Everything you need to know about Ningaloo and the Coral Coast
Crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, rocky gorges, whale sharks and world-class marine life: Exmouth really is the whole package.
Exmouth, in WA’s Gascoyne region, is the gateway to the heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park, where you can swim with whale sharks, snorkel with docile turtles or dive an active Navy pier.
If inland adventure is more your style, head to Cape Range National Park to spot rock wallabies and explore the 700+ caves in the area.
So hitch the boat and pack the car because we’re going on an epic adventure to one of WA’s most iconic destinations.
Getting to Exmouth
Driving the 1,250-kilometre coastal route to Exmouth is almost a rite of passage for Western Australians.
It’s not hard to see why. The 13-hour road trip up the coast is a journey through diverse landscapes you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Many Western Australians make the trip towing their own boat. If you are thinking about getting a boat loan or upgrading your car, our competitive boat financing and quick car loans make it easier to plan an unforgettable road trip.
By road is the best way to reach Exmouth but flying is possible, with regular services and a flight time of just under 2 hours.
Do I need a 4WD for Exmouth?
If you plan to go off-road between Exmouth and Coral Bay, tow a boat or caravan, or drive inland to visit Karijini National Park, a 4WD makes the trip easier.
The well-maintained roads and regular services make for a comfortable drive. And once you reach Exmouth, having your own car (and your own boat) is the best way to see all the area has to offer.
When to visit Exmouth
The best time to visit Exmouth is between April and October. Daytime temperatures are perfect for hiking in Cape Range National Park or cooling off in the turquoise waters surrounding the town.
If you time it right, you might even get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with the whale sharks that have made Ningaloo famous around the world.
April to July
Like Karijini National Park, the Easter holiday period is peak season in the Exmouth area. Visitors flock to Exmouth to glimpse the whale shark migration, which often starts in April. But you can still spot the gentle giants in July when the town hosts its annual Whale Shark Festival.
August to October
Moderate temperatures, fewer visitors, and the season’s first wildflowers make spring an ideal time to visit Exmouth. Spend your days spotting wildlife in Cape Range National Park, and keep an eye out for the colourful blooms signalling a change of season.
November to March
Temperatures climb from November, which can make hiking uncomfortable. Summer is a better time for boating, fishing or snorkelling over the Ningaloo Reef. You can also join an ecological tour to watch turtles nesting on the white sand beaches or learn to SCUBA dive in a UNESCO World Heritage area.
How long to stay in Exmouth
Five to 7 days is ideal for visiting Exmouth and the surrounding areas. There is plenty to do, and some activities can take a full day, so the more time you have, the better.
A road trip to Exmouth is a chance to go at your own pace, relax and recharge. Plan ahead by getting boat and car loans early, giving you time to shop around for a better deal.
Visit nearby Coral Bay
Ninety minutes or 150 kilometres south of Exmouth, visiting Coral Bay is a must on your way to or from Exmouth. Coral Bay is a haven of tranquillity with manta rays, turtles, coral gardens and whale sharks.
The small settlement has caravan-friendly campsites, but it’s always best to book ahead of time.
Exploring Exmouth and Cape Range National Park
Exmouth town
With fewer than 3,000 residents and 160,000 annual visitors, Exmouth is a small town with a large tourism sector. The town is an excellent base for your adventures. There are plenty of accommodation options, restaurants, bars, tourism services and shops providing everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Cape Range National Park
Most of the area’s natural wonders lie a short drive from town on the western side of the North West Cape, in Cape Range National Park.
- Hiking: Yardie Creek Gorge, Charles Knife Canyon, Shothole canyon and Mandu Gorge are just some of the rugged landscapes you can explore on foot. Take lots of water and keep an eye out for the locals like rock wallabies, emus and 300 bird species. You can also paddleboard through Yardie Creek or hike up to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for a different perspective.
- Snorkelling: Ningaloo Reef lies just off the coast of Cape Range, easily accessible with a mask and flippers. Immerse yourself with turtles, fish and abundant coral on the calming drift snorkel at Turquoise Bay. Or head a little further to explore Oyster Stacks at high tide when the towering coral is underwater.
- Camping: On a clear night, the stars are so bright that you can be forgiven for thinking someone left the lights on over Osprey Bay. Well-maintained campgrounds around the bay provide a place to park the caravan or pitch a tent to enjoy nature’s light show.
You might lose phone signal in Cape Range National Park, so make sure to register at the visitor centre where you pay the park entry fee.
Boating and fishing
The deep waters off Exmouth are teeming with abundant marine life. Land-based fishing is permitted in the lagoon on the eastern side of the cape and the reef areas on the western side. Still, for the best experience, we recommend heading out on a boat.
West of Ningaloo Reef, anglers can encounter Mackerel, Tuna, Cod, Coral Trout, Trevally, Red Emperor and many more species.
Boat-based fishing requires a recreational fishing licence, and a boat loan from Yes Loans is the best way to purchase your own watercraft.
Diving
From dugongs and reef sharks to tiny nudibranchs, Exmouth boasts world-class diving for beginners and enthusiasts alike. The Exmouth Navy Pier is one of Australia’s top-10 dive locations, and there are dozens of reef dives within a short distance.
Book your SCUBA experience through one of the dive shops in town, or take your own boat around the reef to snorkel, swim and dive in world-famous waters.
Get ready for your next road trip
Yes Loans provides quick car loans and affordable boat financing to make your road trip dreams a reality.
Use our online loan calculator to find out how much you can borrow, then get ready for an unforgettable experience visiting Exmouth and exploring WA.