Turquoise Bay, Cape Range National Park

A white-sand beach in Cape Range National Park where the Ningaloo Reef comes right up to the shore, making it one of the best places in Australia to snorkel straight off the beach. You'll see coral, tropical fish, rays and turtles, and sometimes reef sharks.

The classic way is the 'drift snorkel': walk south along the beach, swim out and let the current carry you north over the reef. Get out before the sandbar at the northern end, as the current there can be strong enough to sweep you out to sea, and never snorkel alone. Bring reef shoes and reef-safe sunscreen.

The park also has Yardie Creek gorge, with boat tours to see black-footed rock wallabies, and the Milyering Discovery Centre. From March to July, Exmouth is the base for swimming with whale sharks.