Features
Exmouth is a great choice if you want to combine crabbing with a proper beach day. You’ve got Exmouth Dock for the classic quay-side crabbing experience, and just a short hop away is Sandy Bay, where the rockpools at low tide keep the kids entertained for hours.
🎣 The crabbing itself
At Exmouth Dock, you’re crabbing right alongside the marina. The water is fairly deep here, and you’ll find plenty of shore crabs hanging around near the walls and pilings. The kids love peering down into the water to spot them before we haul them up. It’s also nice to have the backdrop of boats coming and going — gives the place a lively feel.
Sandy Bay is more of a rockpool adventure. At low tide, the beach stretches right out, revealing shallow pools full of crabs, shrimps, and the odd little fish. It’s less about sitting in one spot with a line and more about exploring and lifting seaweed to see what’s hiding underneath.
🪱 Where to get bait and gear
Around the dock, there are gift shops and kiosks that sell crab lines, buckets, and bait — bacon strips or mackerel pieces are easy to find. If you’re heading to Sandy Bay, it’s best to bring your own kit and bait with you, as there’s not much in the way of shops right on the beach.
🚗 Parking
For the dock, Camperdown Terrace Car Park is the handiest — it’s right near the marina. Sandy Bay has its own holiday park parking if you’re staying there, or you can park in Exmouth and take a walk along the coast path if you fancy a bit of exercise.
🍦 Nearby facilities & food
Exmouth Dock is surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and ice cream stands, so you’re spoiled for choice. There are public toilets nearby too, which is always a win when crabbing with kids. Sandy Bay has beach cafés and kiosks in season, but it’s a bit more basic — great if you like packing a picnic.
🦺 Safety & accessibility
The dock is flat and wheelchair/pushchair-friendly, but there’s no barrier between you and the water, so younger kids need close supervision. Sandy Bay is sandy and rocky in parts — sturdy shoes are a good idea for rockpooling, and you’ll want to check tide times so you don’t get cut off.
📝 Final thoughts
Exmouth Dock & Sandy Bay give you the best of both worlds — relaxed crabbing by the marina and hands-on rockpool exploring at the beach. It’s a proper full-day out, with plenty to keep everyone happy, whether they’re after crabs, ice cream, or just a bit of seaside fresh air.