Exmouth, Australia

EXMOUTH was built in 1967 to serve a former US Navy Communications Station. Nowadays the town has little to recommend it aside from a bed for the night and a plethora of tours – canny travellers will just stock up and head along the beautiful western side of the cape to Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Marine Park. Exmouth is situated a couple of kilometres from the ocean (a necessary cyclone precaution), although the long-promised marina complex just south of town will enjoy sea frontage when it's finally completed. The Muiron Islands, just offshore, are popular with snorkellers, divers and fisherpeople; you can camp there outside of turtle-nesting season – apply to DEC in Exmouth for permits (camping 1 April–31 Oct only; 08/9947 8000).