Cape Range National Park

Cape Range National Park is located in the northwest of Western Australia, within the Gascoyne region. It sits on the western side of the North West Cape peninsula, about 40 kilometers west of Exmouth, a nearby town known as the gateway to the park. The park is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the west and the rugged Cape Range to the east. Established in 1964, Cape Range National Park was designated to protect the unique landscapes and ecosystems of the region. Its history is deeply intertwined with the Aboriginal culture, specifically the Jinigudira people, the original custodians of the land. There are several parking facilities throughout the park, primarily located at popular tourist spots like Yardie Creek, Turquoise Bay, and the Milyering Discovery Centre. Parking is generally ample, although some areas may fill up quickly during peak seasons. Visitors are required to pay a park entry fee, which is usually around AUD 15 per vehicle per day. The park is home to a wide array of native wildlife, including the iconic black-flanked rock wallabies, emus, kangaroos, and echidnas. The Ningaloo Marine Park, adjacent to the park, hosts whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles, making the area a biodiversity hotspot. Cape Range's flora is equally diverse, featuring hardy species like spinifex, acacias, and wildflowers that bloom spectacularly after rains. The park also has the unique Sturt's desert pea, a striking red flower. Notable landmarks include Yardie Creek Gorge, Charles Knife Canyon, and Shothole Canyon, with stunning views of the range and surrounding coastal plains. Public transport to the park is limited, but visitors can reach Exmouth by bus from Perth, and from there, hire a car or join guided tours to access the park.