Exmouth WA 6707 (Pop 2 000)

Exmouth is located on the east coast of WA’s North West Cape 1 260 km north of Perth. It is one of Australia’s newest towns having been established in 1963 to support the US Naval Communication Station Harold E Holt where there had been a submarine base during WWII. Since the US Navy left, the town has focused on tourism to support its economy particularly with the exquisite Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range NP and rugged coastal scenery all nearby. A quarter of the population are still US service personnel and their families. Exmouth markets each Sun (Apr-Sept). Whale Shark Festival (Mar), Arts Quest (July), Octoberfest (Oct), Gamex (world class game fishing), (Oct/Nov).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Exmouth was extensively damaged during Cyclone Vance in 1999 and had to be rebuilt.

Nearby:
Cape Range NP (39 km south) beautiful 50 000 ha park made up of rocky gorges, rugged landscape and abundant wildlife bordered by the sandy beaches, hidden caves and breathtaking coastal scenery of the Ningaloo Marine Park. A paradise for walkers, birdwatchers, campers and canoeists. Not to be missed are Mangrove Bay, Yardie Ck and Mandu Mandu Gorge. Ningaloo Marine Park extends 260 km south from Bundegi Beach and is sometimes only 100 m from the shoreline. The park protects WA’s largest coral reef which is also home to the whale shark, humpback whale, green turtles, dugongs and dolphins as well about 500 fish species and 180 coral species. Harold E. Holt Naval Communication Station (6 km north) contains huge towers within the antenna field that are the Southern Hemisphere’s largest structures. Not open to the public but tours may be arranged through the Exmouth Tourist Office. Vlamingh Lighthouse & Lookout (19 km north) Australia’s only originally kerosene fired and driven lighthouse (1912) with a lookout offering superb 360 deg views.

Accommodation:
Exmouth has a motel, hotel, 2 guesthouses, 2 holiday unit complexes, a lodge and half a dozen caravan parks. Visitors Information Centre: Murat Rd. Tel (08) 9949 1176 or 1800 287 328.

Airport:
Learmonth Airport (LEA), Murat Rd, Learmonth. (34 km south).

Hospital:
Exmouth Hospital, Lyons St. Tel (08) 9949 3666.