Exmouth at Christmas

Hi bgreeni,

From what I have been told about the place and seen in books on the area, it wouldn't matter where you stay.....I'm advised its all magnificent.

I'm also informed by a friend who has just returned from the area that the snorkelling was absolutely fantastic up there. Warm water and heaps of marine life to look at.

I'd say just do it and you shouldn't be disappointed.

Good luck.

bruce

Just be aware that it is the hottest time to be there, and it is always a few degrees hotter on the NW cape.
We camped several years ago and sleeping was unbearable! even with a fan going!
We were on the town side so maybe the Ningaloo side could be a little cooler.
If it is your wifes first camping experience in NW in summer , it could be the last!
Having said that it is an amazing place and the fish will be biting!

Bruce - Hazo's comment is also my concern. Has she been to the region at this time of year at all? The average max temp is 36.8 degrees. I would be very hesitant to suggest it for your wife's first camping experience unless of course she just loves being outdoors in the heat. Even though I love the beach, I find that summer camping is quite a different thing altogether - it is energy sapping and often there's more flies etc. Just check about the shade at the CP - I recall there are very few sites for tents with any kind of shade at all - just small scrubby bushes so you'd need to rig up a good tarp to give yourself a bit of respite during the day. I don't recall any communal area with shade you can use. I'd also suggest a fan for the tent. If its just a few days and you drive up with an aircon in the vehicle then I guess you could cope but do give the climate careful consideration.

MM

Bruce, if you come here for the Xmas period camp on the West side such as Mesa, Lakeside camping grounds in the Cape Range National Park, be aware that these camp sites are basic, toilets only, if you want to camp close to the beach Pilgramunna is the place, a typical day wind wise is South East/Easterly with plenty of flies in the morning, in the afternoon South Westerly can be quite strong. The Exmouth side of the Cape is generally hot with most Xmas's 40 plus degrees, I have lived here for the last seven years and Xmas day is generally a hot one, but thats what I love about the place.

Regards
Mark

That reef is wonderful - hoards of beautiful tropical fish literally at your fingertips, and accessible in very shallow water (waist deep if you like)......the turquoise sea and white sand are a treat.
BUT the sage advice from others above is spot on - the heat will most likely be unbearable when you are not in the water - the radiation intense (cripes - it can be harsh enough in winter !). And you could be blown away (literally again) by a cyclone :-o)......
If its an opportunity you won't get again, how about staying in a motel with aircond, and venturing out early in the am ? Back by noon for a rest up till the next day ? Last August, we stayed at Yardie Homestead campground, about 30 minutes away from Exmouth - its only a 20 minute drive into Cape Range Nat Park from there - we commuted in/out for 3 days - and there are a number of beach access points to choose from - we liked the Mandu Mandu beach - the reef seemed closest there.

Hi bgreeni, we stayed at the lighthouse cvp a couple of times. Yes it will be darned hot that time of year. They do have a good pool though, which helps to cool down. Beware the emus- and i'm not kidding -their resident emus will ransack your camp when your back is turned. Just have to make sure all food is put away and the tent is zipped up(yep-they come right into your tent if they can).Other than that they are good entertainment. Good snorkelling at several beaches - including turquoise beach; If the heat is getting to you there are several cooler activities on option- glass bottom boat tour, fishing charter, air conditioned pubs and restaurants, river cruise, etc. I suspect the hardest time will be at night. Trying to get to sleep when it's really hot can be a problem.cheers. doc.

Don't discount the chance that an early cyclone could wreck your entire trip - ruining the diving and fishing - making it hot and humid and possibly stranding you there.

We went for 5 weeks a couple years back in March and had 3 cylones in the 5 weeks - Exmouth CAN suck - but the good times are good - one takes ones chances - I just wouldn't be taking them with exmouth in the monsoon season is all - its a heck of a long way to anywhere else when muther nature gets antsy!!

Cheers

Spend a night in Kalbarri on the way up here.

If thats too hot, too windy or has too many flies for comfortable camping - head for the south coast.

anyway you do it - im sure youll have fun

swampy

The town of Exmouth itself is a bit ordinary but the area is fantastic.

In my opinion a much nicer place to camp would be Coral Bay, much nicer access to the snorkelling reasonably priced and cabins are available if it gets too hot in the tent. The camp ground there is well shaded and literally accross the road from the beach.

I stayed there earlier this year 3days at exmouth and three days at Coral Bay and just fell in love with the area.

If you arent already and you get a chance get certified to Scuba Dive, the diving is some of the best I have EVER done. The Navy pier dive has to be seen to be believed. I have never dived with som man sharkes, eels, and different species of fish in one small area. Even if you dont dive the snorkelling just meters off the beach is specatcular.

You will love it