Things To Do
While Exmouth does not have much to offer in terms of nightlife or cosmopolitan atmosphere, the surrounding area is very unique. The ocean around Exmouth is teeming with life in the Ningaloo Reef, and the Cape Range National Park offers unique sights for landlubbers.
Sea
The Ningaloo Reef, near the Exmouth town, is sometimes less than a few hundred meters off the coast. Several small dive companies and resorts offer dive trips to various locations on the reef. There are many attractive dive sites not far off-shore in Lighthouse Bay (near Vlamingh Head lighthouse). Excursions are also offered to the Point Murat Navy Pier. It is only possible to dive the Pier with a licenced operator as a certified diver. Another popular diving destination are the Muiron Islands, approximately 7 nm off Point Murat. These islands are a natural reserve and a popular breeding grounds for sea turtles. The islands' coastline offers spectacular coral formations and an abundance of wildlife.
- Whale Sharks can come into the bay as early as mid-March, and depart sometime during July, sometimes as late as the end of July, depending on the water temperature and food supply. The most likely months to see them are therefore April and May. It is possible to book day-tours with the local dive shops to see and swim with the sharks. Spotter planes are used, so chances of actually finding one (or several) are very high. The day tours generally snorkel at one location initially, moving on to the whale shark diving locations once the spotter planes have reported. It is possible to put on snorkeling gear and swim with the sharks, but since these are a protected species some rules will have to be followed. Dive boat trips seem to cost around $350-$400 per person. Whale Sharks are harmless to humans, and feed on plankton. They are the largest fish in the world, and an average sized one is 7.5m, but they be up 14m (45ft) in length.
- The bay is also a popular breeding ground for Humpback Whales. In autumn and spring the bay is virtually crawling with whales. It is possible to book Whale Watching tours with local operators to appreciate these magnificent mammals. If you're driving a boat yourself, be very cautious. You wouldn't be the first to hit one.
Land
The Cape Range National Park is about an hour's drive from Exmouth. The park covers over 50,000 hectares of arid land. Wildlife found there includes the typically Australian kangaroos and emus, but also the more unique and lesser known Blind Cave Gudgeon (Milyeringa veritas). The gudgeons are amazing little creatures which are completely blind (they appear to have evolved without eyes) and can survive in virtually any environment-- from highly toxic fresh water to pure sea water. In the park there are also several beaches where sea turtles come to lay their eggs. These are sign-posted and stands will provide some more information on the turtles.