Turquoise Bay, Western Australia: Drift snorkelling and camping
Turquouse Bay on Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef offers turquoise water, white sand and supreme drift snorkelling. But there is no campground.
Turquoise Bay in Western Australia is one of the most incredible beaches in Australia. And, given the high standard elsewhere, that’s a pretty impressive claim.
Where is Turquoise Bay, Western Australia?
Part of what makes Turquoise Bay so special is its remoteness.
Turquoise Bay is on the western side of the North West Cape, and part of the Cape Range National Park. The nearest town of any size is Exmouth, a 47 minute drive away around the top of the cape.
You can get there in a conventional vehicle, however – the Yardie Creek Road is kept in good condition.
Another major part of Turquoise Bay’s appeal is the colours. As the name suggests, the Indian Ocean is often a giddy turquoise colour here, while the sand is a dazzling white. And, behind the beach, the rugged red rocks of the Cape Range National Park provide a glorious contrast.
8 amazing Exmouth experiences to book in advance.
- Swim with whale sharks – using a spotter plane for maximum shark snorkelling time. This is an experience you’ll genuinely remember forever.
- Ningaloo wildlife adventure – see much more than just the whale sharks.
- Full day kayaking tour – stopping to snorkel at parts of the reef the boats can’t reach.
- Sunset cruise – with dolphin-spotting, snacks and drinks.
- Cape Range trekking adventure.
- Dive on the Ningaloo Reef.
- Swim with humpback whales – they come after whale shark season is over.
- Kayak and snorkel with turtles.
Drift snorkelling at Turquoise Bay, Western Australia
But the aspect that elevates Turquoise Bay into the extraordinary category is that the Ningaloo Reef is just offshore. There is sublime snorkelling a few metres from the sand, and drift snorkelling is the best way to explore the Ningaloo Reef at Turquoise Bay.
Be warned, however, the current that makes Turquoise Bay so ideal for drift snorkelling is fairly strong. Weak swimmers are going to struggle here, and should opt for more placid Ningaloo Beaches such as Osprey Bay.
If you do want to try drift snorkelling, however, enter the water at the southern end of the beach. From there, the current will carry you along the reef towards the sandbar at the northern end.
Turquoise Bay camping
Unlike other Ningaloo Reef beaches, it is not possible to camp at Turquoise Bay. The nearest campground is at Tulki Beach, a six kilometre drive to the north. Campground bookings can be made through the Parkstay site.
Best Exmouth accommodation choices
- For infinity pool resort luxury: Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort.
- For central location: Ningaloo Lodge.
- For apartments with pool and landscaped gardens: Exmouth Escape Resort.
- For families: RACV Exmouth Cape Holiday Park.
More Western Australia travel
Swim at Zebedee Springs and Emma Gorge from the El Questro Homestead.
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Take the Rottnest Island ferry from B Shed, Fremantle.
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