7-Day Travel Itinerary for Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef

Planning a full week in Exmouth? Lucky you! With more time to explore the coastline, dive into the reef, and unwind under starry skies, you’re in for an adventure like no other.

This 7-day Exmouth itinerary gives you the best mix of nature, relaxation and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. And all without overloading the schedule!

So grab your snorkel, charge your camera, and let’s map out a week you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Day 1: Arrive, settle in & enjoy sunset views

You made it! Welcome to Exmouth, where red earth meets turquoise sea. No matter if you’ve flown in or made the epic coastal drive from Perth, your first day’s all about switching gears, taking a breather, and easing into the relaxed rhythm of life on the Coral Coast.

Here’s how you can make the most of your first day:

• Check in and unpack: From family-friendly resorts and breezy holiday homes to beachside eco-retreats, there’s accommodation in Exmouth for every travel style. Settle in, freshen up and shake off the travel dust.
• Stroll the shoreline: Take your pick between Town Beach’s calm, shallow waters or the quiet curve of Bundegi Beach. Both are gorgeous spots for a gentle walk, shell spotting, or even a quick paddle to stretch your legs.
• Catch sunset at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse: This iconic spot offers panoramic views of the Ningaloo Reef and the Indian Ocean. Bring a picnic rug or some local fish and chips and soak up the view as the sun dips below the horizon.

Whale watch from land (seasonal): Keep your eyes on the water! Humpback whales often pass close to shore at dusk during their annual migration.

Day 2: Swim with whale sharks – the ultimate bucket list tick

You didn’t come all this way to not swim with whale sharks. So this is the magical day to tick off that life goal!

With Three Islands Whale Shark Dive, your day begins with a hotel pick-up and a light breakfast onboard. The whole crew makes you feel welcome from the get-go.

After a relaxed snorkel briefing, it’s time to head out on the reef. A spotter plane helps the skipper zero in on the whale sharks quickly, so you're in the water sooner, swimming alongside these incredible creatures.

And the vibe? Laid-back, family-friendly and full of those jaw-dropping moments that stick with you long after the tour ends.

Here’s what you can expect from this fun-filled day:

• Expert crew who make the experience safe and fun for all ages.
• Clear waters over the Ningaloo Reef.
• Snorkelling on coral gardens when you're not swimming with whale sharks.
• Lunch, photos and memories that last a lifetime.

Day 3: Drift snorkelling at Turquoise Bay

Today is all about reef exploration from the shore. Head into Cape Range National Park, where rugged red cliffs meet sunlit, crystal shallows—an unforgettable contrast of colour and stillness.

Turquoise Bay is the main event. Consistently rated one of Australia’s best beaches, it’s the perfect place for a lazy drift snorkel and some unhurried beach time.

Here’s how to enjoy it like one of the locals:

• Enter the water at the southern end for the famous drift snorkel (relax and let the current gently carry you over coral gardens).
• Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, parrotfish, rays and colourful coral.
• Pack a picnic and kick back under the beach shelters between swims.

Day 4: Cape Range National Park adventures

Ready to go deeper into the national park? Today, trade snorkels for hiking boots and discover the rugged inland side of Cape Range. From dramatic gorges to canyon lookouts, there’s so much to explore in this magnificent part of Western Australia.

Highlights include:

• Yardie Creek Gorge: Take a guided boat cruise or hike along the towering cliffs.
  
• Mandu Mandu Gorge: A peaceful walking trail with sweeping views of the range. And if you’re lucky, a glimpse of the elusive black-flanked rock wallabies, a rare and remarkable sight that makes the hike even more special!
  

Charles Knife Canyon: A truly amazing spot at sunrise or sunset for its golden views over the canyons and Exmouth Gulf.

Day 5: Relax, refuel & sunset snorkel

By now, you’ve earned a slower day. Sleep in, grab brunch at a local café, and take your time browsing Exmouth’s boutiques or markets.

In the afternoon, consider an Exmouth snorkelling tour to experience the reef with a guide who knows the best spots for visibility, marine life and safety.

Not up for another boat ride? That’s okay. Head back to Oyster Stacks or Lakeside, two fantastic snorkelling sites inside Cape Range. Finish with a chilled sunset beach walk, and maybe a cheeky gelato.

Day 6: Shipwrecks & history

It’s time for a bit of local history. Start with a visit to the Mildura Wreck, a cattle ship that ran aground in 1907. You can spot the remnants just offshore from Lighthouse Bay. 

While it’s not safe to snorkel there, it makes for a surreal and beautiful photo opportunity.

Then swing by:

• Jurabi Turtle Centre: Learn about the loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles that nest here between November and March.
  
• Harold E. Holt Navy Communication Base: You can’t go inside, but the towers are iconic.
  
• Finish at SS Learmonth Jetty: if you’re keen for some shore fishing or dolphin spotting.
  
• And for dinner, head to Froth Craft Brewery and trade reef stories with fellow travellers.

Day 7: One last look at paradise

Day 7: One last look at paradise

Your final morning is all about soaking it up.

• Grab a takeaway coffee and watch the sunrise over the gulf.
  
• Pop into the Ningaloo Aquarium and Discovery Centre if you haven’t already—it’s perfect for kids and ocean lovers alike.
  
• Check out of your accommodation and take a last cruise down Yardie Creek Road for one more look at this wild, beautiful part of WA.

Plan less, enjoy more!

With so much to see and do, this 7-day Exmouth itinerary helps you spend less time planning and more time soaking up the best of Ningaloo.

Because that’s what this place is all about — a gentler pace, warm-hearted locals, and those unexpected moments that stay with you. A turtle gliding beside you. A humpback breaching in the distance. A whale shark rising from the deep blue.

When you're ready to experience the reef at its best, we’d love to welcome you aboard! Book your whale shark swim with Three Islands and make your Exmouth journey one that stays with you a lifetime.