Learmonth Airport

Learmonth Airport is not just a runway in Western Australia, but your gateway to the underwater kingdom of the Ningaloo Reef, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is from here that the journey to whale sharks, coral gardens, and the endless beaches of Cape Range National Park begins. This small but strategically important airport combines civil aviation with military base functions, creating a unique atmosphere on the doorstep of unspoiled nature.

Despite its modest size, Learmonth Airport perfectly fulfils its main task — serving as the starting point for exploring this unique region. The key feature of the airport is its strategic location. It is the closest air hub to the famous Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park, making it indispensable for divers, snorkelers, and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.

The airport infrastructure is compact and functional. Here you will find car rental desks — the best way for further travel around the region, as well as shuttle buses running to the nearest tourist center, Exmouth. The small terminal has a cafe where you can have a snack while waiting for your flight. Thanks to its small size, the check-in, security screening, and baggage claim processes are fast and hassle-free, allowing travelers not to waste precious time and to head out towards their adventures sooner.

If you need to contact the airport administration in Learmonth, Australia, please use the contact information below. Please note that the airport is managed by the Shire of Exmouth, so many inquiries are processed through their central services.

• Official Airport Website: https://www.exmouth.wa.gov.au/services/airport.aspx
• Inquiry Service Phone: For general questions, you can call the Shire administration at +61 8 9949 3000.
• Airport Address: Minilya-Exmouth Road, Learmonth WA 6707, Australia.
• Email: You can send your inquiry to the general administration email address: info@exmouth.wa.gov.au.
• Social Media: Important announcements and updates are often posted on the official Shire of Exmouth Facebook page.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to checked baggage, you must contact your airline directly (e.g., Qantas). If you left personal items in the terminal building, contact the airport administration via the contacts listed above.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and assistance regarding airport operations, use the main phone number or email of the Shire administration.

Getting to Learmonth Airport (LEA), the key gateway to Ningaloo Reef and the town of Exmouth in Australia, is quite simple, though it requires prior planning due to its location. The airport is located approximately 36 km south of Exmouth, and the main modes of transport are private vehicles.

Taxis and Shuttle Services. The most popular and convenient way to get from the airport to Exmouth or vice versa is a pre-booked shuttle bus. Several companies offer transfer services, meeting every arriving flight. A shuttle ride will cost approximately 40-50 AUD per person, making it a more economical option. Taxis are also available, but their availability is limited, and the cost of the trip can be around 90-120 AUD. It is strongly recommended to book either of these options in advance. The journey from Exmouth center to the airport takes approximately 25-35 minutes.

Car Rental. For those planning to explore the region on their own, renting a car is the best choice. Desks for several major rental companies are located right in the Learmonth airport terminal. This gives you the freedom to travel around Cape Range National Park and along the Ningaloo coast. It is recommended to book a vehicle in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (from April to October), as demand for cars, including 4WD vehicles, is very high.

Public Transport and Parking. It is important to note that there is no regular public transport service (city buses, trains) between the airport and nearby settlements. If you are arriving in your own or a rented car, parking is provided at the airport. The cost of long-term parking is approximately 15-20 AUD per day, while short-term parking is usually free for a brief period for dropping off and picking up passengers. There are generally enough spaces to leave your car for the duration of your trip.

Learmonth Airport (LEA) is a compact and functional aviation hub characterized by a simple and clear structure. You won't have to worry about complex transfers or long corridors, as all operations are handled in one passenger terminal. This makes navigating the airport intuitive even for first-time visitors.

The terminal is a single-story building that unites all key zones. The airport layout is extremely simple: here you will find check-in counters, the security screening area, the departure lounge, and the baggage claim area. Since there is only one terminal, the issue of transferring between terminals is irrelevant — everything is within walking distance.

The Departure Zone is located in one part of the building and includes airline check-in counters as well as the security checkpoint. After passing control, passengers enter a small but comfortable waiting lounge. The Arrival Zone is located nearby and consists of a baggage claim belt and an exit to the taxi and shuttle parking area. The entire infrastructure is designed for the quick and convenient service of passengers arriving for a holiday on the Coral Coast.

Thanks to the small size of the terminal and relatively low passenger flow, check-in and security screening at Learmonth Airport usually take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — at least 60-90 minutes before your flight departure. This will allow you to check in your luggage, go through all formalities without rushing, and wait comfortably for boarding, especially during the peak tourist season.

The history of Learmonth Airport (LEA), also known as RAAF Base Learmonth (Royal Australian Air Force), is closely linked to the region's military past. Its story began during World War II, when a forward operating base was established here in 1943 to support Allied air forces. Initially, it was a simple airfield designed for patrolling and protecting the coast from potential attacks.

After the war, the airfield continued to hold strategic importance. In the 1950s, it was significantly modernized and turned into a full-fledged military base. A key stage of development was a major reconstruction in the early 1970s. The runway was substantially lengthened and strengthened, allowing it to accommodate large aircraft, including F-111 bombers and Boeing 707 civilian liners. This opened a new chapter in the airport's history, allowing it to serve civilian flights as well.

With the development of tourism in the region, especially due to the proximity to the famous Ningaloo Reef, Learmonth Airport became an important air gateway for travelers. It began receiving scheduled flights from Perth and other cities, which contributed to the economic growth of coastal towns such as Exmouth. The airport successfully combines its military function with civil aviation services, serving as an example of effective dual-use infrastructure.

One of the most interesting facts in the airport's history is its status as one of the emergency landing sites for the American Space Shuttles. The long and durable runway, as well as its remote location, made it an ideal candidate for this role. Today, Learmonth Airport continues to play a key role both in ensuring the country's defense capabilities and in developing tourism on the Coral Coast of Western Australia.

Learmonth Airport (LEA) is a compact regional hub serving the Ningaloo Coast in Western Australia. It provides all the necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for your flight. The terminal features a cafe where passengers can have a snack, drink coffee, or purchase soft drinks. There is also a small shop offering souvenirs, newspapers, and essential items.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Charging stations for electronic devices are provided in the waiting lounge so you can prepare your gadgets for the flight. ATMs are available in the airport building; however, for currency exchange, it is recommended to use banking services in the nearby town of Exmouth.

The airport is designed with the needs of all categories of travelers in mind. A mother and child room is equipped for passengers with children. The entire terminal is an accessible environment for people with reduced mobility, including specially equipped restrooms and convenient ramps. If special assistance is required, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance.

Since the airport is located away from populated areas, there are no hotels directly on its premises. The nearest accommodation options are located in the town of Exmouth, approximately 36 kilometers to the north, which can be reached by shuttle or taxi. There are no specialized conference rooms or business centers at Learmonth Airport, which is typical for small regional terminals.

When planning a snack at Learmonth Airport (LEA), it is important to remember that this is a small regional airport serving the town of Exmouth and the Ningaloo Coast in Australia. Dining options here correspond to its size — they are compact and designed for the convenience of passengers waiting for their flight.

The main and, usually, the only place to buy food and drinks is the cafe located in the main terminal hall. It is situated in the public zone (landside), before security control, so it is accessible to both departing passengers and those meeting them. Here you can find a standard selection for a quick snack:

• Hot and cold drinks: coffee, tea, juices, water.
• Light snacks: sandwiches, rolls, pastries, chips, and sweets.
• Hearty options: classic Australian meat pies, which are great for a more substantial lunch.

This cafe is your primary choice for both a quick coffee and a full lunch by small airport standards. Options for passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, Halal meals) are likely to be extremely limited or non-existent here. If you have specific dietary needs, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you from the town.

The cafe's opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule — it opens to serve passengers and closes after the departure of the last aircraft. Prices are at an average level for airports. In general, Learmonth Airport provides everything necessary to have a bite before a flight, but if you are looking for variety or restaurant service, it is better to have lunch or dinner at one of the establishments in Exmouth before traveling to the airport.

Planning a trip through Learmonth Airport (LEA)? To ensure your journey to or from Australia goes as smoothly as possible, follow our tips. Learmonth Airport primarily serves domestic flights, so navigating it is quite simple. We recommend arriving 1.5–2 hours before your flight departure. This time will be sufficient to check in your luggage, pass security control, and reach the boarding gate without rushing.

To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline offers this option. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are traveling light, to the security checkpoint. During security screening, be ready to present your boarding pass and ID, and remove laptops, other large electronic devices, and liquid containers up to 100 ml (packed in a transparent bag) from your carry-on luggage in advance.

When choosing a seat on the plane, note that the region is famous for its stunning coastal landscapes. If you want to admire the Ningaloo Coral Reef from a bird's-eye view, choose a window seat. For those who value comfort and the ability to stretch their legs or who will need to get up frequently during the flight, an aisle seat is the best choice.

Be sure to pack your most valuable and necessary items in your carry-on luggage: documents, money, bank cards, prescription medications (if needed), a portable charger, and fragile electronics. Remember the restrictions on carrying liquids — all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. It is strictly forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in the cabin.

Learmonth Airport is rarely used for transfers. However, if your itinerary involves a connection, ensure you have enough time between flights, especially if you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Arriving in Australia from overseas, you will undergo strict customs and biosecurity control. You must declare all food products, plants, wood items, and animal products. Heavy fines apply for concealing such information.

To save money, book your flight tickets and airport transfers in advance. Prices on the spot are generally higher. Also, check your airline's baggage allowance to avoid costly fees for excess weight. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative immediately for current information and instructions. Know your rights: depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with food vouchers or even hotel accommodation. Since the airport is small, the range of services may be limited, so bring a book or pre-downloaded movies to pass the waiting time.