Located adjacent to Ningaloo Marine Park, Cape Range National Park boasts spectacular rocky gorges carved by ancient rivers that adjoin one of the most pristine and beautiful coastlines in the world.
Cape Range National Park
The limestone range and arid coastal plains of Cape Range adjoin the pristine waters of Ningaloo Marine Park with spectacular contrasting scenery. Located within the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, Cape Range is a rugged landscape of spectacular canyons, best viewed from the drive into Charles Knife Canyon and Shothole Canyon on the eastern side of the range, or hiking into Mandu Mandu Gorge or Yardie Creek Gorge on the western side.
Cape Range offers a rich and diverse habitat for terrestrial wildlife including kangaroos, emus, echidnas, birds and black-flanked rock wallabies. Reptile species include the Exmouth spiny-tailed gecko, western netted dragon and west coast banded snake.
Under the Cape Range Peninsula lies a complex limestone karst system that is home to a diverse number of unique subterranean fauna. The 535 caves that have been recorded are up to 100m deep and interconnected across 6km!
Camping
A large number of small campgrounds are positioned along the Cape Range coast. Campsites have no power or water so you must be self sufficient, but the views and natural beauty are second to none. Camping fees apply and you must book online, usually up to 6 months in advance as they are so popular.
Milyering Visitor Centre
The Milyering Visitor Centre lies in the north of the park and is open every day except Christmas. It is a great place to stop and find out more about current conditions within the park and its attractions. Don’t miss the interesting fauna display and the crochet reef, made by a collective of local volunteers to celebrate the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage listing.
Snorkelling
Turquoise Bay is made famous for its crystal clear waters, turquoise seas and white sandy beaches. Oyster Stacks and Lakeside are other well known snorkelling locations within Cape Range and can be accessed from the shore. However, strong currents mean inexperienced swimmers should be accompanied by an experienced swimmer or licensed tour operator. Check in with the Visitor Centre for their recommendations for the best experience for the day you visit.
Yardie Creek Gorge
A highlight of any Cape Range experience is a trip to Yardie Creek, which holds a permanent body of water between sheer cliffs. Guided, hour-long boat tours are available for visitors to enjoy the tranquillity of the gorge and view the wildlife in its natural setting, with a great opportunity to see the black footed rock wallaby and a wide range of bird life.
From the foot of the range, a narrow coastal plain extends to the magnificent beaches, waters and coral gardens of Ningaloo Marine Park.
Bush walking
Cape Range offers walks through deep gorges such as Mandu Mandu and the Badjirrajirra Loop Trail across the scenic high country at Charles Knife Canyon on the eastern side of Cape Range. Temperatures can soar within the gorges compared to the coast, so follow Parks advice and choose to walk early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day and make sure you carry plenty of water.
