Cape Range National Park wilderness guide
National Park · WA

Cape Range National Park

Cape Range National Park offers a blend of rugged limestone ranges, spectacular gorges, and pristine beaches ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

National Park294,1973+ Trails
DesignationNational Park
Total Wilderness Area294,197
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Cape Range National Park

Cape Range National Park offers a blend of rugged limestone ranges, spectacular gorges, and pristine beaches ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Cape Range National Park, located on the North West Cape of Western Australia, spans over 119,000 hectares and is renowned for its rugged landscapes, deep canyons, and stunning coastal vistas. The park is characterized by its rocky limestone ranges and breathtaking gorges such as Yardie Creek with its steep, colorful walls. The terrain provides a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife including the iconic red kangaroo and the endangered black-footed rock wallaby.

Besides its land-based attractions, the park's proximity to Ningaloo Reef adds a unique opportunity for marine exploration. Visitors can experience both land and sea adventures, from hiking the gorge trails to snorkeling in the turquoise waters teeming with marine life.

Established in 1964, Cape Range's history is linked to the rich cultural traditions of the Yinigudura people who have long inhabited the area. Today, Cape Range National Park draws visitors for its mesmerizing natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and opportunities for outdoor recreation, offering a perfect destination for hiking, wildlife observation, and marine adventures.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Cape Range National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Yardie Creek Gorge✦ Snorkeling at Turquoise Bay✦ Mandu Mandu Gorge Trail✦ Charles Knife Canyon
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Cape Range National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Cape Range National Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Cape Range National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Cape Range National Park
Park Recreation

Snorkeling

Available in Cape Range National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Cape Range National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Cape Range National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fees apply for vehicles entering the park.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Cape Range National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Osprey Bay Campground

Located near pristine beaches, perfect for snorkeling and enjoying panoramic ocean views.

Yardie Creek Campground

Close to the stunning Yardie Creek Gorge, offering easy access to water-based activities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Cape Range National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Learmonth, Western Australia
⌖ 16.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Learmonth, Western Australia

Learmonth is a serene Coral Coast town serving as the gateway to Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park, perfect for snorkeling, diving, hiking, and world-class wildlife encounters.

April to October
Explore Town
North West Cape, Western Australia
⌖ 30.18 miles
Gateway Basecamp

North West Cape, Western Australia

North West Cape offers a striking mix of vibrant reef snorkeling, epic hiking, and world-famous whale shark encounters. With remote beaches and wild landscapes, it’s a must for outdoor adventurers seeking pristine Australian coastline.

April to October
Explore Town
Exmouth, Western Australia
⌖ 31.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Exmouth, Western Australia

Exmouth is a hub for marine adventure and outback exploration. From snorkeling Ningaloo Reef to hiking Cape Range, it's a must-visit for nature lovers.

April to October
Explore Town
Coral Bay, Western Australia
⌖ 58.98 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Coral Bay, Western Australia

Coral Bay is a peaceful seaside town offering unparalleled snorkeling and diving on Ningaloo Reef. With clear waters, abundant marine life, and relaxed vibes, it’s ideal for paddling, fishing, and coastal hiking adventures.

April to October
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Cape Range National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Cape Range Explorer - One day trekking adventure
ADVEXPEDITION
Cape Range National Park, Western Australia
HikingADV Bookable

Cape Range Explorer - One day trekking adventure

Spend a day trekking through Cape Range National Park’s rugged canyons, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters with Trek Ningaloo. This immersive day trip combines natural history, refreshing swims, and coastal exploration along the Ningaloo Coast’s World Heritage-listed shoreline.

Hiking1Day • Distance 6 Kms • Pick up from Exmouth Included • Ages 16+Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Francois Peron Full Day
ADVEXPEDITION
Geraldton, Western Australia
JeepADV Bookable

Francois Peron Full Day

Discover the rugged beauty of Francois Peron National Park with a full-day tour that combines scenic beaches, wildlife encounters, and relaxing hot springs in Western Australia.

JeepMost Popular • Ages 8+ • 8 hours • Where the ocean meets the desertCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Half Day Bottom Fishing
ADVEXPEDITION
Exmouth, Western Australia
FishingADV Bookable

Half Day Bottom Fishing

Discover the thrill of bottom fishing off the coast of Exmouth with Aquatic Adventure Exmouth. Ideal for all skill levels, this half-day trip offers abundant catches and expert local guides aboard a comfortable vessel.

FishingAll ages • 5.5 hours • Best bottom fishing in Exmouth!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Flyboard/Jetpack - Exmouth
ADVEXPEDITION
Exmouth, Western Australia
FlyboardADV Bookable

Flyboard/Jetpack - Exmouth

Take to the skies above Exmouth’s pristine waters with Ultimate Watersports’ flyboard and jetpack rides. Tailored lessons and breathtaking surroundings combine for an unmatched aquatic flight experience.

FlyboardAll Experience Levels! • Ages 12+ • Up to 45 minutesCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Jet Ski Hire - Exmouth
ADVEXPEDITION
Exmouth, Western Australia
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Jet Ski Hire - Exmouth

Explore Western Australia's Ningaloo coastline at full throttle with a 3-seater Sea-Doo jet ski rental in Exmouth. Discover the reef, coves, and marine life in an unforgettable day out on the water.

Water ActivitiesGet behind a 3 Seater Seadoo GTI Jet Ski • Up to 8 hoursCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Sup & Kayak Hire - Exmouth
ADVEXPEDITION
Exmouth, Western Australia
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Sup & Kayak Hire - Exmouth

Discover Exmouth’s clear waters and vibrant marine life with Sup & Kayak Hire. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned paddler, explore stunning Ningaloo Reef landscapes and playful sea lions on this flexible 1 to 8-hour rental experience.

Water Activities1-8 hours • Enjoy a relaxing paddle on the beautiful waters of ExmouthCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Waydoo Flyer E-Foil - Exmouth
ADVEXPEDITION
Exmouth, Western Australia
SurfADV Bookable

Waydoo Flyer E-Foil - Exmouth

Glide silently above Exmouth’s clear waters on the Waydoo Flyer E-Foil with Ultimate Watersports. This cutting-edge watersport delivers a unique mix of thrill and tranquility.

Surf1-2 hours • The greatest invention to hit the watersports scene and available right here!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Tubing 2+ Persons - Exmouth
ADVEXPEDITION
Exmouth, Western Australia
Boat TourADV Bookable

Tubing 2+ Persons - Exmouth

Looking for a fun water adventure? Try tubing with Ultimate Watersports in Exmouth for a thrilling ride along Western Australia's Coral Coast. Perfect for all ages and skill levels!

Boat TourUp to 30 Minutes Options • Ages 6+Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
A full-throttle, salt-spray sampler of Exmouth’s water playground
ADVEXPEDITION
Exmouth, Western Australia
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

A full-throttle, salt-spray sampler of Exmouth’s water playground

Ultimate Watersports’ Day Pass bundles a 15‑minute jet‑ski hire, a 30‑minute towed‑board session, one hour of SUP or kayak hire and a 30‑minute tubing ride—an efficient way to sample Exmouth's waters while saving over $200.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Jet-ski the Ningaloo: Bundegi’s Fast Track to Snorkeling the Reef
ADVEXPEDITION
Exmouth, Western Australia
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Jet-ski the Ningaloo: Bundegi’s Fast Track to Snorkeling the Reef

A 2.5-hour guided Jet Ski and snorkel outing from Exmouth that pairs high-speed coastal running with a shallow-water snorkel stop so you can see Ningaloo’s corals and marine life up close.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip