Exmouth Escapes: The 10 Must-Visit Beaches in Western Australia’s Coastal Haven
There are countless idyllic stretches of sand to choose from near Exmouth in Western Australia. With pristine Ningaloo Reef – one of the most remote and least visited reefs in Australia – on Exmouth’s doorstep, the region offers numerous opportunities for snorkelling with turtles, swimming with manta rays and even whale-spotting on a cruise tour. And, thanks to its northerly location, the waters around Exmouth rarely drop below 17°C, so the beaches can be enjoyed all year round.
Most of the best beaches in Exmouth are in Cape Range National Park and you can purchase a day pass for $17 (there are options for longer passes too). The question is: what are the very best beaches in Exmouth? These are our picks.
Turquoise Bay
Begin your beach-hopping adventure at Turquoise Bay, which has consistently been voted amongst the best beaches in Australia and is the highlight of Exmouth’s Cape Range National Park.
The white sandy beaches of Turquoise Bay lead to the crystal clear waters of the Ningaloo Reef Lagoon, which are brimming with unspoiled coral gardens just a few steps away from the shore, ensuring that Turquoise Bay one of the most popular land-based snorkelling sites in the Ningaloo region. The Turquoise Bay Drift takes you through dense coral gardens, home to numerous species of brightly coloured reef fish, sea turtles, harmless reef sharks, and stingrays. You can enjoy snorkelling independently right off the beach or opt for a guided snorkelling tour.
Turquoise Bay is around 63 kilometres from the Exmouth township and inside the Cape Range National Park.
Related: The Best Beaches in Perth
Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a peaceful and leisurely holiday or a short break filled with swimming and relaxation.
Tucked away in the midst of stunning sand dunes, this secluded beach offers a sense of privacy and tranquillity that is hard to find elsewhere and is a popular spot for windsurfing and kite surfing – when the sea breeze is in, you can watch windsurfers and kite surfers zip along the bay’s shallow waters at high speed.
Sandy Bay is also famous for its excellent fishing, with a thriving marine population in the Ningaloo Marine Park. You can throw in a line from the beach and expect to catch a fish in no time.
Make the most of the beautiful surroundings by packing a delicious picnic, laying out a blanket, and enjoying each other’s company as you soak up the sun.
Sandy Bay is approximately 80 kilometres from Exmouth, and you will need a self-drive vehicle to reach it.
Osprey Bay
Osprey Bay is next to the Osprey Sanctuary Zone of the Ningaloo Marine Park.
If you want a truly immersive beach experience, plan a camping trip to Osprey Bay. The campground is situated on a rock-shelf shoreline with small sandy enclaves exposed at low tide and offers arguably the best ocean views within Cape Range National Park, and a sandy beach leads north to Sandy Bay.
There are 46 campsites available, but they have no shade. During peak season (April to October), bookings are required for camping at this site. However, during off-peak periods (November to March), camping sites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and bookings cannot be made.
Camping at Osprey Bay is the perfect place to fall asleep to the calming sound of waves, wake up to stunning ocean views, and enjoy the freedom of being surrounded by nature.
To reach Osprey Bay:
- Start by heading north out of Exmouth on Murat Road.
- Take a left turn onto Yardie Creek Road.
- Keep following the signs for Cape Range National Park and drive until you see the turnoff for Osprey Bay on your right. This will be after you pass Sandy Bay.
- Turn right and drive until you reach the Small Boat Launch car park.
- Park your car in the car park and enter the water at the boat ramp. You can then proceed from there.
Town Beach
If you’re seeking a romantic spot to watch the sunset, look no further than Town Beach. This beach is popular with kitesurfers when an easterly wind blows, and it’s just a short walk from town. You’ll find barbecues and picnic tables there too.
As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues. Stroll along the shore, hold hands, and witness the magic of an Exmouth sunset.
Bundegi Beach
Located just a short drive from Exmouth, Bundegi is a popular beach that offers a variety of activities, such as swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors can tie up their kayaks to the two moorings in the Bundegi Sanctuary Zone and explore the Bundegi Reef through snorkelling.
Bundegi Beach is located within a Recreation Zone of Ningaloo Marine Park, where you are allowed to do recreational fishing from the shore. If you are fond of fishing or want to try fresh seafood, you can cast your line into the crystal-clear waters and test your luck at catching some local favourites here.
Bundegi also has a boat launching area that allows locals and visitors to access Exmouth Gulf, Ningaloo Marine Park, Muiron Islands and Pilbara Inshore Islands. You don’t have to pay to enter the park when visiting Bundegi, so accessing this beach is free.
Related: 21 Amazing Things to do in Exmouth
Dunes Beach
Calling all adventure-seeking couples! Ride the waves and experience the thrill of surfing at Dunes Beach, also known as “Surfers Beach”. Whether you are an experienced surfer or a beginner, the rolling waves at Dunes Beach offer an excellent opportunity for an unforgettable surfing experience.
Hunters Beach
Nature lovers will delight in the wildlife spotting opportunities at Hunters Beach, a beautiful, secluded beach just North of Exmouth. The beach is home to a large population of turtles, which makes it a perfect nesting ground and one of the best places to spot baby turtles during summer. It is a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling, and turtle spotting.
Mauritius Beach
Mauritius Beach is Exmouth’s clothing-optional beach and the perfect place to get an all-over tan. If you prefer to keep your swimwear on, you can still enjoy activities like snorkelling near Ningaloo Reef or learning about turtle nesting at the Jurabi Turtle Centre.
Mauritius Beach is situated on the North West Cape, next to the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, and is a section of the much longer Jims Beach. It takes about 18 minutes to drive the 21km distance between Exmouth and Mauritius Beach.
Wobiri Beach
Wobiri Beach is just a 20-minute drive from Exmouth and is one of the many beautiful beaches on the Ningaloo Reef. If you’re interested in learning how to surf, this beach is an ideal destination. In fact, with its crystal-clear blue waters and several beach shelters, it’s a safe and perfect spot for various water sports activities such as surfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking.
The beach also features a sandy bottom with minimal rocks and reefs and great waves. Although it may not be the best place for snorkelling, you can still find some fish.
Tulki Beach
Tulki is located next to two separate zones of the Ningaloo Marine Park. To the south lies the Mandu Sanctuary Zone, where fishing is prohibited, while to the north lies a Recreational Zone where fishing is allowed. Visitors can enjoy fantastic snorkelling opportunities from the shore, and swimming is popular from the sandy beach.
Other popular activities include beach walks, canoeing, kayaking, photography, wildflower and bird watching, and turtle watching. Additionally, the Yardie Creek and Mandu Mandu gorges are situated nearby.
Tulki campground is closest to the stunning Turquoise Bay and near the mouth of a dry creek system. All campsites are approximately 200 metres from the beach, providing a raw camping experience. However, booking in advance is essential, especially during school holidays.
Exmouth’s breathtaking beaches offer a world of possibilities for couples seeking a romantic escape. Each beach has a unique charm, from snorkelling adventures to sunset strolls. So, pack your bags, escape the ordinary, and allow the magic of Exmouth’s beaches to create unforgettable moments with your loved one on the shores of Western Australia’s Exmouth.
As you explore these stunning beaches, respect the environment and follow any guidelines to preserve Exmouth’s pristine beauty.
