Major city · Australia
Exmouth, Western AustraliaExmouth
Go for 4–5 nights if you dive or snorkel Ningaloo Reef; 2 nights only if you are passing the cape by car. Book beds and cars before you fly.
Exmouth is a small service town on North West Cape, 1,270 km north of Perth, and the gateway to Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park. The reef starts a few hundred metres off the beach here, so you sleep in town and drive out daily. There is no public transport, no ride-hailing and one road in and out; a pre-booked car is the difference between a good trip and a stranded one. Peak season runs mid-November to mid-March for the reef, with whale sharks April to June and humpbacks in autumn and spring.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct (warm, dry, whale sharks or humpbacks)
- avoid Feb–May (cyclone and deluge risk, roads flood); Dec–Jan for heat if you dislike 35 °C (95 °F)+ daysavoid Feb–May (cyclone and deluge risk, roads flood); Dec–Jan for heat if you dislike 95 °F (35 °C)+ days
- Airports
- LEA · EXM
- Nights
- 4–5
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Exmouth, Western Australia000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Exmouth, Western Australia, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a remote town; the real risks are heat, distance and wildlife.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLEA Learmonth Airport (40 km (25 mi) south of town; one or two Qantas flights from Perth daily, just under 2 h.LEA Learmonth Airport (25 mi (40 km) south of town; one or two Qantas flights from Perth daily, just under 2 h.
- Getting aroundYou need wheels.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- Museum or sight ticketNingaloo Aquarium entrycheckA$19 (≈ US$13) adult, A$14 (≈ US$10) child/concession
- Budget bedHostel or pub dorm bed, a night, per personA$37 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$250 (≈ US$170)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$400 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$180 (≈ US$120) · High A$350 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LEA Learmonth Airport (40 km (25 mi) south of town; one or two Qantas flights from Perth daily, just under 2 h. Pre-book the minibus transfer (about A$40 adult) or a hire car, which is brought from town.) · EXM Exmouth Aerodrome (Private aviation only, 10 km (6.2 mi) south of town; no fuel, phone ahead.)LEA Learmonth Airport (25 mi (40 km) south of town; one or two Qantas flights from Perth daily, just under 2 h. Pre-book the minibus transfer (about A$40 adult) or a hire car, which is brought from town.) · EXM Exmouth Aerodrome (Private aviation only, 6.2 mi (10 km) south of town; no fuel, phone ahead.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Feb
Avoid
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Mar
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Apr
Care
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
Care
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
not flagged
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
not flagged
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Dec
Avoid
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Best: Jun, Sep–Oct. Mixed: Apr–May. Avoid: Dec–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)), coolest Jul (11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C) low), wettest Feb (4 rain days), driest Sep (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Exmouth, Western Australia: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
2 rd
Feb
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
4 rd
Mar
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
3 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
3 rd
May
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
1 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
Nov
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
1 rd
Dec
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
1 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need wheels. The town is spread out and the coast sights and Cape Range National Park are 20–60 km away. Hire cars must be pre-booked and collected in town (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Escape); there is no public bus, no train and no ride-hailing. Fuel up in town before heading into the park.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Cape Range National Park (Turquoise Bay, Osprey Bay)
goDoor to door: 40–60 min each way from town
Drive south on Murat Road then Yardie Creek Road; sealed road, standard car fine
Park entry fee applies; go early, the bays fill by mid-morning in season.
Vlamingh Head Lighthouse and Jurabi Turtle Centre
goDoor to door: 20 min each way
Drive north on Murat Road, about 17 km (11 mi)Drive north on Murat Road, about 11 mi (17 km)
One of the few places in Australia with ocean views at both sunrise and sunset; turtle viewing is seasonal and regulated.
Coral Bay
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h each way
Drive south on the highway about 130 km (81 mi), or pre-booked Integrity Coaches transferDrive south on the highway about 81 mi (130 km), or pre-booked Integrity Coaches transfer
Doable as a long day, but better as an overnight stop on the way south.
Carnarvon
overnightDoor to door: 4–4.5 h
Drive south on the North West Coastal Highway, about 360 km (224 mi)Drive south on the North West Coastal Highway, about 224 mi (360 km)
Too far for a return day; break the Perth drive here.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (Maidstone Cres / Ross St)
Walk to supermarkets, bakery and most restaurants; motels and lodges here are the practical base without a car for evenings.
Murat Road strip
Caravan parks, resorts and the Potshot pub along the highway north of the centre; you need a car for everything.
Madaffari Drive (town beach)
Beachfront resort at the south end; the only place you can walk out of your room onto the sand.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–150 (≈ US$60–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–260 (≈ US$100–180) excl. bed
- High
- A$260 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 4 nights × A$250 | A$1,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 4 days × A$180 | A$1,440 |
| Hire car, one day (small SUV)1 × A$130 · check | A$130 |
| Cape Range National Park entry, one vehicle, one day1 × A$17 · check | A$17 |
| Whale shark snorkel trip, per person2 × A$450 · check | A$900 |
| Learmonth Airport minibus transfer, one way2 × A$40 · check | A$80 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$357 |
| Trip total≈ A$491 per person per day, bed included | A$3,924≈ US$3,000 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights to Perth and Perth–Learmonth airfares excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Fish and chips takeaway | A$18–28 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Pub main (steak or seafood) | A$30–45 (≈ US$20–30) |
| Supermarket groceries, one person, one dayEating out costs roughly twice Perth prices. | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Fuel, per litrecheck | A$2.00–2.30 (≈ US$2) |
| Ningaloo Aquarium entrycheck | A$19 (≈ US$13) adult, A$14 (≈ US$10) child/concession |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Do not cross moving water on the highway or creeks in the wet season (Feb–May); depth markers show how deep it gets.
- Stay off dirt roads after rain; Shothole and Charles Knife canyons have been closed since a Feb 2022 wildfire for road damage, sinkholes and unexploded charges.
- Point Murat Navy Pier is a military site: access only on regulated dive trips, no snorkelling or climbing.
- Mobile signal is patchy south of town and around the airport; download maps and dive bookings before you drive.
- Sun is near overhead Nov–Jan: reef-safe sunscreen, long sleeves and water, and no shade on most beaches.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Exmouth, Western AustraliaExmouth
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Can you take me to this address, please?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
Embassy
No embassies in Exmouth; the nearest consulates are in Perth. US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand citizens: contact your Perth consulate or the Australian emergency line 000.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Learmonth Airport → Exmouth, minibus: about A$40 (≈ US$30) adult, A$25 (≈ US$17) child, pre-booked (check)
- Perth → Exmouth, Integrity Coaches: three services a week, about 30 h, book ahead (check)
- Cape Range National Park entry: about A$17 (≈ US$12) per vehicle per day (check)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- No worries — No worries
- Where's the nearest servo? — Where is the nearest fuel?
Distances are long and services thin: fill the tank and carry at least 4 L of water per person before leaving town.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Exmouth, Western Australia. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct (warm, dry, whale sharks or humpbacks) · avoid Feb–May (cyclone and deluge risk, roads flood); Dec–Jan for heat if you dislike 35 °C+ days · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LEA: flight times, pre-booked minibus or hire car, and a fallback if the flight is cancelled.
- Four driving clusters with fuel and water anchors: town centre, Murat Road north to the lighthouse, Yardie Creek Road into the park, and the highway south to Learmonth.
- Place pages with verified park fees, dive-operator booking cutoffs and turtle-viewing rules.
- Wet-season and heat fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
Ask about Exmouth, Western Australia
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