4 December 2022 by admin

Cover photo: Coral Bay. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia

No destination in the world compares to Western Australia. The state is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage reef, pristine white sandy beaches, rugged red gorges, and many more spectacular natural attractions.

For travellers keen to experience paradise on earth, Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef is about as close as you can get. Breathtaking scenery surrounds our welcoming coastal town, home to some of the most Instagrammable spots in Western Australia.

If you’re an Instagram enthusiast, read on to discover our suggestions for Exmouth and Ningaloo’s most Instagram-worthy locations to showcase on the gram.

Turquoise Bay

Surely this world-famous beach needs no introduction. Located in Cape Range National Park, Turquoise Bay has frequently been voted the best beach in Australia. And Australia is home to countless beautiful beaches, so it is quite a compliment. It is not hard to see why Turquoise Bay is so popular with the Instagram crowd. This beach is blessed in the looks department, thanks to its white, soft sand and crystal-clear aqua-blue water that loves to sparkle in the sun. Turquoise Bay is a special place. But because it is so beautiful, the beach can get very busy. Going early in the morning should help you to avoid crowds. The best time to get those Instagram-worthy drone shots of the coral is to visit at low tide. After you have snapped a few photos for your Insta feed, spend some time soaking up the sun. Don’t forget to enjoy a swim or snorkel in the pristine water before you (reluctantly) leave.

Yardie Creek  

Who doesn’t enjoy a relaxing boat cruise through Yardie Creek? But for the most spectacular views, we recommend taking one of the must-do walking trails along the cliffs lining Yardie Creek. The higher you are above the creek, the better the photo opportunities of the ancient gorge and limestone cliffs. That said, stunning views are everywhere in Cape Range National Park, with various lookouts perfectly positioned throughout the park. With its breathtaking ancient landscape, Yardie Creek – and the entire park – is a paradise for nature lovers. And because it is the only reliable water source, the creek attracts a variety of local wildlife, including ospreys and black-footed rock wallabies. It is a must-visit location for nature and wildlife photographers. With so many photos to take, the only problem is choosing which ones to share on your IG feed.

SS Mildura

In 1907, the SS Mildura departed from the Kimberley region with a cargo of almost 500 cattle. Heading for Fremantle, the ship encountered a cyclone, causing it to run aground. Today, if you head to the tip of the North West Cape in Cape Range National Park, you can still see the remains of the cattle ship. Use a drone to get the most striking aerial shot of the Mildura in her final resting place on the reef. The wreck is close to the shore of Lighthouse Bay (around 80 metres) but for the best views, visit at low tide.

Sandy Bay

Turquoise Bay is the one that gets all the acclaim and worldwide attention. But there’s another local beach that deserves some time in the spotlight. And that’s the equally beautiful but usually much less busy Sandy Bay. Escape the crowds and head over to the coastal side of Cape Range National Park. The water is the same beautiful shade of turquoise blue, and the wide open expanse of endless white sand is just as soft, squeaky, and white. Instagrammers wanting to capture the Ningaloo Reef’s underwater world will find Sandy Bay a calm spot for snorkelling. Bring your swimmers and snorkelling gear and make the most of the opportunity to snap some photos and videos of the incredible marine life that calls Ningaloo home. Find out more about Cape Range National Park beaches.

Charles Knife Canyon Gorge

National Parks offer plenty of photo opportunities to elevate your Instagram game. Cape Range National Park, just a 45-minute drive from Exmouth town centre, is a must-visit. It’s got epic panoramic views of magnificent canyons, rugged ranges and breathtaking gorges which stretch out toward the Exmouth Gulf. Take the winding road off Exmouth’s main highway, and you’ll end up at Charles Knife Canyon, one of the most spectacular gorges you will ever see. The road is sealed and accessible by both 4WD and 2WD vehicles. There are plenty of spots to pull over to take photos of the incredible scenic views. Visit Cape Range National Park between June and August to witness the vibrant shades of Western Australia’s majestic wildflowers in bloom. Have your camera ready to snap some of the park’s native wildlife, like echidnas, red kangaroos, emus, and rock wallabies. Read more about driving in Cape Range National Park.

Vlamingh Head Lighthouse

Can you say you’ve been to Exmouth if you haven’t visited Vlamingh Head Lighthouse? The hilltop lighthouse dates back to 1912 and is an iconic local landmark. Located just 17 km north of Exmouth, it’s the best spot for those Insta-worthy panoramic views over the North West Cape, Ningaloo Reef, and the Indian Ocean. Vlamingh Head Lighthouse offers Instagrammers ample opportunities for that killer Instagram shot. Visit at sunset to capture a sunset over the ocean or head out after dark for some astrophotography. The lighthouse is also a good vantage point to see migrating humpback whales between June and November.

Bill’s Bay Shark Nursery

If there was ever a reason to swing by Coral Bay – aside from the epic beaches – it’s to visit the protected shark nursery. The Coral Bay Reef Shark Nursery, to give it its full title, is in the northern part of Bill’s Bay. Between September and March, if you walk for approximately 20 minutes from Coral Bay’s main beach, you’re likely to see black tip reef sharks swimming close to shore. Taking photos of hundreds of small sharks hanging out in the clear shallow waters is bound to impress your Instagram followers! The area is protected to stop people from interacting with them, so you won’t be able to get in the water for a swim. But fly your drone to capture the incredible sight from above. Just imagine the reaction on your Insta feed when you share the epic topdown shot!

The gateway to Cape Range National Park and the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth is a paradise for photographers. From the range to the reef, it is one of the most photogenic locations in Australia and a must-visit for Instagrammers eager to share their awe-inspiring Western Australia adventures with family, friends, and followers. But there is more to taking photographs than sharing them on the gram. Photos remind us of the places we have been, the adventures we have had, and the special moments that have brought happiness and joy into our lives.

Want more inspiration? Read our recommendations for the best things to see and do in Exmouth and Ningaloo.