Three ways from Perth to Exmouth
Exmouth is on the North West Cape, about 1,270 km north of Perth by the Shire's published figure. You can fly to Learmonth Airport, drive, or take the long-distance coach. The flight is the short option. The road and the coach are long journeys, so plan your stops and your fuel.
Cyclone Narelle disrupted travel in April 2026. Road access restrictions were lifted from 8 April 2026, the Learmonth terminals reopened and Qantas scheduled flights resumed. Confirm your accommodation before you arrive, because that does not show that every campground or activity site is open.
Learmonth Airport
The airport for Exmouth is not in Exmouth.
The flight
The Ningaloo Centre names daily Qantas flights between Perth and Learmonth, and the route is listed on the Qantas website. Check the current timetable and fares for your dates, because they change.
Do not mix up the airfields
Learmonth Airport is about 36 km from Exmouth. Exmouth Aerodrome is a separate airfield, and it is not where the scheduled flights land.
Getting from the airport to town
Exmouth Bus Charters advertises service to arriving Learmonth flights. For the trip back, it picks up in Exmouth about 2 hours before departure. Book ahead.
| Airport transfer, one way | Fare in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adult | A$45 |
| Child | A$30 |
| Infant | A$0 |
| Senior or concession | A$35 |
The standard baggage allowance is one checked bag and one carry-on item. Each extra piece costs A$15.
Tours from Exmouth
Reef, whale and canyon trips from Exmouth, with live prices and availability.
Driving to Exmouth
The road from Perth is long, so plan it as a journey and not a day trip.
From the south
Follow the North West Coastal Highway. About 142 km north of Carnarvon, turn left onto the Minilya-Exmouth Road. From there it is about 200 km to Exmouth.
From the north
Turn off at Burkett Road and continue to the Minilya-Exmouth Road.
Keep to the main roads
Do not use canyon or beach tracks as shortcuts on the long-distance route. Charles Knife Road, for example, is a winding mountain road, and the park authority recommends a 4WD on its gravel section.
Charles Knife →Once you are there
The park's visitor centre, Milyering, is about 54 km from Exmouth. Plan how you will cover that distance, either in your own vehicle or on a tour with pickup. Vehicle entry to Cape Range National Park is A$17 for up to 12 people (2026).
Park guide →The long-distance coach
The northbound service from Perth.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service | Integrity Coach Lines, route IC15 on Sundays and IC09 on Tuesdays and Thursdays |
| Departure | East Perth Train Station, 7:30 p.m. |
| Arrival in Exmouth | The next day at 1:15 p.m., Maidstone Crescent |
| Timetable duration | 17 hours 45 minutes |
| Learmonth stop | 12:50 p.m., on request only |
| Frequency | Not daily |
The Exmouth stop is on Maidstone Crescent, in the car park near Federation Park, opposite the IGA.
| Hop-on hop-off pass | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 km | A$269 | Enough for Perth to Exmouth in one direction, valid 12 months |
| 3,000 km | A$399 | Valid 12 months |
| 6,000 km | A$724 | Valid 12 months |
A pass price is not a single-ticket fare. Check the current timetable and fares before you go.
Before you fly
Entry and travel advice for 2026.
Entry for German citizens
You need a passport valid for your whole stay, and an ID card is not enough. A visa or ETA is required before you travel. The German Foreign Office describes the eVisitor visa, subclass 651, as free online, valid for 12 months, with a stay of up to 3 months per entry. Rules for other nationalities differ, so check the rules for yours.
Travel advice, October 2026
The UK advice, last changed on 19 March 2026, does not advise against travel to Australia. It notes global travel impacts from the escalation in the Middle East, including on international flights and connections. The US advisory is Level 1, issued on 18 August 2026. The German Foreign Office names no country-wide travel warning and no specific Ningaloo closure.
Roads and notices
The Shire of Exmouth publishes temporary road closures, including some that affect access to Bundegi. Check them for your dates.
The harbour
Repairs after Cyclone Narelle can cause temporary restrictions at the Boat Harbour, though it stays in operation.
Where to stay →Plan the rest of your trip
Pages to read next.
Exmouth town guide
The town, the marina and your base for the reef.
Weather and best time
Monthly averages, cyclone season and animal seasons.
Things to do
Twelve experiences once you have arrived.
Heading for the southern end of the reef? Coral Bay is a separate base with its own travel guide.
Getting to Exmouth: frequently asked questions
What is the closest airport to Exmouth?
Learmonth Airport, about 36 km from Exmouth. Qantas flies there from Perth daily, according to the local visitor centre. Exmouth Aerodrome is a different airfield.
How do I get from Learmonth Airport to Exmouth?
An airport transfer is advertised for arriving flights, at A$45 for an adult one way in 2026. Book ahead.
Is there a bus from Perth to Exmouth?
Yes, but not daily. The coach leaves East Perth on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and arrives in Exmouth at 1:15 p.m. the next day.
Which road do I take to Exmouth from the south?
The North West Coastal Highway, then left onto the Minilya-Exmouth Road about 142 km north of Carnarvon. Exmouth is about 200 km further.
Do I need a visa for Australia?
Yes, for German citizens a visa or ETA before travel. The eVisitor 651 is free online according to the German Foreign Office. Check the rules for your own nationality.