Turquoise Bay, WA: Visitor guide with parking, fees & drift snorkelling tips

Everything you need to know about visiting one of Western Australia‘s best beaches, from drift snorkelling to avoiding the crowds

Where pristine reef meets powder-white sand

Turquoise Bay is 60 kilometres from Exmouth within Cape Range National Park, and the name doesn’t exaggerate. The water genuinely glows in shades of blue that seem digitally enhanced, though it’s entirely natural. This is one of the most extraordinary beaches in Australasia.

What makes this beach remarkable isn’t just the aesthetics. The Ningaloo Reef lies metres from shore, close enough that you can wade out and start snorkelling over coral gardens within a minute of leaving the car park. Few places worldwide offer a major reef system this accessible from a beach.

To skip the detail and just book a Ningaloo Reef snorkelling tour, head this way.

Getting to Turquoise Bay

From Exmouth, drive south on Yardie Creek Road into Cape Range National Park after passing the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. The sealed road takes you most of the way, with the turn-off to Turquoise Bay clearly signposted roughly 60 kilometres from town.

You’ll see two car parks: the Bay Loop at the northern end and the Drift Loop further south. Each serves different purposes, which matters for snorkelling.

The Exmouth Adventure Company’s Ningaloo in a day tour from Exmouth includes a guided hike at Yardie Creek and drift snorkelling at Turquoise Bay. But the tours that go swimming with whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef don’t head this far.

Autopia’s seven day adventure tour along WA’s Coral Coast which also includes the Kalbarri Skywalk, the Shark Bay stromatolites, and dolphin-feeding at Monkey Mia, stops here too. This tour also takes in the Pinnacles, the Three Bays Walkway in Green Head, Nature’s Window and Z Bend in Kalbarri National Park, Shell Beach in Shark Bay and the Lancelin sand dunes.

Opening hours and park entry fees

The beach is accessible 24 hours a day, year-round. However, Cape Range National Park charges $17 per vehicle as a day entry fee. Concessions pay $10, and motorcycles $10.

If you’re visiting multiple Western Australian parks, consider the Holiday Parks Pass. It costs more upfront but covers entry across numerous parks and quickly pays for itself.

The famous drift snorkel explained

Turquoise Bay’s signature experience is the drift snorkel. This is one of the key reasons why Exmouth is a great place to visit in the Northern Hemisphere summer. Park at the Drift Loop car park, walk south along the beach for about 200 metres, then enter the water and let the current carry you northward over the reef.

The gentle current does the work while you float above coral gardens teeming with fish. Green turtles glide past. Rays cruise along the sandy patches between coral. Exit before you reach the sandbar’s northern point, where currents strengthen considerably.

If you’d prefer to try this as part of a guided tour, book a Ningaloo Reef snorkelling tour.

When to visit for the best experience

Early morning between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. offers the quietest experience. You’ll often have entire sections of reef to yourself, and the light creates beautiful visibility through the clear water.

Check the tide charts before visiting. High tide of 1.2 metres or above provides the best snorkelling conditions. At low tide, you risk scraping yourself on coral, and marine life retreats to deeper water.

Understanding the currents

Those currents that make drift snorkelling magical can turn dangerous if you’re not paying attention. Strong currents occur at the sandbar’s southern point and the drift loop’s northern end.

Inexperienced swimmers should stick to the Bay Loop area at the northern car park, where conditions remain calmer. If you notice currents strengthening, head back to shore immediately rather than fighting to continue.

Parking and facilities

Parking is free at both car parks, though spaces fill quickly between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. during peak season (April through October). Toilets are available at the Bay Loop car park but nothing else — no showers, no cafes, no water refills.

Bring everything you need from Exmouth. Water especially. The northwest heat dehydrates you rapidly, and there’s nowhere to refill bottles at the beach.

What you’ll see underwater

More than 500 fish species inhabit Ningaloo Reef, displaying colours that justify every tropical reef cliché. Brain coral, staghorn coral, and plate coral create the underwater architecture. Parrotfish munch on coral. Wrasse dart through the formations in electric blues and greens.

Turtles are common enough that spotting one during a drift snorkel feels more likely than not. Reef sharks occasionally cruise past, though they’re harmless and typically more interested in fish than snorkellers.

Nearby attractions worth combining

Other snorkelling sites dot the coastline within Cape Range National Park. Lakeside, about 10 kilometres north, offers calmer conditions ideal for families with young children. Oyster Stacks provides excellent snorkelling but only at high tide when the reef submerges sufficiently.

Yardie Creek Gorge sits at the park’s southern end, roughly 30 kilometres from Turquoise Bay. The permanent creek cuts through dramatic limestone cliffs where black-flanked rock wallabies shelter in crevices.

Essential items to bring

Your own snorkelling gear saves hassle, though tour operators in Exmouth rent equipment if needed. A rashie or wetsuit protects against both sun and stingers. Reef-safe sunscreen matters — this beach is within a marine sanctuary zone where chemical sunscreens damage coral.

Bring more water than seems reasonable. A fly net becomes essential equipment during warmer months when insects swarm relentlessly. They’re ridiculous-looking but borderline essential.

How much time to budget

Most people spend two to three hours at Turquoise Bay. That allows time for a drift snorkel, a rest on the beach, perhaps a second drift if conditions are good.

Factor in the 90-minute round trip from Exmouth. If you’re combining Turquoise Bay with other Cape Range attractions like Yardie Creek or the canyon lookouts, dedicate a full day to the park.

Frequently asked questions

Is Turquoise Bay wheelchair accessible?

The car parks are sealed and accessible. However, reaching the actual beach requires walking across soft sand, which presents significant challenges for wheelchair users. There are no boardwalks or beach wheelchairs available at the site.

When are the quietest times to visit?

Early mornings before 9:00 a.m. see the fewest visitors. November through March brings fewer tourists generally, though temperatures soar above 40°C. Weekdays are consistently quieter than weekends throughout the year.

Can you bring your own food?

Yes, and you should. There are no food vendors or cafes at Turquoise Bay or anywhere in Cape Range National Park. Pack a picnic, plenty of water, and snacks. Remember to take all rubbish with you — bins aren’t provided at the beach.

Are photos allowed?

Personal photography is permitted throughout the beach and surrounding areas. Underwater cameras and GoPros work well for capturing the reef. Commercial photography may require permits from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

What’s the best time for snorkelling?

High tide of 1.2 metres or above provides optimal conditions. Check tide charts at the Milyering Discovery Centre in the park or at the Exmouth Visitor Centre before heading out. Morning generally offers the best visibility and calmest conditions.

Is the site suitable for children?

The Bay Loop area at the northern car park suits families better than the Drift Loop, with calmer waters and less current. However, parents need to supervise children closely — the lack of lifeguards and the presence of currents require constant attention. Very young children who need flotation devices shouldn’t risk it.