Top 5 Land Animals to Spot in Exmouth
Exmouth, Western Australia, is best known for its turquoise water, whale sharks, and world-class marine experiences, but the region’s wildlife wonders don’t stop at the shoreline. Step onto the rugged landscape of Cape Range National Park and you’ll discover an equally impressive world of land animals roaming the red earth, limestone cliffs, and coastal plains. Here are the top five animals, both land and coastal, you can encounter in the Exmouth region.
1. Red Kangaroo — The Outback Icon
No visit to Exmouth is complete without encountering Australia’s most famous marsupial: the Red Kangaroo. These powerful animals often graze across open plains and are most active around dawn and dusk. With their distinctive reddish coat, formidable hind legs, and curious gaze, red kangaroos are a favourite among photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Best place to spot them: Plains around Cape Range National Park and along quiet roads during early mornings.
2. Black-footed Rock Wallaby — The Cliffside Acrobat
Shy, agile, and incredibly skilled at navigating steep rock faces, the Black-footed Rock Wallaby is one of Exmouth’s rare treasures. Their black paws, thick tail, and mottled fur help them blend seamlessly into rugged limestone gorges. Spotting one feels like a true privilege.
Best place to spot them: Yardie Creek Gorge, where these wallabies often hunker on shaded cliff ledges.
3. Emu — The Outback Wanderer
Tall, quirky, and endlessly entertaining, Emus are a common sight in the Exmouth region. These flightless birds travel in small groups, striding confidently across the landscape with their unmistakable bobbing gait. Although curious by nature, they prefer to keep a respectful distance, unless they think you might be carrying snacks!
Best place to spot them: Throughout Cape Range National Park, particularly near picnic areas and water sources.
4. Osprey — The Coastal Hunter
While technically not a land animal full-time, the Osprey earns its place on this list thanks to its dramatic presence along Exmouth’s coastline. With a wingspan of up to 1.8 metres, ospreys often soar above beaches and cliffs, diving with pinpoint precision to catch fish. Their impressive nests—large, stick-built structures—can be seen perched on high lookouts around the region.
Best place to spot them: Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, Bundegi, and around Ningaloo’s coastal cliffs.
5. Dingo — The Desert’s Wild Spirit
The Dingo is one of Australia’s most misunderstood and fascinating wild animals. These intelligent, slender canines are an important part of the region’s ecosystem and often roam the more remote parts of the Cape Range. While sightings are less frequent, spotting a dingo in the wild is an unforgettable experience.
Best place to spot them: Quiet inland tracks and remote coastal areas of Cape Range National Park.
Whether you’re exploring breathtaking gorges, cruising along the coastline, or joining a guided local tour, Exmouth offers incredible opportunities to see unique Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. Keep your camera ready, stay respectful of animals and their space, and soak up the magic of the Ningaloo region, both above and below the waterline.
