Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

470
CHAPTER 9 . PERTH & WESTERN AUSTRALIA
false killer whales, large sharks, dolphins, and turtles. Loads of dive companies in
Exmouth and Coral Bay rent gear and run daily dive trips and learn-to-dive
courses, including the two listed in “Diving with Whale Sharks” above. A 2-dive
day trip costs between A$125 and A$160 (US$81–US$104) with all gear supplied.
Live-aboard trips also run. Three great snorkeling spots are right off the
shore at Coral Bay; Bundegi Beach, a short drive north of Exmouth; and at beautiful
Turquoise Bay approximately 60km (37 1 ⁄2 miles) from Exmouth on the
cape’s western coast. Walk up the beach, wade in, and let the bay’s gentle current
carry you back over the fish. In deeper offshore waters off Coral Bay you can
snorkel with manta rays with a “wingspan” up to 7m (23 ft.). They are least common
in August and September. Ningaloo Reef Dive (see above) runs a manta
snorkel tour for A$105 (US$68), or A$150 (US$98) if you want to dive with the
creatures. Snorkel gear from the numerous dive operators in either town rents for
about A$12 (US$7.80) per day, and Ningaloo Reef Bus passengers use it for free
on the day of travel! Tour companies run snorkel tours or glass-bottom boat rides
from either town.
Reef fish, tuna, and Spanish mackerel are common catches in these waters,
and black, blue, and striped marlin run outside the reef from September to January.
Up to a dozen boats operate reef and game fishing day trips out of
Exmouth and Coral Bay, and tackle and tin fishing dinghies are easily rented in
either town.
Green and loggerhead turtles nest at night from November through February
or March on the Cape’s beaches. Take a flashlight and look for them, or join one
of the turtle watch tours. From August to November, boats run cruises from
either town to spot humpback whales. Dugongs are a common sight for snorkelers
and divers, too.
Because the Cape has few roads, and even fewer sights along the way, take an
off-road 240km (149-mile) 4WD escapade with Neil McLeod’s Ningaloo
Safari Tours (& 08/9949 1550; www.ningaloosafari.com). You will explore
the arid limestone ridges of 50,581-hectare (124,935-acre) Cape Range
National Park, snorkel Turquoise Bay, climb up a lighthouse, and cruise orangewalled
Yardie Creek Gorge to spot rock wallabies—snacking on Neil’s mum’s
fruitcake along the way. This full-day trip departs your Exmouth hotel at
7:30am and returns at 6pm. It costs A$145 (US$94) for adults and A$105
(US$68) for children under 13.
WHERE TO STAY & DINE
In Exmouth
Potshot Hotel Resort The grounds are hot and dusty, but the building is in
a modern complex. The cocktail bar around the pool is the only shady place in
town to enjoy a drink, which explains its popularity with locals. The restaurant
is scant on atmosphere but has a long menu, good food, and a nice wine list.
There’s a seafood buffet on Friday and Saturday nights. The brick motel rooms
are cool and spacious; the homestead rooms are smaller, older, and more basic.
There are two-bedroom apartments, and across the road are newer three-bedroom
apartments, some with Jacuzzis.
Murat Rd., Exmouth, WA 6707. & 08/9949 1200. Fax 08/9949 1486. www.potshotresort.com. 97 units (all
with shower only). A$85 (US$55) double homestead room; A$118–A$129 (US$77–US$84) resort studio room
(sleeps 4);A$139–A$175 (US$90–US$114) 2-bedroom apt;A$195–A$205 (US$127–US$133) 3-bedroom apt.
Maid service in apts A$22–A$33 (US$14–US$21) per day. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; 4 bars; 3
small pools; self-service laundry. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, coffeemaker; hair dryers and irons available at front
desk; Homestead rooms have no phones.