Exmouth

Ningaloo Reef, Australia

The coastal town serving as the main gateway to Ningaloo Reef, reached by a 13-hour drive or two-hour flight from Perth.

Places in Exmouth

Exmouth waterfront restaurants Restaurants in the gateway town serving fresh local produce.
Exmouth gateway cafes Cafes in the coastal gateway town.
Exmouth waterfront bars Bars in the gateway town near the marine park.
Ningaloo Marine Park snorkeling culture Snorkeling excursions from both Exmouth and Coral Bay to see manta rays and whale sharks.

Best time to visit: April to July for peak whale shark migration season, offering the world's most reliable whale shark swimming experiences.
Getting around: Exmouth, reached by a roughly 13-hour drive or two-hour flight from Perth, and Coral Bay both serve as bases for snorkeling excursions into the Ningaloo Marine Park.
Currency: Australian Dollar (A$)
Language: English. Aboriginal languages are spoken in some communities.
Timezone: AWST (UTC+8)
Current trends: Ningaloo Reef's UNESCO World Heritage status and reputation as one of the most reliable places in the world to swim with whale sharks continue to drive its April-to-July peak season, with Exmouth and Coral Bay both serving as gateway towns for snorkeling excursions to see manta rays and whale sharks, while eco-luxury stays like Sal Salis, set amid the sand dunes adjoining the reef, reflect the growing demand for high-end nature experiences in this remote part of Western Australia.

Coral Bay — An alternative base for arranging snorkeling excursions to see manta rays and whale sharks.
Sal Salis dune district — Home to Sal Salis, an eco retreat set amid the sand dunes adjoining the reef.