Cape Range National Park

Cape Range National Park is situated 40 kilometres from Exmouth on the west coast of the North West Cape. This park is managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation, Exmouth Branch.

Parks of the coral coast provide ideal locations for recreation and for learning about the environment in which we live.

A variety of natural communities is represented in the parks. The rugged stone country of Cape Range descends to arid coastal plains and drifting sand dunes, then on to the turquoise waters of the coral reefs and ocean depths of Ningaloo. Powered by energy from the sunlight, the plants and animals of these communities depend on one another to survive and provide essential habitats for rare and endangered species.

Once the home of Aboriginal people, the coral coast has since been witness to historic expeditions, severe cyclones, military activity and a variety of maritime industries. Whaling and turtle hunting are now banned, but fishing, oil exploration and the production of wool continue in the region. Today the major growth industry is tourism, with increasing numbers of visitors each year.

The rich natural and cultural heritage of the coral coast is now protected within two major parks. Cape Range National Park was once pastoral land, but was declared a national park in 1964. Ningaloo Marine Park stretches along 260 km of coastline and was established by the State and Commonwealth Governments in 1987.

The camp sites and facilities located in the national park are listed in this directory under Accommodation. There are no supermarkets or service stations in the bounds of this park, therefore it is advisable to stock up on drinking water, fuel and groceries before venturing around to the west coast.

Milyering Visitors Centre is approximately 51 kilometres from Exmouth in the Cape Range National Park and is open most days.
The Milyering Centre has displays, brochures, videos and a small library for travellers wishing to take the time to peruse this facility. Drinks and souvenirs are available at the Centre during a majority of the year.

Special fishing rules apply for the Ningaloo Marine Park which is adjacent to the Cape Range National Park. For conservation and to abide the law please ensure that you pick up a copy of the Ningaloo Marine Park Fishing Guide from DEC or the Fisheries in Payne Street, Exmouth before venturing to wet your line.

The road within the park is sealed up until Yardie Creek which is 91km from the Exmouth Townsite. Accesses to most beaches within the National Park are unsealed roads. Most roads and tracks are accessible to conventional vehicles however four wheel drive is necessary to cross Yardie Creek.
It is worth noting that road conditions deteriorate rapidly with rain and access may be restricted.

A fee is payable for entry into the National Park and camping fees also apply for overnight stays. At the northern boundary an entry station has been erected and an attendant is present during the most part of the day. An honour system is in place when the station is unattended and patrons are requested to pay applicable fees under this system. These fees provide the district with funds to maintain the park and amenities provided.

Camp fires, pets and firearms are not permitted within Cape Range National Park

Feeding of wild animals can cause ill health, aggressive behaviour and upset population numbers. To maintain nature’s balance please avoid feeding native animals including marine life.

Coastal dunes are easily degraded. Please use the tracks provided for coastal access, and reduce tyre pressure when driving in soft sand.

To protect wildlife, the recommended maximum speed within the park is 80 kph, and night driving should be avoided. Driving on beaches damages turtle nests and disturbs hatchlings.

Department of Environment and Conservation Rangers patrol this park at all times and they are more than willing to assist or answer questions pertaining to National Parks, their Rules, Regulations and By-Laws. These Rangers are empowered to prosecute any persons offending under the Conservation and Wildlife Act.

Milyering Visitors Centre is also staffed with trained personnel to assist the public and to advise of the facilities available within the parks perimeter.

Links: www.naturebase.net (DEC)

For further enquiries contact:
Department of Environment and Conservation
PO Box 201, Exmouth WA 6707
Telephone: (08) 9947 8000
Facsimile: (08) 9947 8000
Email: exmouth@dec.wa.gov.au