Cape Range
Exploring the natural wonders
The rugged limestone range and arid coastal plain of Cape Range adjoins the pristine waters of Ningaloo Marine Park boasting spectacular contrasting scenery. Located within the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area , Cape Range is rich and diverse in an array of wildlife including kangaroos, emus, echidnas, birds and black-flanked rock wallabies.
Cape Range offers attractions and activities for all abilities from universal access walk trails, wildlife viewing, camping, beachcombing, swimming, snorkelling, beach fishing and more.
Take a walk on one of the walk trails and gain views of the earthy tones of the arid landscape against the stark blue waters of Ningaloo Marine Park. A visit to Yardie Creek is a must , explore on foot or join a boat tour as it meanders up the gorge between sheer cliffs. Sit for a while and watch the birds flock into Mangrove Bay, view the outer Ningaloo Reef from the lookout at Bloodwood Creek and watch the humpback whales pass during their annual migration (May to October).
Relax on one of the many magnificent beaches, or dive in and explore the crystal clear waters and coral gardens of Ningaloo Marine Park. Walk off the shore and snorkel one of the many sites including Turquoise Bay, Lakeside and Oyster Stacks .
Visitors can further explore the park's rugged landscape of spectacular canyons on the eastern side of Cape Range along drive trails into Charles Knife Canyon and Shothole Canyon.
Check out this article about the mega geology of the park from the winter edition of LANDSCOPE.
Discovery Centre
The Milyering Discovery Centre is open every day except Christmas day. A great place to stop and get all your information on Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Marine Park. Take a self-guided walk through the interpretive displays and discover the wonders of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area.
Camping
Camping in Cape Range is very popular, the eleven campgrounds along the Cape Range coast are in very high demand from April to October.
Walk trails
Take a stroll on one of the universal access trails of Mangrove Bay and Yardie Nature Trail or get adventurous and explore the walk trails taking you deep into Mandu Mandu Gorge and across the scenic high country at Charles Knife Canyon on the Badjirrajirra Loop trail.
Fauna
Kangaroos, wallabies, emus and perenties are regularly encountered on visits into Cape Range and the threatened black-flanked rock-wallaby can be frequently spotted on the cliffs at Yardie Creek and Mandu Mandu gorges. The Mangrove Bay Bird Hide is a great place to see shorebirds, mangrove fantails, mangrove whistlers and ospreys.
Your
safety
| It’s great to escape everyday life and visit a park or reserve in WA. It is also important to us that you return safely to your family and friends. | It is really important to plan when to visit. For your safety we have provided safety information about swimming, bushwalking, fishing, snorkelling and diving, paddling and kayaking, and surfing. Consider traveling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life! |
Be aware that there can be strong currents within the waters of Ningaloo Marine Park. Some areas can be particularly hazardous under certain conditions. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required level of swimming and snorkelling experience. If in doubt, don’t go out.
Temperatures can soar to over 45°C in summer. Walks should only be attempted between April and September.
Wear suitable footwear and clothing and carry and drink plenty of water (minimum of 4L per person). If taking an extended walk let someone know your expected time of return.
Cultural significance
Cape Range or Warnangura in the Baiyungu language has been culturally significant to the Traditional Owners for over 30,000 years. Today, Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinikurtura Traditional Owners together with the Parks and Wildlife Service have embarked on a journey to jointly manage Cape Range National Park through the establishment of the Nyinggulu Coast Joint Management Body.
Access
The access road through the western side of the park is sealed until Yardie Creek, with two-wheel-drive access to camp and day use sites. The eastern side is four drive wheel drive access only.
Access to Ningaloo (Nyinggulu Coastal Reserves) from Cape Range National Park requires crossing Yardie Creek. Here the soft, shifting sand can make crossing difficult. The creek is also subject to seasonal and tidal flooding. Crossing is at your own risk and should not be attempted by anyone without the appropriate skills, experience and equipment including a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle. Check the Bureau of Meterology for tide predictions. Retrieval of bogged vehicles can be expensive and will be at your cost.
Wildlife abounds in the park, so please drive with consideration and avoid driving at dusk, dawn and at night.
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