Heading north to the coastal plains of Exmouth Gulf, you’ll pass through scrubland and creek beds filled with flowering wattles and mallee. Spring also brings the purple mulla mulla, Hibbertia, hairy pepper flowers and Sturt’s desert peas. Take the turn-off to Charles Knife Canyon (not suitable for caravans) and make the steep climb between two deep canyons for sweeping view of Cape Range National Park and Exmouth Gulf. Keep an eye out for Cape Range Grevilleas, Kurrajongs and Verticordias. Or choose the Shothole Canyon Road, a little farther north, to wind through the base of the canyon past gum trees filled with creamy eucalypt flowers and mistletoe. In striking contrast, see how native flora has adapted to tidal flooding in the mangroves and salt marshes near Learmonth Airport. Continue on to Exmouth for lunch and your overnight stay. At the northern gateway to Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park, Exmouth offers a wide array of guided snorkelling, diving and fishing excursions, including whale shark tours (March to July) – where you’ll experience the thrill of swimming with the largest fish in the ocean. It’s recommended to book your Ningaloo tour before your arrival in Exmouth, but you can check late availability, pick up maps and find out about local attractions at Exmouth Visitor Centre.