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Cape Range National Park

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Overview

Cape Range National Park is in the coastal hills 50 km from Exmouth in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. It is one of the main ways to access Ningaloo Marine Park.

Facts

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage

Media

From Wikipedia438 words

WBP editorial3

Staying cool in the limestone maze

The park's limestone cliffs create natural wind tunnels that can dramatically lower midday temperatures. Savvy walkers time their canyon walks for early morning or late afternoon, when the breezes are strongest, and keep a lightweight rain‑coat handy for the sudden showers that follow a hot inland day. A simple tip: carry a small, reusable ice pack frozen in a cooler from Exmouth; the chill will linger in the shade of the gorges, allowing a brief respite without the need for powered refrigeration. This low‑tech approach works well in the remote sections where power outlets are a rarity.

Beyond the reef: inland wildlife encounters

While the coastal reefs dominate headlines, the park's interior holds a quieter biodiversity. Early‑season rains coax out the marbled rock wallaby, which favours the rugged outcrops. Birdwatchers will find the scarlet robin nesting in the spinifex, a bird rarely seen on the coastal fringe. Hiring a local guide who knows the seasonal movement of these species can turn a simple hike into a focused wildlife audit, adding a layer of observation that most guidebooks gloss over.

Comparative perspective: Cape Range vs. Karijini

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Travelers familiar with Karijini National Park often notice that Cape Range offers a more marine‑influenced geology. The limestone here, sculpted by ancient seas, yields smoother canyon walls compared with Karijini’s rugged sandstone gorges. This subtle difference means that water pools in Cape Range tend to be clearer and less acidic, making for easier, safer swims. Understanding this contrast helps visitors choose the right equipment – a simple snorkel and fin set can double as a quick dip after a canyon trek.

Introduction

National park in Western Australia Cape Range National ParkIUCN category II (national park)Cape Range LandscapeCape Range National ParkLocationWestern AustraliaNearest cityExmouthCoordinates22°07′24″S 113°55′14″E / 22.12333°S 113.92056°E / -22.12333; 113.92056Area476.55 km2 (184.00 sq mi)Established1965Governing bodyParks and Wildlife Service, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsWebsiteparks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/cape-range Cape Range National Park is a national park in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia, 1,105 kilometres (687 mi) north of Perth. The park occupies the western side of the North West Cape peninsula over an area of 47,655 hectares (117,760 acres). The nearest town is Exmouth, and directly off the coast is the Ningaloo Reef. The area resulted from a gradual uplifting from the sea floor followed by fluctuating sea levels, wind and water erosion that have slowly eroded the range and plain leaving behind a range of rugged limestone, deep canyons, and pristine beaches. There is also an eponymous locality of the Shire of Exmouth, but the boundaries of the national park and the locality are not identical.

Overview

[edit] The Cape is the only elevated plateau composed of limestone on the North West Coast. The range has plateaus to an elevation of 314 metres (1,030 ft) and forms the backbone of the peninsula which extends as far as North West Cape. Yardie Creek, a spectacular gorge where the water is trapped by a sandbar, is located within the park. Unlike most waterways in the region, Yardie Creek retains water throughout the year and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. Over 700 caves are located within the park and it is probable that many others remain undiscovered. Over 630 species of wildflower are found within the park, that generally bloom toward the end of winter, including the bird flower and the desert sturt pea. The area was under pastoral lease beginning in 1876 when J Brockman acquired leases in the area covering North West Cape to run cattle. Brockman sold parts of the lease in 1888 to ornithologist Thomas Carter including Yardie Creek and Ningaloo Station. Carter was the first settler in the area and established a pastoral station in 1889. The area was declared a national park in 1964, the off-shore area, Ningaloo Marine Park, was declared in 1987. An abundance of flora and fauna are found within the park. Flora species include mangroves, acacia, spinifex, grevillea, verticordia, eucalyptus and minilya lily. Fauna found within the park include rock wallabies, red kangaroos, emus, euros, 100 different species of bird and 80 species of reptile. An old WWII radar tower with the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse behind The Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at dusk Beach in Cape Range One of the countless termite hills Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef from the air