Ningaloo & Exmouth
Western Australia, Australia
Daily Budget
~A$133
~US$55 · per day
Best Months
Climate
Dry Season / Winter
Vibe
Adventure base
Overview
Ningaloo Reef is Australia's other great barrier reef — only this one you can walk straight into from the beach. Stretching 260 km along the remote northwest coast of Western Australia, Ningaloo is a UNESCO World Heritage site where whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, and sea turtles swim just metres from shore. The two main access towns are Exmouth and Coral Bay, both small and geared toward reef tourism.
Editor's Pick
Ningaloo & Exmouth stands out for: Swim with whale sharks — the world's largest fish (season March–July); Snorkel a pristine fringing reef directly from the beach — no boat required; Far less crowded and commercialised than the Great Barrier Reef.
Things to Do
View all 9 activitiesTop Hostels
View all 3 hostels
Hostels
3 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
9 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in Ningaloo & Exmouth?
- Budget around A$133 AUD (~US$55) per day in Ningaloo & Exmouth, covering a hostel dorm, meals, local transport, and a few activities.
- When is the best time to visit Ningaloo & Exmouth?
- The best months for backpackers to visit Ningaloo & Exmouth are Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, when the weather is most favourable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- What are the best hostels in Ningaloo & Exmouth?
- Top-rated hostels in Ningaloo & Exmouth include Potshot Hotel Resort (Exmouth), Ningaloo Coral Bay Backpackers (Coral Bay), RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park. Prices for a dorm bed typically start from A$77 per night.
- What are the top things to do in Ningaloo & Exmouth?
- Must-do activities in Ningaloo & Exmouth include Cape Range National Park entry, Cape Range National Park entry: $15 AUD per vehicle per day, Explore Yardie Creek gorge by kayak or on foot. There are 9 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.
