Total solar eclipse another reason to visit Exmouth in Western Australia, home to the Unesco-recognised Ningaloo Reef
- Exmouth, known for its beautiful beaches, Cape Range National Park and the Ningaloo Reef, will be an ideal place to see the total solar eclipse on April 20
- Indigenous Australians, who may be the first astronomers, regard the celestial event as an act of love between the moon (a man) and sun (a woman)
A minute of darkness that will happen on April 20 has placed a remote Australian town of 2,600 people in the spotlight.
Situated 1,120km north of Western Australia’s capital, Perth, Exmouth expects thousands of tourists next week due to it being one of the world’s best locations to witness the total solar eclipse.
For about 60 seconds from 11.27am (Western Standard Time) that day, the sun will be shrouded by the moon’s silhouette. While most parts of the world will experience only a partial event, Exmouth will witness a total eclipse.
Exmouth is a relatively well-known destination within Australia but receives few international visitors. Ahead of this rare event, the Western Australian government has invested in roads, harbour landscaping, beach footpaths and telecommunications infrastructure in and around the town.
“The announcement of over A$22 million (US$14.6 million) committed from the WA Government to this event provides a legacy for the region lasting for years to come,” said Regional Development Minister Don Punch.
Exmouth is fringed by pristine beaches, but adding to its tourism appeal are the limestone peaks and dramatic gorges of the Cape Range National Park, 10km to the west, which is home to kangaroos, emus and many hiking paths.
