Travel

The Best Things To Do In Exmouth

By Rebecca Keating
1st Nov 2022

Exmouth

As the gateway to Western Australia’s awe-inspiring Ningaloo Reef, it’s no doubt half your mates have flocked to this tiny town north of Perth. 

Crystal clear waters, bucket list underwater experiences and a world-class reef to snorkel are just some of what we love about this magical part of the world. 

If Exmouth hasn’t yet made your travel list, you need to book this in stat. 

Here’s our wrap of everything you need to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Exmouth.  

Where To Eat

Bamboo Exmouth

The sushi at Bamboo is seriously drool worthy. Head there in the morning, grab a coffee and a couple of sushi rolls to pack for your day out snorkelling the cape. 

Ningaloo Bakehouse

A trip to the bakery is always on the cards. A pie for brekky on holiday and you’re set for a good day. The cakes are damn tasty too.

Potshot Resort

Yes there’s a pool at Potshot, but what we’re here for is the stonegrill. Order a steak or freshly caught fish and get ready to cook it on a heated natural volcanic stone at your table. The flavour is incredible, and you’ll have a bit of fun doing it. 

The BBQ Father

This Italian restaurant dishes out all the usual faves, but the star of the show is the smoked meats. Seriously juicy and tender, the fall off the bone meats will be exactly what you need after spending the day out on the water. 

Exhale 

Relax on the verandah with a cocktail in hand, some live music and a whole lotta tasty food. Exhale’s chilled vibes will have you feeling a world away from your daily grind. 

Whalebone Brewing Co

When Exxy got its own craft brewery the hype was real. The self-proclaimed beer in a shed brewery means you can sit under the stars with a cold frothie in hand and a slice of pizza in the other. Serious relaxation. 

Planet Burgers

Burgers and souvlaki served out of a food truck – what more could you want when craving a casual feed? The burgers are hearty and use the best ingredients going round. It’s no wonder this joint is popular.

Whalers

Open for brekky, lunch and dinner, Whalers should be on your list of foodie visits. Go for miso mushrooms on a potato rosti to fill you up for the day or head back in the evening for freshly grilled seafood, local fish and chips and burgers. 

The Short Order Local

Find this coffee van perched up on the beach at the RAC Caravan Park. Sip your latte overlooking the turquoise blue water and you’ll realise you’ve had the best possible start to your day. 

Froth Craft Brewery

We love everything about Froth. This micro-brewery and restaurant serves up delicious local produce and artisan craft beer brewed on site. Chill out to some live music and soak up the atmosphere. Bliss.

What To Do 

Swim With Giants

This was the obvious choice to top the list. Swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth is something you certainly can’t miss out on. From March to August, you have the chance of jumping in the water with these giant beauties. Save your pennis- it’s worth every cent. 

Check Out Australia’s Top Beach

Named the South Pacific’s number one beach in Trip Advisor’s 2022 Traveller’s Choice Awards, Turquoise Bay has the softest white sand known to man and crystal clear waters that will rival any Caribbean paradise. The snorkelling is unreal – walk to one end of the drift loop and cruise into shore while you look for reef sharks, turtles, a crazy amount of fish and colourful coral. 

Discover Yardie Creek

Relax on an eco-friendly boat cruise through Yardie Creek and marvel at the red ranges of the Cape Range National Park – just make sure you have the camera handy, this is one snap you will have seen on just about everyone’s Instagram. 

Try To Spot A Turtle

If you plan on being in Exxy from December through to March, join a guided Turtle Eco Education Tour at the Jurabi Turtle Centre and scout for female turtles making their way to the beach to lay their eggs. At the end of the season, you may be lucky enough to spot the hatchings – literally the cutest thing you can lay eyes on. 

Dive The Navy Pier

If you’re an avid diver, you’re going to want to check out the Navy Pier. One of the top shore dives in the world, you’re in for a good chance of seeing grey nurse sharks, huge turtles, wobblegongs, shovel rays, reef sharks and plenty of fish. 

Catch A Killer Sunset

Head north and stop in at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for an Insta opp of some of the best coastline views in the area. Fun fact: this is one of the few places in Australia where you can watch the sun rise and set.

Pack The Surfboard

If you’re keen to get the board out, Surfers Beach is one of the best spots on the North West cape to catch a wave. If you’re in the mood to spectate, you’ll be mesmerised at the surfies giving this break a go. 

Take It In From The Sky

The views of the Ningaloo from the sky simply can’t be matched. White sand, turquoise blue waters and the red ranges – taking it in from above needs to be on your bucket list. 

Where to Stay

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef

This should be number one on your accommodation bucket list. Sal Salis is an eco-friendly luxury beach camp perched on the Ningaloo Reef. There are 15 wilderness tents with ridiculous views of the sweeping coastline and surrounding bushland. It’s all inclusive and the food is some of the best you’ll ever have. 

Mantarays

If you’re looking for a resort that’s a little luxe, Mantarays is considered Exmouth’s premium option. You’ll be served up delicious food and can sit at the pool with a cocktail in hand. Yes please.  

Yardie Homestead

At the entrance to the Cape Range National Park you’ll find the very cool Yardie Homestead. Surrounded by the rugged ranges and stunning coastline, you can choose a campsite, chalet, cabin or shearers quarters. 

The Sanctuary

A pool, your own jetty and plenty of room to relax is what you can expect at this holiday house. The sunset views from the deck are epic and your crew will thank you for booking such a showstopper. 

32 Corella Court

You had us at pontoon. If you’re lucky enough to be towing your giant boat up to Exxy you’ll be pleased with the private jetty and direct access to the canals at this house. Wake up, grab a coffee and you’ll feel all sorts of fine looking over the marina from the upstairs balcony.

Image credit: Sal Salis

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