Have you ever heard the term “doing the Ningaloo shuffle”? It’s the art of pinballing up and down the Ningaloo Coast, the stunning northwest coastal region of Western Australia. Along this coastline, you’ll discover a wealth of attractions: pristine campsites, world-class snorkeling spots, picturesque beaches and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Exmouth has quickly become one of my favourite destinations. With the Ningaloo Coast proudly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Area, it’s easy to see why this region captures the hearts of all who visit. If the Exmouth area is new to you, then check out this simple guide to make the most of your visit.
Why You Should Visit the Ningaloo Coast
If you’re basing yourself in Exmouth at one of their caravan parks, there are several day-trips and activities out of town I would suggest adding to your list!
Miles of rugged red escarpments meet turquoise water filled with coral and marine life, meaning you will find plenty to do whether you are into hiking, snorkelling, wildlife or camping.
Best Day Trips and Activities from Exmouth
Charles Knife Canyon
Just 20 km from Exmouth, Charles Knife Canyon is rugged, raw and perfect for photographers and explorers. You have two options here:
- Drive straight to the lookout and take in the views.
- Tackle the Badjirrajirra Walk, a 6 km return hike (allow around 3 hours).
Sunrise and sunset deliver the best colours, and mornings are cooler for hikes. If heat isn’t your thing, the drive-up lookout still delivers big views.
Charles Knife Canyon sunset
Mandu Mandu Gorge Hike and Yardie Creek Trails
For hikers who love a bit of challenge, the Mandu Mandu Gorge walk (3 km return) is a must. It includes rock hopping and steeper sections but rewards you with epic views of the rugged countryside and ocean.
Yardie Creek view
If you want something a little less intense:
- Yardie Creek Nature Walk – easy 1.2 km return.
- Yardie Gorge Trail – adds an extra 1.5 km with a climb to the gorge rim.
Both offer nature views and are great introductions to Cape Range National Park terrain. Good footwear and an early start make these hikes more enjoyable.
Pro Tip: Heading out early helps avoid midday heat and gives you space to enjoy the trails in peace.
sign with hiking trails
Turquoise Bay Drift Snorkel
One of the Ningaloo Coast’s signature experiences is the Turquoise Bay snorkel. The name speaks for itself. Here’s why this spot tops many people’s list:
- Clear water with plenty of marine life including turtles, stingrays and reef sharks.
- A natural current that carries you along the reef — all you need to do is float and enjoy.
- Swim back up and do it again.
Turquoise Bay is an easy adventure that will stay with you long after you leave.
snorkelling in turquoise water
Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for Sunset Views
Less than 20 km from Exmouth, Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is one of the best places on the Ningaloo Coast to watch day turn to night.
You get sweeping Indian Ocean views along with reef silhouettes. If you visit during whale migration season you might spot these gentle giants cruising past the lighthouse lookout.
Osprey Bay Snorkelling and Camping
Osprey Bay is a classic choice for snorkellers and campers alike. The campground itself is basic but the shores are teeming with marine life.
- Easy snorkelling right from the beach
- Regular turtle sightings
- Kayak out to snorkel moorings for vibrant coral and fish
You’re welcome to day trip to Osprey Bay, but if you can secure a site at the campground I’d highly recommend it. Camping here means multiple snorkel sessions across the day, and if you’ve got the time you’ll keep finding new bits of underwater magic. It took 5 days of daily snorkelling before I got to swim with a turtle and boy was that worth the wait!
A turtle pictured underwater
If you want a little more of a challenge, there’s a kayak trail where you’ll find designated snorkeling moorings, known for frequent turtle visits and vibrant coral. Simply launch from the beach, paddle about 1.1km south-west across to the inside of the reef to find mooring one or another 500m to find mooring two. Once you secure your kayak to the mooring, you’re free to jump in and enjoy the magic under the sea.
Whale Shark Tours — Seasonal Must-Do
Sadly I haven’t done this one myself but it’s number one on my bucket list and is up there with some of the most incredible things you can do around Exmouth, so I had to include it here!
There are a selection of businesses who offer Whale Shark Tours, giving you the opportunity to swim with the gentle giants of the sea. You will need to time your visit to the season, which for Exmouth is generally March to August/September, with peak viewing between April and July. It’s a very popular activity, so I’d suggest booking with your preferred tour group well in advance to avoid missing out.
Best Places to Camp Around Exmouth
Cape Range National Park
This is the backbone of Exmouth camping and offers options for all travellers:
- Kurrajong
- Osprey Bay
- Tulki Beach
- Neds Camp
- North Mandu
Most are accessible in a 2WD and are close to amazing snorkelling and trail access.
Some sites, like Pilgramunna and Mandu Mandu, require a bit more ground clearance. Boat Harbour and similar remote areas are better suited for high-clearance or 4WD vehicles.
For campers who want something more rugged and remote, consider exploring tracks with corrugations and sand in areas that really reward you with space and quiet.
Nyinggulara National Park Campgrounds
If you have a capable 4WD and are chasing out-there campsites with ocean views, this area delivers. Sites include:
- North Lefroy
- South Lefroy
- Winderabandi
Sign with camp sites in Exmouth
- Point Billie
- Janes Bay
Of the five, Winderabandi is the one Josh and I continue to go back to. It’s possibly my favourite campsite in all of Australia! Before you head there, ensure you’ve got recovery boards, tyre deflators and enough fuel and drinking water on board, as it’s slow going. Towing the caravan with the Hino 300, we plod along at around 20 kilometres per hour.
View of the beach at Winderabandi
When to Visit Exmouth
The season you choose makes a big difference to your experience.
Peak Season (April to July)
Mild weather, best wildlife sightings and calm seas. It also means busy campgrounds. Some fill up as soon as bookings open, so set a reminder.
Shoulder Season
Fewer crowds, but winds can make snorkelling tricky and sand more noticeable. Great for longer stays and snagging campsites.
Summer (November to April)
Hot weather and cyclone season. If you don’t mind heat and occasional weather shifts you’ll find campsite availability, but keep an eye on conditions. The Big Prawn even gets pulled down in anticipation of the cyclones! A camp host recently assured me that they evacuate people from the campgrounds with as much notice as possible, so an upheaval of plans due to a cyclone is something to keep in mind if you’re planning on hanging around during Summer.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re into camping, snorkelling, wildlife spotting or hiking, there’s something for everyone on the Ningaloo Coast near Exmouth. This region is the best mix of both adventure and relaxation and no matter your pace or activity choice, this place is somewhere that’s guaranteed to get under your skin.
