30 August 2023 by admin

Cover photo: Get a bird’s eye view of the world-famous Ningaloo Reef by booking a flight in a microlight aircraft. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia

Exmouth in Western Australia is a welcoming coastal town with beautiful weather and a relaxed, laid-back vibe. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, a chance to explore the north-west or want to unplug and unwind, it’s a destination everyone should tick off their bucket list.

If you do decide to make the journey up here to the spectacular North West Cape (it is 1,270 km from Perth, after all!), fun and excitement await you. To make the most of your time in our beautiful backyard, we recommend spending at least three or four days exploring Exmouth. Until your next visit, that is. Because whether you are a regional, interstate, or overseas visitor, we can assure you that the moment you leave, you’ll be itching to come back.

Taking all that into consideration, what does a perfect day in Exmouth look like to you? Maybe it means catching a sunrise, snorkelling the Ningaloo Reef, or just sitting on the beach with a good book listening to the sounds of the sea. Read on for our suggestions to help you get the best out of 24 hours (but hopefully more!) in Exmouth.

Go for a swim before breakfast

A morning swim in the beautiful Ningaloo Reef is one of the best ways to set yourself up for a great day. You will feel refreshed and raring to go. An early morning swim can also help you focus on the day ahead. It will stimulate not just your body but your mind too. That’s right; swimming is a terrific mood boost for your mental well-being. And while we’re sure it doesn’t need to be said, remember to avoid swimming before the sun has risen. Low visibility isn’t a good or safe time to enjoy an ocean swim.

Or head out and watch the sunrise

If you prefer to swim later in the day, there are plenty of other opportunities to ensure your day gets off to the best possible start. Yes, we mean heading out to catch the sunrise and witness first-hand as Mother Nature packs on a spectacular show. For those of us that enjoy a lie-in, it requires a bit of an effort to leave the warm embrace of a comfy bed. But it’s usually always worth it when rewarded with a beautiful painted orange, red or pastel sky.

Then it’s time to tuck into a hearty brekkie

Breakfast, it’s the most important meal of the day, right? Well, we think it is. We love any excuse to fuel up with a coffee and something tasty. On Sundays, you can grab a breakfast burrito from the Bueno Coffee van right here at the holiday park. Situated next to the playground, the van opens at 6 am. Off site, Adrift Café on Huston Street is a firm favourite for Exmouth brekkie spots. We also enjoy a visit to Ningaloo Bakehouse & Café in the Ross Street Mall. It’s an Exmouth institution with breakfast offerings including wraps, pies, pastries, and toasties. Then there’s a vegetarian café, The Social Society, located on Thew Street. Known locally as ‘Soso’, we love their coffee, plus their healthy menu features a variety of vegan options. If you prefer to skip brekkie, any of these eateries is a great place to grab some lunch. There’s also our on site café, The BBQ Father Deli, located next to the pool. The café is open from 8 am to 2 pm every day, except Sundays. Drop by, sit in, or take away delicious Italian pastries, panini sandwiches, gelato, the best Italian coffee and more. Read more about the best places to eat and drink in Exmouth.

Spend the morning exploring some of the best beaches in Australia  

With miles of untouched coastline, Cape Range National Park, just 40 km from Exmouth township, is home to some of the most idyllic white sand beaches in Western Australia. The Ningaloo Reef Coast is known for its multitude of spectacular beaches. And you will need more than 24 hours to experience them all. The iconic and beloved Turquoise Bay frequently pops up on lists of the best beaches in Australia. The lesser-known Sandy Bay is just as beautiful and well worth visiting, whether you want to swim, snorkel the reef or take some time to relax and sunbathe. Lakeside Beach, Bundegi Beach and South and North Mandu Beach are all equally great spots for beach lovers keen to soak up the sunshine in paradise.

No beach time is complete without getting up close to Ningaloo Reef

The crystal-clear waters of Ningaloo Reef are world-famous and an underwater haven for snorkelling enthusiasts. Although the Great Barrier Reef draws in millions of visitors each year, more and more tourists from across the globe are travelling to Exmouth to experience the incredible undersea wonders of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. It’s home to some of the most accessible and pristine coral reefs in the country, as well as an abundance of tropical fish, manta rays, dolphins, turtles, dugongs, and sharks. Our favourite snorkelling spots include Sandy Bay, Oyster Stacks and Lakeside Beach. We shared our five favourite Ningaloo Reef snorkelling spots in a previous blog.

Not a beach lover? Then book an experience with a local tour operator instead

Being beach lovers, we love the smell of the sea breeze and feeling our feet sink into the soft, warm sand. So of course, we have a hard time wrapping our heads around the idea that some people don’t enjoy going to the beach. But while beach life is a big draw here, there’s so much more to see and do in Exmouth and Ningaloo. If you only have a short time in Exmouth, booking a tour with a local tour operator is a rewarding way to experience the best of Exmouth. Tours can be anything from a couple of hours to an entire day, depending on the activity. Maybe you want to swim with whale sharks, snorkel the Ningaloo Reef, see humpback whales or cruise through Yardie Creek. There are so many must-do tours to help you make memories that will last for many years to come. Read our blog about must-do Exmouth tours.

End the day with a magical sunset

Sunset is the most magical time of the day. We are so lucky here in Western Australia because picture-perfect sunsets are not uncommon. And you don’t need to look too hard to find a great vantage point to watch the sun go down and enjoy breathtaking sunset views. We highly recommend packing a picnic, grabbing a blanket, and heading to the beach. Sunsets hit that little bit differently when you watch them over the Indian Ocean. Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, some 17 km north of Exmouth, is another of our favourite sunset-ready spots to watch the sun sink below the ocean horizon. Or you could just head to one of the local restaurants or bars for a sunset sundowner instead.