Exmouth WA Western Australia
Australia
33
Cruises availables
At departure or passage at this port
Crystal Cruises (3 Cruises)
Holland America Line (3 Cruises)
Princess Cruises (12 Cruises)
Sapphire Princess
12 Cruises
Seabourn Cruise Line (12 Cruises)
Seabourn Quest
12 Cruises
Frequently Asked Questions
Ships anchor in Exmouth Gulf and land passengers by tender. Shuttles then run into town: distance and heat make walking from the landing impractical.
A 260-kilometre coral reef along the Indian Ocean coast, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011. Its distinguishing feature is simple: the coral grows metres from shore, with no long boat crossing required.
Yes, that's the whole point of Ningaloo. On several beaches along the cape you walk in, put on a mask and the fish are already there. Turquoise Bay, about an hour away along the west coast, is the classic example: a gentle current carries swimmers over the coral gardens.
March to July, when they gather along the reef to feed. Trips, run by experienced local operators, leave from the marina and take a full day: this is not compatible with a short port call.
Depending on the season, turtles, manta rays and migrating humpback whales. The gulf itself serves as a humpback nursery and shelters dugongs, turtles and reef sharks. Glass-bottom boat trips let you see the coral without getting wet.
The town takes an hour to see: a few shopping streets, relaxed cafés, a well-stocked visitor centre. Beyond that you must pick one outing: Turquoise Bay or Cape Range National Park, each about an hour's drive.
A limestone plateau cut by gorges, on the western side of the cape. Yardie Creek is seen by boat or from a clifftop trail, among rust-red walls, rock wallabies tucked into crevices and ospreys hovering overhead. Vlamingh Head lighthouse, on the way back, gives the best panorama in the region.
Often, yes. Emus wander regularly between the car parks and lawns of the town, unbothered by passers-by. It's one of the images passengers most readily take away from this call.
Australian dollars, with cards accepted almost everywhere. The climate is hot and dry: water, hat and sunscreen are essential, and shade is scarce once you leave the town.
Cultured pearls from the region and craftwork from North West Cape communities, sold in local shops. This is a long way from the standardised boutiques of the big cruise terminals.
