The first recorded landing on the peninsula where Exmouth is now located dates back to 1618 by Captain Jacobsz and the crew of the Mauritius.

During World War 2 Exmouth was a refueling stop for submarines and subsequently an airforce base was established after the war. A naval communications base was built in the 1960's to maintain world wide contact with United States naval vessels including submarines, through VLF (Very Low Frequency) radio.

Now-a-days, with its renowned fishing grounds, the magnificent Cape Range National Park and adjoining Ningaloo Coral Reef, Exmouth is more widely known as tourist destination, with activities including diving, fishing, and photography.