If you’re looking for a cool and shaded retreat from the Exmouth heat while discovering more about the incredible environment of the North West Cape, the Ningaloo Aquarium & Discovery Centre is the perfect spot.

Children will be captivated by the live marine displays in the Reef Gallery, where you can experience the wonders of the Ningaloo Reef up close – without getting wet! The gallery features numerous marine species, interactive touch screens, and even a virtual aquarium where you can create and release your own digital fish. It’s a great way to learn more about some of the marine life you might have spotted while snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Cape Range National Park’s beautiful beaches.

To learn more about the history of Exmouth, jump onto the Big Red Bus for a journey through time back to Exmouth’s beginnings as a US Naval base. Don’t forget to check out the reptile displays on the top floor, too.

Tickets can be purchased online, through one of the electronic ticket stations in the Ningaloo Centre or from the friendly staff in the Ningaloo Visitor Centre. There’s a small café in the centre serving food and drinks and a gift shop for picking up unique souvenirs to remember your time in Exmouth or for the perfect gift for loved ones back home.

The Centre is open daily (closed Christmas Day) – check the website for seasonal opening hours.

Photo: Tourism Western Australia

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Vlamingh Head Lighthouse

Perched atop a small hill, the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is one of Exmouth’s most iconic landmarks and a prime spot for taking in the spectacular sunsets. With panoramic views across the ocean, you might even catch a glimpse of whales breaching in the distance. Remarkably, the lighthouse is one of the few places in Australia where you can witness both the sunrise and sunset over the ocean.

While the interior of the lighthouse isn’t accessible to visitors, the site features informative plaques detailing the history of Exmouth, including its WWII heritage and the significance of the Ningaloo Reef World Heritage Area.

Jurabi Turtle Centre

A short distance from the lighthouse, the Jurabi Turtle Centre offers fascinating insights into the marine turtles that inhabit the Ningaloo Coast. The centre’s displays highlight the turtle lifecycle, including the critical nesting and hatching seasons that take place from December to March.

Join a Turtle Eco-Education Tour during the nesting season to observe female turtles laying their eggs in their natural environment. These guided tours emphasise conservation and responsible observation and can be booked online or through the Milyering Visitor Centre.

Photo: Tourism Western Australia

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