Written by Claire Ashworth· Updated Apr 2026Quick Actions
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World Heritage Status
- Status
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
About Turquoise Bay
Turquoise Bay is a crescent-shaped white-sand beach within Cape Range National Park, consistently ranked among Australia's top beaches. Famous for its drift snorkel, where swimmers enter at one end of the bay and are carried by the current along a vibrant coral garden teeming with marine life. The turquoise water and pristine reef directly off the shore make it exceptional even by world standards.
About
Turquoise Bay is a crescent-shaped white-sand beach within Cape Range National Park, consistently ranked among Australia's top beaches. Famous for its drift snorkel, where swimmers enter at one end of the bay and are carried by the current along a vibrant coral garden teeming with marine life. The turquoise water and pristine reef directly off the shore make it exceptional even by world standards.
History & Significance
Turquoise Bay lies within Cape Range National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its outstanding coral reef ecosystems and marine biodiversity. The bay's pristine condition and world-class drift snorkel experience have made it one of Australia's most celebrated beaches, attracting visitors globally for its exceptional clarity and abundance of tropical marine life accessible from the shore.
Warnings
Getting There
Located 60 km south of Exmouth within Cape Range National Park on Yardie Creek Road. Sealed road to carpark.
Parking
Free parking available at the beach car park. Capacity typically adequate during shoulder seasons but can reach capacity on weekends and school holidays, particularly December–January. Parking is on unsealed ground. No accessible parking information provided; recommend checking with Cape Range NP visitor centre on arrival.
Visitor Tips
- •Arrive early to secure parking — fills by 9 am in peak season
- •Drift only with the current from the northern end to the southern exit point
- •Bring reef shoes — coral can be sharp near entry points
- •Combine with Oyster Stacks snorkel nearby
Cultural Significance
Turquoise Bay lies within Cape Range National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its outstanding coral reef ecosystems and marine biodiversity. The bay's pristine condition and world-class drift snorkel experience have made it one of Australia's most celebrated beaches, attracting visitors globally for its exceptional clarity and abundance of tropical marine life accessible from the shore.
Quick Facts
At a Glance
The Place
- UNESCO
- World Heritage Site
- Significance
- National
Plan Your Visit
- Entry
- Paid
- Duration
- 2–4 hours
- Best Time
- April to October; best drift snorkel at low to mid-tide
Location
- Region
- Coral Coast / Gascoyne
- State
- Western Australia
Good to Know
Highlights
Activities
Family & Visitor Info
- Ages
- All ages for wading and swimming; drift snorkel best for ages 8+ with competent swimmers. Young children and non-swimmers should stay in shallow water only.
- Shade/Cover
- Limited shade
- Pram Friendly
- No
Food & Drink
No café or restaurant on-site. BYO food and water strongly recommended—there are no commercial food outlets at Turquoise Bay. Bring plenty of water; dehydration risk is high in the Gascoyne heat.
Features
Facilities
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