Western Australia has been killing it on the national and international stage recently, and we’ve now got a new award to add to the growing collection.
The seaside town of Exmouth certainly packs its fair share of big-ticket attractions like swimming alongside whale sharks, but a deeper dive into the stunning landscape reveals the ultimate adventure destination with ancient surrounds, teeming reefs, boutique brews, and much more.
We already knew she was an absolute gem, but now Exmouth has cemented its name on the big stage by snapping up gold as one of Australia’s Top Tourism Towns. Coming up against the likes of towns like Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Port Fairy, Sheffield, and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s a massive achievement for the remote destination.
Exmouth Shire President Darlene Allston said this award was a big team effort.
“This Award is an absolute credit to our local tourism operators, partners, community, and stakeholders – only together can we continue to set the highest standards across the tourism industry.”
The Awardees
| Top Tourism Town Awardees (+5,000 residents) | Small Tourism Town Awardees (2,500 – 5,000 residents) | Tiny Tourism Town Awardees (up to 2,500 residents) |
| Gold – Mudgee (NSW) | Gold – Exmouth (WA) | Gold – Strahan (TAS) |
| Silver – Bendigo (VIC) | Silver – Sheffield (TAS) | Silver – Winton (QLD) |
| Bronze – Mandurah (WA) | Bronze – Port Fairy (VIC) | Bronze – Mount Macedon (VIC) |
Also copping a notable award for WA, Mandurah managed to come in with Bronze under the Top Tourism Town Awardees following on from Mudgee and Bendigo.
Exmouth: What You Need To Know
Exmouth is a 13-hour drive from Perth CBD heading north, and what awaits is sprawling turquoise waters, colourful coral reefs, red cliffs, and once-in-a-lifetime bucket list opportunities.
Swimming alongside the ocean’s gentle giants is undoubtedly one of the biggest tourist drawcards here and is unlike anything else you’ll ever experience. It tops our list as an absolute must-do when visiting the region, and there are plenty of tours you can book when the season is right (typically between mid-March and mid-July).
Other highlights to consider?
You’ll never struggle to find an appropriate snorkel site, but the more popular include the Ningaloo Reef and Murion Islands.
Food and drinks wise it’s always highly recommended to pop into Whalebone Brewery for a local brew in the outdoor beer garden alongside a wood-fired pizza, while Ningaloo Bakehouse & Cafe has plenty of sweet treats to satisfy on the go.
Also unmissable is the rugged Cape Range National Park, featuring canyons, limestone ranges, and endless stretches of unspoiled coastline with plenty of camping spots available.
Then, to really top off any day here, watch the sun go down from Exmouth’s ultimate vista point, Vlamingh Head Lighthouse.
Feature Image: Turquoise Bay | @isabellaruby
Take in more of WA with our Western Australia travel guide on So Perth.
