marine animals, which is another wildlife experience.

Highlights:

• Dolphin encounters at Monkey Mia.
• Walk at Eagle Bluff.
• Relax in Shark Bay.

Day 7: Relaxation and Departure

After all the action, your last day is all about chill. Head to Bundegi Beach or Lakeside Beach for one last dip in the Ningaloo Reef waters. If you love photography, stop by Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for a photo opportunity on the Coral Coast.

Before you leave don’t forget to check out the local markets for some souvenirs or stop by a café for some of the famous Exmouth seafood. Whether you are flying out or continuing your epic road trip, your 6-7 day Exmouth and Western Australia adventure will be one for the memory books.

Highlights:

• Last swim at Bundegi Beach.
• Vlamingh Head Lighthouse views.
• Local food before you leave.

Exmouth has beaches, marine life and national parks, what more could you ask for. Whether you are swimming with whale sharks, hiking through gorges or relaxing on a beach, a 6-7 day Exmouth trip will be one to remember in Western Australia.

FAQ 

When to visit Exmouth?

Best time to visit is March to October, especially during event time April to July when whale sharks are in the area. This is also the best weather for outdoor activities.

What to do in Exmouth?

Snorkel at Turquoise Bay, swim with whale sharks or manta rays, hike through Cape Range National Park, and take a Coral Bay Ecotours for marine life encounters. Island hop to the Muiron Islands.

Do I need to book tours in advance?

Book tours like whale shark tours or Coral Bay Ecotours in advance, especially during peak season, to get the best rate and avoid disappointment.

Are there any national parks nearby?

Yes, besides Cape Range National Park you can visit Kalbarri National Park, Karijini National Park and Nambung National Park. Each has its own unique landscapes, rugged gorges, rock pools and famous formations like the Pinnacles Desert.

How to get around Exmouth?

Best way to get around Exmouth is by car as many attractions like Charles Knife Canyon and Osprey Bay are on road. If you’re on a longer road trip a 4WD may be useful for off road adventure.