CAPE RANGE

An area of land comprising the Exmouth Peninsular, and Cape Range. The cape was named in 1818 by P.P. King. It did have an alternate name, Cape Murat, given by Nicolas Baudin but it was King's choice of name that was adopted.

Bordered on the west by Ningaloo Reef, and on the east by Exmouth Gulf. Areas of interest include Coral Bay, Ningaloo Marine Park, Cape Range National Park, Exmouth town site, Kailis Fisheries, Vlamingh Head lighthouse, Milyering Visitor Centre, Yardie Creek, and the canyons which are accessed from the Exmouth road.

The Range was once part of an ocean floor and it contains a large number of marine fossils.

Cape Range is a rugged outcrop of hills running south from Exmouth almost all the way to Coral Bay. At its highest point it reaches 314 metres and contains a number of weathered canyons. Two, Potshot and Charles Knife are within easy reach of Exmouth town.
 

A 4wd trip down the west side of the range with a stop off at Yardie Creek is a must for all those with adventurous spirits. Try to take some camping gear with you and stop overnight. Travelling slowly and exploring the area is most rewarding. Remember to take plenty of water as there is none available.

The park was originally pastoral land but was declared a National Park in 1964. The adjoining Ningaloo Marine Park that stretches 260 km along the coast was declared in 1987.

Camp fires, pets and firearms are not permitted within the National Park. The maximum speed within the park is 80 kph, and night driving should be avoided.

Cape Range National Park campsites

On the east coast a National Park runs all the way to Yardie Creek and fees apply. South of Yardie Creek. you will find free camp sites but there are no facilities and NO WATER. You need a 4wd to cross the sandbar at Yardie Creek. Of the campsites in the national park, Mesa Camp is the best for large vehicles. The main road is now sealed ALL THE WAY to Yardie Creek. Water for washing is available south of the entrance to Neds & Mesa Camps on the main road. Entrance fee PLUS camping fees apply here as in most other national parks.

Gidgee and spear gun use is prohibited in the park. Where generators are allowed they can be used from 8am-9pm. All fires are prohibited. Sites to be vacated by 10am. Stay limit is 28 days.

Despite the number of visitors to the area, this coastline remains one of the most pristine and attractive on the whole W.A. coast. it is to be hoped that it will be kept just as it is today for future generations to enjoy and that greedy developers are kept out of the area.
 

NEDS CAMP.

Good beaches for children, fishing. Can launch small boats over beach. 15 campsites. No generators in northern section. 22° 00' 10" S 113° 55' 57" E

MESA CAMP.

Good beach for children, fishing. Overflow campsite. 13 campsites. *

NORTH T-BONE

Good beach for children, fishing. 3 campsites. Tents and camper trailers. No generators. 22° 01' 27" S 113° 55' 12" E

LAKESIDE

Excellent beach. Snorkel trail 400 metres to south. Can launch small boat over beach. Occasionally floods on peak tides. 7 campsites. 22° 02' 06" S 113° 54' 50" E
 

BUNGARRA.

5 campsites. Overflow site when all other sites are full.
 

TULKI.

Good beach for children, fishing. Can launch small boats over beach. 8 campsites. 22° 04' 38" S 113° 53' 51" E
 

NORTH MANDU

Snorkeling. Good beach to south, close to reef. 4 campsites. Tents and camper trailers. NO FISHING. No Generators. 22° 08' 36" S 113° 52' 17" E
 

KURRAJONG CAMP

Toilet, Tables. Fishing, swimming. 10 campsites (5 tent, 5 caravan). No generators. 22° 10' 49" S 113° 51' 31" E
 

PILGRAMUNNA

Can launch small boat over beach. Occasionally floods on peak tides. 9 campsites. 22° 11' 43" S 113° 51' 17" E
 

OSPREY BAY

Toilet, shaded table. Small beach, good swimming. Beach. fishing permitted in this area. Excellent for viewing flora & fauna. Can launch small boat over beach. 15 campsites. Beach fishing Ok, boat fishing prohibited. No generators in sites 1-4. 22° 14' 25" S 113° 50' 13" E
 

YARDIE CREEK. CAMPSITE

8 campsites. Close to gorge walk trail. 22° 14' 25" S 113° 48' 40" E

(C) Max Jefferies

1 K CAMP

South of Yardie Creek. 4WD access only. Toilet, surfing. 6 campsites.
 

BOAT HARBOUR

South of Yardie Creek. 4WD access only. 4 campsites.
 

TURQUOISE BAY

Toilets Excellent beach Day use only No shade or shelter Ningaloo Marine Park Sanctuary Zone
 

MANGROVE BAY

Bird and fauna hide. Day use only
 

OYSTER STACKS

Excellent snorkeling. Day use only. Ningaloo Marine Park Sanctuary Zone
 

BLOODWOOD CREEK

Viewing platform. Day use only. No shade or shelter.
 

SANDY BAY

Two shaded tables, toilet Excellent beach for children Beach fishing permitted in this area. Day use only. 

Ningaloo Marine park

This park covers 260 kilometres along the coast adjacent to Cape Range National park. It encompasses one of the most significant marine sanctuaries on the west coast and the only extensive coral reef system located close to shore. The reef lies between 100 metres and 4 kilometres off shore and is easily accessible.

Coral reefs usually form of the east coast of a land mass and the reef at Ningaloo is  one of only two large reef systems in the world that have formed on the western side of a land mass. The difference is the warm Leeuwin current that runs along the west coast which leads to coral growth as far south as Busselton.

The reef contains over 250 different coral species with the most common being Plate Coral, Brain Coral, Staghorn Coral and Cabbage Coral. The mass spawning of the coral takes place 8-9 days after the full moon in either March or April each year. This event can turn the surface of the sea a reddish colour.

Although corals can grow as much as 5mm each year their growth is kept in check by certain species of fish that feed on coral polyps. It is thought that the fish can restrict overall coral growth in this way by as much as 33%. Other coral damage can be caused by boats which anchor on the reef (anchors should always be placed in sand adjacent to reefs) and by natural predators like the crown of thorns starfish. The most significant damage is done by cyclones that can lift great plates of coral and smash them to pieces due to violent wave action.

There are at least 500 species of fish inhabiting or visiting the reefs and turtles, manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks and even humpback whales all frequent the waters. Turtles nest on the beaches from October to April and can generally be seen coming ashore at night.

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