Cape Range National Park
- Introduction
- Fact file
- A look at the past
- Natural features
- Native plants
- Wildlife
- CALM Exmouth (08) 9949 1676
- Coral Bay Information (08) 9948 5131
- Milyering Visitor Centre
- (08) 9949 2808
- SWIM with whale sharks, the world’s biggest fi sh species, for the experience of a lifetime
- SNORKEL over the blue waters of Ningaloo Reef
- STOP at Charles Knife Canyon for awesome views
- CRUISE down Yardie Creek to see the gorge
Introduction
Cape Range National Park, on the western side of North West Cape, is a rugged landscape of rocky gorges edged by the stunning coastal environment of Ningaloo Marine Park. Ningaloo, the longest fringing coral reef in Australia, is a mecca for scuba divers, snorkellers and whale-watchers.
Fact file
Access
From south via North West Coastal Hwy, Minilya Exmouth Rd and Yardie Creek Rd; from north via North West Coastal Hwy then Burnett Rd and Minilya Exmouth Rd
Best Season
All seasons; especially April to October
Location
400 km north of Carnarvon
Park Information
Size
50 581 ha
Where to Stay
Coral Bay/Exmouth 1800 287 328,
(08) 9949 1176
A look at the past
North West Cape, a fi nger of land jutting north into the Indian Ocean, was given its name in 1818 by Captain Phillip Parker King. King’s report that the whole area was desert, unsuitable for settlement, was so persuasive that it was not until 1899 that the fi rst settler, Thomas Carter, took up land on the peninsula. Exmouth, now a tourist destination, was founded in 1967 as a support town for the nearby Harold E. Holt US Naval Communications Station.
Natural features
The arid limestone landscape of Cape Range, which forms the backbone of North West Cape, has plateaus up to 314 metres high and is cut by deep, rocky gorges. On the eastern side of the park are Shothole Canyon, an impressive gorge, and Charles Knife Canyon, with spectacular views. To the west is Mangrove Bay, a sanctuary zone with a bird hide overlooking a lagoon, and Mandu Mandu Gorge, where you can walk along an ancient riverbed. Yardie Creek is the only gorge in the area with permanent water – salt water fed from the ocean. Ningaloo Marine Park stretches from Bundegi Beach, north of Exmouth, to Amherst Point, south of Coral Bay. The 260-kilometre-long Ningaloo Reef is the only large reef in the world found so close to a continental landmass, ranging from about 100 metres offshore to less than 7 kilometres.
Native plants
While Cape Range’s harsh environment is dominated by sparse, hardy vegetation such as spinifex and bloodwood, over 630 fl owering plant species have been recorded. Some such as the red-centred variety of Sturt’s desert pea, are endemic to the area.
Wildlife
Emus, euros, black-footed rock-wallabies and red kangaroos are a common sight in the park. Around 160 species of birds have been recorded, including white-bellied sea-eagles, brahminy kites, ospreys and spotted harriers. Ningaloo Marine Park is home to over 500 species of fish, 250 species of coral, and manta rays, turtles and other marine creatures, with seasonal visits from humpback whales, dolphins and whale sharks. The latter is the world’s biggest fi sh species, reaching up to 12 metres long and weighing more than 11 tonnes. Ningaloo Reef is the only easily accessible place in the world where whale sharks appear in large numbers at predictable times of the year (April to June).
Featured Activities in the National Park
Introduction
The Milyering Visitor Centre offers interpretive displays, audio-visual facilities and a library.
Bushwalking
Shothole Canyon walk is short but steep (250 metres, 1 hour) and leads to the edge of the canyon. Badjirrajirra Trail (4 km one way, medium diffi culty) leads from Shothole Canyon to Thomas Carter Lookout, with great views along the way. Mandu Mandu Gorge trail (3 km, 2 hours return) and Yardie Creek Gorge trail (2 km, 1 hour return) are both medium-grade walks.
Cruises
Yardie Creek Tours operate cruises along Yardie Creek, with explanations about the gorge and its wildlife; call (08) 9949 2659.
Diving
There are world-class diving sites, accessible on boat tours from Exmouth and Coral Bay. Navy Pier is the location of one of the best pier dives in the world.
Fishing
Ningaloo is an angler’s delight, with beach and reef fi shing. It is also one of the top destinations in the state for game fi shing, with marlin, mahi mahi, Spanish mackerel and sailfi sh hooked regularly. However, there are eight sanctuary zones where fi shing is not allowed (details from visitor centre).
Swimming and snorkelling
The close proximity of the reef to the land means that even novice snorkellers and children can swim over coral gardens and brightly coloured tropical fi sh. Turquoise Bay is one of the most popular beaches for swimming and snorkelling. Boat tours taking swimmers to snorkel with the whale sharks depart daily during the season from Exmouth and Coral Bay.
Campsites
Explore Australia’s National Parks
Buy nowRRP $49.95