Western Australia · Attraction
Turquoise Bay
World-class reef at your feet
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Regularly voted one of the world's best beaches, Turquoise Bay sits inside Cape Range National Park roughly 60 kilometres south of Exmouth. A pristine white-sand shore drops straight into Ningaloo Reef, putting hundreds of coral species, sea turtles, reef sharks, and dazzling fish within metres of the waterline. The famous drift snorkel lets the current carry you effortlessly along the reef wall and back to shore.
Turquoise Bay offers two distinct snorkelling zones. The sheltered bay loop suits beginners who want calm, shallow water to find their fins, while the drift snorkel, best attempted at high tide, carries confident swimmers along a living wall of coral teeming with parrotfish, humphead wrasse, and the occasional reef shark gliding below.
The beach itself is a destination in its own right: powder-white sand, brilliant turquoise shallows, and an almost total absence of development give it a genuinely wild feel. Arrive early to secure a shaded spot, as the car park fills quickly between June and August.
The site is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and reef-safe fins, as there are no hire facilities on site. Tide tables are available from the Milyering Discovery Centre, about 8 kilometres to the north.
Scenic views
Lookouts near Turquoise Bay.
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