Monkey Mia to Exmouth road trip: Best stops, distance & time

Monkey Mia to Exmouth drive: The Minilya – Exmouth Road

The final 153km from Coral Bay to Exmouth takes around one hour and 38 minutes. Most of the monotonous drive is along the Minilya – Exmouth Road.

Aside from massive sheep stations, there is nothing until you reach Learmonth Airport and its solar observatory.

The Learmonth Jetty on the Exmouth Gulf is reasonably photogenic and a good fishing spot.

Further along the road, those with a 4WD vehicle can explore the rugged Cape Range National Park. Charles Knife Canyon and Shothole Canyon are relatively easy to get to.

On the way into Exmouth, you can also stop at Pebble Beach.

Most Ningaloo Reef whale shark swimming cruises, scenic flights and Ningaloo Reef kayaking tours pick up from Exmouth. It’s also possible to swim with humpback whales.

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.

Exmouth to Turquoise Bay and the Ningaloo Reef

However, for most people, the town is a base for exploring the other side of the North West Cape. Ningaloo Reef tours usually leave from the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp, a half hour drive away past the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse and Mauritius Beach.

Further along are a series of staggering white sand beaches, from which the Ningaloo Reef is often about 100 metres offshore.

Turquoise Bay and Osprey Bay are arguably the most attractive of these beaches, wile Yardie Creek boat tours head the other way into Cape Range National Park.