Located on Exmouth’s Sunrise Beach, Mantarays is the only beachfront stay in town and offers a relaxed, coastal-luxe experience. (Left: Image by @mantaraysningaloo. Right: Image by Getty Images.)
As part of a media familiarisation trip through Western Australia this past May, I had the opportunity to stay at one of Exmouth’s most loved accommodations: Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort. Situated on Sunrise Beach with uninterrupted views of the Exmouth Gulf, this 4.5-star resort is the only beachfront property in town, making it a truly special base for travellers looking to explore the nearby reef.
It’s all about location
Exmouth is a charming little coastal town perched on the edge of Australia’s vast northwest. While its remoteness might deter some, for those who make the journey, it rewards in spades. For one, Mantarays is perfectly positioned just minutes away and with direct access to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.
Checking into my beachfront apartment, I was immediately drawn to the balcony, which greeted me with uninterrupted views of the ocean and coral-toned skies. If you’re a sun chaser like I am, the sunrises and sunsets here alone may convince you to extend your stay.
The (surprisingly large) room itself was modern yet unfussy, designed with the kind of laid-back luxury that makes you feel both at home and on holiday. The small touches stood out as well: blackout curtains and a self-contained kitchenette that made everything easy.
Dining by the sea
While Exmouth has a few great eateries scattered around town (special shoutouts to Whalebone and Whalers Restaurant), Mantaray’s in-house restaurant, Bar & Brasserie, held its own impressively. The menu celebrates local produce and seafood, and the preparation (even at breakfast) and plating elevates the entire dining experience into something that felt truly indulgent.
Breakfasts were equally satisfying. There’s something particularly joyful about sipping hot cocoa, looking out at the pool, and just beyond that, a gorgeous sunrise, while the rest of the world is just waking up. I loved that the restaurant was laid-back enough to wander in with sandy feet, yet refined enough to warrant a date-night outfit in the evenings.
Nature’s playground
Of course, the main draw of staying at Mantarays is its proximity to Ningaloo Reef. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, where you typically need a boat and a long day of travel, here, you can literally walk from your room to the water and start snorkelling. I joined a whale shark swimming tour one morning, a seasonal highlight between March and July, and found myself swimming alongside these gentle giants within minutes of leaving the marina.
In the afternoon, I’d return to the resort, rinse off the saltwater, and unwind with a dip in the pool with a book in hand. On another morning, along with my group, I hopped in a van to explore nearby Cape Range National Park, which is less than an hour away. The natural beauty in this corner of Australia is raw, unspoiled, and utterly cinematic.
A home away from home
One of the things I appreciated most was how well Mantarays catered to different types of travellers. Whether you’re a couple on a romantic getaway, a family with young children, part of a travel entourage (like I was), or just one of the locals looking for a staycation, there’s a room type and vibe that fits. Families will love the two-bedroom apartments and lagoon-style pools, while couples can opt for the beachfront bungalows for added privacy and views.
There’s even a small yet well-equipped gym and meeting facilities for those who are mixing business with leisure.
Staff were warm and accommodating throughout my stay, and even shared tips on where to catch the best sunset (hint: it’s from the boardwalk near the marina) to allowing us an early check-in after a long road trip from Coral Bay. In summary: top-notch hospitality.
A destination worth the journey
Again, while Exmouth isn’t the easiest destination to get to, Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort makes the effort feel more than worth it. It’s the kind of place where you wake to the sound of waves, spend your days chasing adventure or doing nothing at all, and end the night under a sky full of stars.
As someone who’s experienced her fair share of hotel stays, I can confidently say that Mantarays offers something special. Not just in terms of location and luxury, but in spirit. It reflects what makes Exmouth such a gem: understated beauty, authentic experiences, and a sense that you’re on the edge of something rare and unspoiled.
Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort, Exmouth
Address: Lot 900 Madaffari Dr, Exmouth WA 6707, Australia
