On the way into Exmouth we came across Learmonth Solar Observatory which is a joint operation between the Australian and US governments. Exmouth has a dry climate, with approximately 320 days of sunshine a year, hot summers and mild winters so makes an ideal location. The observatory isn’t open to the public however. In April 2023 there will be a total solar eclipse visible from Exmouth so Jonathan was keen to check out some viewing sites on the path of totality.
Exmouth is at the Northern end of the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef. There are lots of campsites along the Cape Range National Park but of course we couldn’t go there because of The Winst. We stayed at the Lighthouse Caravan Park at the North West Cape which suited us very well, as a dog friendly beach is directly across from the campsite. We walked up to the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse where there are sweeping views along the coast and we also spotted humpback whales which are migrating. We could see loggerhead turtles close to shore, feeding on the reef. Emus also came wandering into the campsite.
Jonathan was surprised to find that the sandflats of the Ningaloo Reef Lagoon are famous in fly fishing circles as a place to catch bonefish, trevally, queenfish and permit and he spent a couple of afternoons out with his fly rod.
