Learmonth

Learmonth, a tiny outpost on the remote Exmouth Peninsula, is the gateway to the stunning Ningaloo Reef and the rugged Cape Range National Park. This former US Navy communications base now serves as a quiet launchpad for some of Western Australia's most extraordinary marine and desert experiences. With its red dirt airstrip and sparse facilities, Learmonth is all about what lies beyond: world-class snorkeling, ancient gorges, and a sense of isolation that feels truly wild.

Highlights & What to See

• Ningaloo Reef – Snorkel or dive directly from the beach at nearby Turquoise Bay or Oyster Stacks; swim with whale sharks (March–July) and manta rays year-round.
• Cape Range National Park – Explore dramatic limestone canyons like Yardie Creek Gorge, walk the Mandu Mandu Gorge trail, and spot rock wallabies at sunset.
• Exmouth Town – Just 30 km north, this friendly town offers supplies, seafood at the marina, and sunset cruises on the gulf.
• Vlamingh Head Lighthouse – Panoramic views over the reef and ocean; a prime spot for whale watching (June–November).
• Lakeside Camping – Stay at secluded beachside camps within Cape Range, where you can fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake to a reef at your doorstep.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least three full days to appreciate Learmonth's surrounds. Day one: snorkel Turquoise Bay and hike Yardie Creek. Day two: take a reef cruise or whale shark tour. Day three: explore Exmouth town and the lighthouse. If you're self-driving, add a day for the scenic drive along the Cape Range's gorges. Learmonth itself is a quick stop; the real magic is the national park and reef.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Exmouth – The main hub for accommodation, dining, and reef tours.
• Coral Bay – A smaller, laid-back beach town 150 km south, with direct reef access and manta ray swims.
• North West Cape – The rugged peninsula tip, with historic lighthouses and remote beaches.
• Karijini National Park – A 5-hour drive inland; combine for a classic outback-to-reef road trip.
• Shark Bay (World Heritage Area) – 800 km south, featuring stromatolites and Monkey Mia dolphins – a big detour but worth it for a longer journey.

Please check official sources for current details.