Exmouth sits on the tip of the North West Cape in Western Australia — roughly 1,200km north of Perth. There’s no way around it: you’re flying in. Once you land at Exmouth Airport, having your own wheels is the only practical way to explore what this corner of WA has to offer. The town itself is small, but the adventures nearby are massive.
Car hire at Exmouth Airport gives you the freedom to come and go as you please, whether that’s chasing sunrise at the lighthouse or spontaneously heading to the reef for a snorkel.
Public transport doesn’t exist out here. Taxis are limited and expensive for any real distance. If you want to see Cape Range National Park, swim at Turquoise Bay, or drive out to the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, you need a car — ideally one that can handle dirt roads and sand tracks.
A rental also lets you stock up on supplies before heading out. The town has a couple of supermarkets and fuel stations, but once you’re in the national park, you’re on your own. Having a packed car means you can make a day of it without rushing back.
**Ningaloo Reef** — This UNESCO World Heritage site runs along the coast just offshore. It’s one of the largest fringing reefs in the world and unlike the Great Barrier Reef, you can often swim straight from the beach. Snorkelling gear is available to rent in town, or bring your own.
**Whale sharks** — From April to July, these massive but harmless fish migrate through the Ningaloo region. Tours operate out of Exmouth and you’ll swim alongside them in what feels like a scene from a nature documentary. Book early — spots fill up fast during peak season.
**Cape Range National Park** — Rugged canyon systems, steep limestone ranges, and pristine beaches. The park is about 50km from Exmouth along the Yardie Creek Road. Highlights include Yarding Creek, Charles Knife Canyon, and the beach at Turquoise Bay (famous for its strong currents — swim between the flags).
**Vlamingh Head Lighthouse** — Located about 15km north of town on the tip of the cape. Great for sunset views over the Indian Ocean. Whales are often spotted from here during their migration season (May to November).
**Jurabi Coastal Centre** — A good first stop to learn about the local environment, including the sea turtles that nest on nearby beaches between November and March.
Exmouth is remote. Fuel up in town before heading out — there’s a servo on Murat Road and another near the airport road. Don’t rely on finding fuel once you’re in the national park.
The roads within Cape Range National Park are mostly unsealed. A 4WD with high clearance is essential if you want to access the deeper tracks like Charles Knife Canyon or the drive to Yardie Creek. Two-wheel drives can manage the main sealed road to Turquoise Bay, but that’s about it.
Sand driving requires care — reduce tyre pressure on the beach (check signage for rules) and avoid soft sand after rain. If you’re not confident with off-road driving, stick to the main attractions and beach access points.
Download offline maps before you go. Mobile reception is patchy outside of town.
Book your car hire well in advance, especially if you’re travelling between April and July. That’s peak season for whale sharks and school holidays, and rental cars in Exmouth are in high demand.
Specify if you need a 4WD — not all rental companies keep them in stock, and they cost more. Book early to secure one and compare prices across providers.
Check what’s included in the rental: unlimited kilometres are standard for most WA rentals, but confirm fuel policy and whether the company delivers to the airport. Some providers offer airport pickup and drop-off, which saves you a taxi ride.
If you’re planning to do the drive from Perth (about 1,270km), flying into Exmouth is definitely the way to go. The road trip is spectacular but brutal — allow at least two full days each way if you go by car.