Turquoise Bay Exmouth Australia
Pristine white sands meet vibrant turquoise waters, offering world-class drift snorkeling with abundant marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best current for snorkeling
Turquoise Bay Exmouth Australia
Best Time
Best current for snorkeling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pristine white sands meet vibrant turquoise waters, offering world-class drift snorkeling with abundant marine life.
"Ranked #1 beach in Australia… and honestly, it deserves it."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The car park fills fast! Aim to arrive before 9 AM to secure a spot. :car:
🤿 Master the Drift Snorkel
Enter the water at the southern end for the best drift experience. :snorkelling:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Drift Snorkeling Adventure
South of Turquoise Bay
Ride a natural current south to north, gliding over colorful coral and abundant marine life.
Crystal Clear Waters
Turquoise Bay Beach
Experience breathtaking shades of blue and pristine white sands, a true paradise.
Abundant Marine Life Encounters
Ningaloo Reef
Spot turtles, stingrays, reef sharks, and countless tropical fish in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Snorkeling
Respecting the Reef and Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The car park fills fast! Aim to arrive before 9 AM to secure a spot. :car:
🤿 Master the Drift Snorkel
Enter the water at the southern end for the best drift experience. :snorkelling:
☀️ Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect the delicate coral and marine life from harmful chemicals. :sun:
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Observe turtles and other creatures from a distance; never touch or feed them.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The car park fills fast! Aim to arrive before 9 AM to secure a spot. :car:
🤿 Master the Drift Snorkel
Enter the water at the southern end for the best drift experience. :snorkelling:
☀️ Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect the delicate coral and marine life from harmful chemicals. :sun:
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Observe turtles and other creatures from a distance; never touch or feed them.
📸 Capture the Blue
The water's color is unreal! Bring your underwater camera for amazing shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Turquoise Bay is overwhelmingly praised for its breathtaking beauty and incredible snorkeling opportunities, with many calling it one of Australia's best beaches. Visitors rave about the crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and the unique drift snorkeling experience. Some minor concerns include the potential for strong currents during the drift and the need for early arrival to secure parking.
"Drift Snorkeling is amazing!!!
Water temp was nice - early August, didn't need a wetsuit.
Plenty of colourful fish of varying sizes, even a reef shark crossed my path
Totally recommend when in the area"
Violet Patty
"Perfect crystal clear water and colourful fish 🐠 the coral is now bleached mostly… but the fish are plentiful and beautiful! Please watch out for snakes in the dunes, and wear reef protectant sunscreen"
N (charlie)
"Visited today for a snorkel and relaxing day at the beach! Car park gets busy, although everyone parks along the side of the road in!
Snorkelling was great! We walked up about 400m beyond the sandbar. 2 turtles, rays, plenty of fish. The drift snorkel took us 40min. Some areas were pretty fast although if you go a little further out to start with it isn’t as bad!
Turquoise Bay beach is fantastic! Large fish right in shore, the water is beautiful colour and temp. Great beach for families also!"
mjr80ooo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Turquoise Bay is located within Cape Range National Park, about a 65km drive south of Exmouth. You can drive yourself in a 2WD vehicle, but a 4WD is recommended for exploring further into the park. +1 The drive takes approximately 1 hour.
Currently, there is no direct public transport to Turquoise Bay. Most visitors drive their own vehicle or rent a car. Some tour operators may include it as part of a broader Exmouth experience.
The main road to Turquoise Bay is paved and accessible by 2WD vehicles. However, some internal park roads can be unsealed and may require a 4WD, especially after rain.
Yes, there are several campgrounds within Cape Range National Park, including Osprey Bay and Lakeside, which are popular bases for exploring Turquoise Bay. Booking well in advance is essential as they are highly sought after.
The most popular way to experience Turquoise Bay is through drift snorkeling. You can also enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach, and observing the abundant marine life.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entry fee for Cape Range National Park, which includes access to Turquoise Bay. Fees are typically per vehicle and can be paid at the park entrance or online.
Cape Range National Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Parks and Wildlife Service WA website for any specific closures or changes in hours.
Parking at Turquoise Bay is on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no option to book parking in advance. Arriving early is the best strategy to secure a spot.
You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to Turquoise Bay. However, please ensure you take all your rubbish with you when you leave to help keep the park pristine.
No, pets are generally not allowed in national parks in Western Australia, including Cape Range National Park, to protect the native wildlife and their habitats.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Turquoise Bay is teeming with marine life. You can expect to see a wide variety of colorful tropical fish, reef sharks, turtles, stingrays, and various corals.
The drift snorkeling can be quite fast in some areas. Beginners should enter the water further out to start and be aware of their surroundings. It's advisable to snorkel with a buddy and be mindful of the current's direction.
The water temperature at Turquoise Bay is generally pleasant year-round, though it can be cooler in the winter months (June-August). Many visitors find they don't need a wetsuit in August.
There are no lifeguards stationed at Turquoise Bay. Visitors are responsible for their own safety, so it's important to be aware of the conditions and swim within your capabilities.
Wear a swimsuit and consider a rash guard for sun protection and a bit of warmth. Bringing your own snorkel gear is recommended, though some local shops may offer rentals.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers a magical, serene experience with soft light, perfect for capturing the bay's tranquility.
An underwater camera or a waterproof phone case is ideal for capturing the marine life and the stunning water colors. A drone can also provide breathtaking aerial views of the bay.
The entire shoreline offers incredible photo opportunities. The 'Drift Loop' parking area provides easy access to the popular drift snorkeling spot, which is also photogenic.
The vibrant turquoise water, the white sandy beaches, the diverse marine life, and the dramatic coastal landscapes of Cape Range National Park are all highly photogenic.
Drone usage is permitted in Cape Range National Park, but it's essential to be aware of and adhere to all park regulations and guidelines regarding drone operation to ensure safety and minimize disturbance to wildlife and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the morning when the water is clearest and the crowds are thinner. The drive from Exmouth is scenic, and the park offers opportunities for short walks and enjoying the natural beauty. Make sure to bring beach toys and enjoy a day of sun, sand, and discovery.
🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts
Bring your own high-quality snorkel gear for the best experience. While the coral has seen some bleaching, the abundance of fish makes it a vibrant underwater world.
📸 Nature Photographers
Sunrise provides a magical, soft light, while mid-morning offers bright, clear conditions for capturing the underwater world. An underwater camera or waterproof phone case is essential for capturing the rich marine life, from colorful fish to graceful turtles. Consider using a drone for breathtaking aerial shots of the bay and the rugged coastline of Cape Range National Park.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Drift Snorkeling
It's crucial to time your snorkel with the incoming tide for the strongest and most consistent current. Many visitors report seeing numerous turtles, stingrays, and schools of colorful fish during a single drift. Remember to exit the water before you reach the southern point of the bay, as the current can become very strong.
Always snorkel with a buddy and be aware of your surroundings. While the coral has experienced some bleaching, the fish populations remain abundant and vibrant, making it a spectacular underwater spectacle.
Wildlife Encounters at Turquoise Bay
Giant stingrays are also a common sight, often seen gliding along the sandy bottom. Beyond the larger creatures, the coral gardens are alive with countless tropical fish of all shapes and sizes, creating a kaleidoscope of color.
It's essential to remember that these are wild animals in their natural habitat. Always maintain a respectful distance, never feed them, and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect their environment.
Capturing the Essence of Turquoise Bay
The contrast is so striking that it often requires no filter to capture its beauty. For the best photographic opportunities, consider visiting during sunrise for a serene and ethereal glow, or during the mid-morning when the sun is high, illuminating the water and coral in brilliant detail.
Underwater photography is highly recommended to capture the rich marine life. A waterproof camera or a good quality phone case is a must-have. Drones can offer breathtaking aerial perspectives of the bay and the surrounding Cape Range National Park, showcasing the vastness and beauty of the coastline. Remember to be mindful of other visitors and the environment when taking photos. Respect wildlife by not disturbing them for a shot, and always practice leave-no-trace principles. The natural beauty of Turquoise Bay provides endless opportunities for stunning and memorable photographs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit