Cape Range National Park

Stark, ancient and utterly captivating, Cape Range National Park on Western Australia’s Ningaloo Coast is a place where the red earth of an ancient limestone range meets the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. This is a landscape of dramatic gorges, limestone canyons and white-sand beaches that are among the most pristine in Australia. For travellers who love nature, solitude and the raw beauty of the outback meeting the sea, Cape Range is an unforgettable destination.

Highlights & What to See

• Ningaloo Reef – Snorkel straight from the beach at Turquoise Bay or Osprey Bay; the reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with turtles, rays and colourful fish.
• Yardie Creek Gorge – A stunning red-rock gorge accessible by a short, wheelchair-friendly boardwalk or a guided boat tour. Look for black-footed rock wallabies.
• Charles Knife Canyon – A scenic drive to the top of the range offers spectacular views over the park and the ocean. Great for sunset photography.
• Milyering Discovery Centre – A small but excellent visitor centre with displays on the local Aboriginal culture (the Baiyungu people) and the park’s geology and wildlife.
• Mandu Mandu Gorge – A beautiful walk through a limestone gorge where you might spot ancient fossilised shells and wildflowers in season.
• Beaches & Camping – The park’s coastal campsites, like Osprey Bay and Kurrajong, are basic but perfectly positioned for beachside camping under the stars.

Suggested Time to Spend

To fully appreciate Cape Range National Park, plan for at least two full days. This allows time to explore the gorges, snorkel at several reef spots and enjoy a sunset drive along the Charles Knife Road. If you have a 4WD, a third day opens up more remote beaches and longer walks. Many travellers combine a stay here with a visit to Exmouth, just 35 km north, which is the main gateway for supplies and accommodation outside the park.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Exmouth – The town at the tip of the North West Cape; book whale shark tours (March–July) or manta ray swims, and stock up on supplies.
• Ningaloo Marine Park – The marine park extends north and south of the national park; consider a boat tour to remote reef locations.
• Bundegi Reef – A protected snorkelling spot near Exmouth, ideal for beginners.
• Learmonth – A tiny settlement with a historic airbase (now a museum) and a scenic lookout over Exmouth Gulf.
• Karijini National Park – About 5 hours’ drive inland; combine a red-rock gorge experience with the coastal wonders of Cape Range for an epic outback-to-ocean road trip.

Please check official sources for current details.