Exmouth was founded in 1967 and as such is one of the newest towns in
Australia, it is however already famous world-wide as a big game
fishing centre. Few places on earth are blessed with the stark contrast
of rugged ranges and a marine park on their doorstep. For an
unforgettable experience, take your time when moving through Exmouth's
two worlds.
Located in the Exmouth Gulf by the North West Cape it is the closest
sports fishing harbour in Australia to the Continental Shelf . This is
a great advantage - the close proximity of the shelf is the reason for
the abundance of fish and marine life in the surrounding waters.
Big game charter skippers sailing out of the port know these waters
well and serious sportsmen from Britain, the US, Europe, Japan and
Africa visit the town to charter their boats and take advantage of the
proliferation of fish. Commercial fishermen also take advantage of the
port and its closeness to the continental shelf, with a fleet of prawn
trawlers using Exmouth as a base.
The area also provides ideal access to underwater diving for the
experienced diver. Also, there is good surfing to be had on Surfers
Beach located 17 kilometres from town. You can explore the drama and
grandeur of the coastline and hinterland with any one of the available
local safari tours. Also, in common with the North West coast, there
are many beautiful safe bathing and fishing beaches to explore.
The Backpackers Guide to WA says:-
Located on the eastern side of North West Cape, the town has
backpackers hostels, caravan parks, two hotels and several lodges.
Budget priced meals are available from a pizza bar, fish and chip shop,
Chinese restaurant, and a local café, along with the usual counter
meals.
The former U.S. Naval Communications station at North West Cape is a
major tourist attraction with its huge communications towers dominating
the skyline. The highest of the thirteen towers soars to 388 metres and
is the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere.
No trip to the area could be complete without a visit to Cape Range
National Park, located forty two kilometres from town. The stark
limestone ranges, gorges and sparkling blue ocean and white sand make
for spectacular viewing. There are several safaris and bus tours of the
park. Whilst there, a visit to the Mylering Visitor Centre is
recommended.
The area is a mecca for scuba divers and snorkelling for it is home to
the giant whale shark and divers from all corners of the world visit
the tiny north west town to see and photograph the world’s largest fish
which come in to feed on the plankton and blooms from the coral in the
reef from March through May.
Summer signals the start of the turtle nesting season when hundreds of
turtles on their annual pilgrimage make their nests in the warm sand
and lay their eggs. Regular tours are run to catch the activity.
Another attraction is the giant manta rays that can often be seen
cruising around the reef.
The Navy Pier has been voted one of Australia’s best ten diving sites.
Here visitors can mix with schools of fish including huge groper (to
1500 lbs), moray eel and many others.
There is much more to do and see in and around the town as well as a
multitude of tours (both land and sea) that the local tourist bureau
will advise on or help you to make the appropriate bookings.
Accommodation in Exmouth
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