Fall in Exmouth is still considerably warm and dry—so there’s plenty of things you can do outdoors, whether you’re ready to swim, hike or bike. What’s more, you’ll catch the tail end of turtle season and the first appearance of the humpbacks.

Time your visit to coincide with the whale shark migration from mid-March—a swim tour is a bucket list experience for many. The whole town comes together to celebrate the Whale Shark Festival over the last weekend in May, with plenty of food, drinks and entertainment for all.

An outdoor adventure at the Cape Range National Park is ideal during the warm but not scorching hot weather, especially when the fall colors pop. Be prepared for friendly encounters with kangaroos, wallabies and even emus. And if you’re thinking of spending a night or two in the campgrounds, book well ahead—they’re in high demand from April onwards.

Catch the “staircase to the moon” along the coastline—a natural phenomenon that happens when the full moon rises over exposed mudflats at extremely low tide, creating a beautiful stairway-to-the-moon light show. This only happens between March and September along the northwest coast of Australia.

Winter in Exmouth is typically peak tourist season as Australians across the country are drawn to its year-round warm weather—well, warmer than most places—with temperatures dipping to a mild 17℃ around July. Affordable lodging options tend to book out early, so plan way ahead.

Exmouth is home to the Ningaloo Marine Park, where you can swim with humpback whales in August—ethically, of course (only a few operators are licenced to run these swim tours)—when these majestic creatures make their way from the Antarctic to rest in the pristine waters in this part of the world.

If you plan on riding the waves, you won’t be disappointed. Catch the best swells at Dunes Surf Beach from July onwards.

Fishing is a big drawcard at popular spots like Point Edgar, Yardie Creek, Sandy Bay and Pilgramunna. Or better yet, charter a boat for a day trip out in Ningaloo Reef.

It hardly rains in September and the cool weather is an excellent excuse to park yourself beachside all day long. The crowds start to thin out by November so you’ll have plenty of spots to claim your own.

Drive out to the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse to catch incredible views of the Ningaloo coast. If you’re there for the sunset, stay a little longer for a spectacular stargazing experience. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this.

The dry season is perfect for a little flying adventure. Soar above the Exmouth Gulf in a microlight—it’s the best way to spot Ningaloo’s humpback whales playing in the waters. Plus, you’ll earn bragging rights and have spectacular photos to boot.

Looking for a fun family activity? Have a go at standup paddleboarding—and don’t worry if you’re a first-timer. There are classes that’ll teach you basic techniques to get you started.