EXMOUTH HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Sunset Reef & Range Overnight Loop — a two-day taste of Yardie Creek, Cape Range and the Ningaloo Coast
A compact 2-day, 15 km overnight trek from Exmouth that pairs a ridge-top camp with reef swims and guided wildlife watching — a concise field guide to what to expect and how to prepare.
Sunset Reef & Range Overnight Loop — a two-day taste of Yardie Creek, Cape Range and the Ningaloo Coast.
This short, comprehensive overnight loop threads the upper reaches of Yardie Creek, climbs Cape Range and spills out onto the pristine beaches of the Ningaloo Coast, with a night camp overlooking the reef and an afternoon swim in crystal-clear lagoon waters.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sunset camp above the Ningaloo Reef
Set camp on the Range and watch the sun fall toward the Indian Ocean; evenings are given over to changing light, whale spotting and a clear Milky Way from a remote ridge-top vantage.
A concentrated slice of Cape Range nature
The loop offers repeated opportunities to observe the region’s unique terrestrial and marine wildlife along creeklines, range edges and coastal plains.
A refreshing cue to cool off
After the ridge descent on day two, you’ll reach the Ningaloo lagoon for a refreshing swim and beach-combing along pristine coastline.
What the day feels like
What the two-day loop feels like
Over two days you move from a morning pickup and kit-out to a canyon-side ascent along Yardie Creek, ridge-top walking with long reef views, a remote overnight camp, and a sun-up descent that finishes with a swim in the Ningaloo lagoon and a beach-comb back to the waiting vehicle.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this loop suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a compact 2-day trek covering approximately 15 km — planned as an overnight loop that returns you to Exmouth on day two.
All necessary equipment for the overnight trek is available from the operator (equipment hire provided), which helps travelers who are novice or traveling light.
Expect rough, uneven ground and steep gullies; packs can weigh up to around 15 kg, and the operator fits and issues gear during the morning rendezvous.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Sunset Reef & Range Overnight Loop?
The trek runs for 2 days and covers roughly 15 kilometres.
Is equipment provided or available for hire?
Yes — the operator offers all necessary equipment for the overnight trek and provides hire options so novice or light-traveling guests are accommodated.
Where does the trip start?
Participants are picked up from their accommodation in Exmouth in the morning, during the scheduled pickup window.
What is the minimum age to join?
Participants must be at least 16 years old.
What kind of wildlife might I see?
The route offers chances to observe unique terrestrial and marine wildlife along Yardie Creek, the Range and the coast, including regional birds and coastal mammals.
How difficult is the terrain?
While the overall distance is modest, the route includes negotiating steep, rocky gullies and uneven ground, so good footing and a degree of agility are required.