"Exmouth : a very remote town" Top 5 Page for this destination Exmouth by Purpleshade

Exmouth Travel Guide: 99 reviews and 236 photos

Frangipani tree in the centre of Exmouth at night

Exmouth is a tiny town (about 2,000 people) in a very remote area on the most western tip of north west Australia.
It only exists because of the miliatary base and the oil rigs, 20 years ago there was almost nothing here.
It's the closest town to the Ningaloo Reef, one of the rare places in the world where the fringing coral reef comes to within a few metres of the beach.

The town swells to about 10,000 in peak tourist sesaon (June, July) when it's not so hot and there is no danger of cyclones. There are lots of cafes and restaurants, several campsites, 3 backpackers and several hotels, including the new Novotel Ningaloo Resort which is now almost finished on Sunrise Beach.
I went there in May, when it's still quite quiet, with just a few tourists in town for the Whale Shark Festival.
It was still quite hot(about 30c every day) which meant it was perfect weather for snorkelling.

It is an absolutely amazing place!
Kangaroos and emus running around in the streets (no need to mow the front lawn, the roos come and trim it for you), nearby stunning beaches with coral reef swarming with fish-whale sharks, hump back whales, reefsharks, turtles and manta rays at different times of the year. There's also canyons to explore, an ecological adventurer's delight.

NB Don't come here if you want shopping or nightlife, there's hardly any!
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Big snapper in knee deep water at Coral Bay

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While wading through the lagoon at Coral Bay, we found these big fish who were not at all afraid of people. Apparently the tourist boats throw bait over the side to attract them and they follow the boats back to shore.

Coral washed up on the beach at Turquoise Bay

The amount of coral on the beach at Turquoise Bay was amazing! It was so beautiful, I desperately wanted to bring somehome with me, but all the beaches in the Cape Range National Park are protected and it's not permitted...so I took photos instead.

If you come here, do protect the reef and it's environs! It's virtually unspoiled as it's only just becoming popular for tourists.
#Be very careful not to stand on or touch the corals, they are very fragile.
#Be very careful not to leave rubbish, especially cans and plastic bags.
#Be especially carefull not to leave any plastic on the beach, turtles are not very bright and try to eat them and choke.

Exmouth Visitors Centre
http://www.exmouthwa.com.au/search.asp

Pros and Cons

Pros:Amazing snorkelling and wildlife
Cons:Very hot and isolated

Last visit to Exmouth: May 2008
Intro Updated May 16, 2008
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Reviews (30)

Snorkelling, fishing, boating and beach... Sports & Outdoors (1)

The Ningaloo reef is accessible from many beaches in The Cape Range National Park, 40-50 mins drive south of... more travel advice

Kangaroos are often at the roadside. - Exmouth

Kangaroos on the road Warnings and Dangers (3)

Kangaroos have no road sense whatsoever, and are often close to or in the road and may bound in front of your car if... more travel advice

Camping and fishing supplies. Shopping (5)

This is one of the larger shops in the town center. It has a good selection of camping and fishing supplies including... more travel advice

The Sunday Market Shopping (5)

This craft market is held on Sunday's from 9-12am (sensible tourist hours, not like many that start at 6 am and are over... more travel advice

Things to Do (6)
See All Surfer's beach
Off The Beaten Path (7)
See All Birdwatching hide and mangrooves
Restaurants (3)
See All Want something healthy?

Transportation (4)
See All Scooters
What to Pack (1)
Almost everything is expensive.
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Comments (7)

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margaretvn Aug 23, 2009 at 12:47 AM

what a great apge and your photos are beautiful - I really love that first one
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balhannah Apr 19, 2009 at 3:25 PM

Nice write up on Exmouth. Looks like the tourists have found it, not as touristy 40 years ago.
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aussirose Aug 21, 2008 at 3:08 AM

I'm glad I came back for a 2nd look Lesley :o) This place is gorgeous!!....and I definately wanna go now! Love the beach pix! especially the surfer one with the wooden seat!...and the Mangrove swap looks like a nice place to visit :o) Hugs xx
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calcaf38 Sep 8, 2007 at 7:28 PM

What an interesting page, even I could learn to relax in a place like this. Yes, it has been my experience that watery yogurt and buttermilk are interchangeable in baking and Indian cooking. Thanks for visiting my Pennsylvania pages.
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TheWanderingCamel Aug 28, 2007 at 8:28 AM

Nice page and photos, Lesley, of a unique place, well and truly off the beaten track - and all that yummy seafood!! leyle
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adelaidean Jul 7, 2007 at 7:02 PM

see I came back!!!!! great pages Lesley....hope it helps :-)
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lou31 Jun 24, 2007 at 3:30 AM

Liked reading about this nice looking place. Can I be bold enough to point out a typo for you?...The bread shop is Brumby's, not Brunby's. Have not been to WA but would like to. Will keep this place in mind....cheers!