
Cape Range National Park Exmouth
Where the rugged outback meets the pristine Ningaloo Reef, offering stunning gorges and vibrant marine life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for snorkeling

Cape Range National Park Exmouth
Best Time
Best for snorkeling

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Where the rugged outback meets the pristine Ningaloo Reef, offering stunning gorges and vibrant marine life.
"One of the most unique national parks in Australia and well worth spending a few days exploring."

Book Campsites Way Ahead
Popular spots like Osprey Bay fill up fast. Plan months in advance for peak season!
Snorkel at High Tide
Essential for Oyster Stacks & other reef spots. Check tide charts before you go!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Osprey Bay Campground
Ningaloo Reef shoreline
Camp right on the Ningaloo Reef! Perfect for snorkeling with turtles and enjoying stunning sunsets.
Turquoise Bay
Ningaloo Reef shoreline
Crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral just meters from shore, ideal for snorkeling with diverse marine life.
Mandu Mandu Gorge
Cape Range National Park
Hike through this rocky gorge for breathtaking sunset views over Ningaloo Reef. Wear sturdy shoes!
Oyster Stacks
Ningaloo Reef shoreline
An easily accessible shore-snorkeling spot teeming with colorful fish and marine life. Check tides!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Campsites Early
Tide Awareness for Snorkeling
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Campsites Way Ahead
Popular spots like Osprey Bay fill up fast. Plan months in advance for peak season!
Snorkel at High Tide
Essential for Oyster Stacks & other reef spots. Check tide charts before you go!
Sturdy Shoes for Hikes
Trails in gorges like Mandu Mandu are rocky and uneven. Protect your feet!
Spot Turtles Mating
Visit from October for a chance to see hundreds of turtles mating near Jurabi Coastal Park.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Campsites Way Ahead
Popular spots like Osprey Bay fill up fast. Plan months in advance for peak season!
Snorkel at High Tide
Essential for Oyster Stacks & other reef spots. Check tide charts before you go!
Sturdy Shoes for Hikes
Trails in gorges like Mandu Mandu are rocky and uneven. Protect your feet!
Spot Turtles Mating
Visit from October for a chance to see hundreds of turtles mating near Jurabi Coastal Park.
BYO Food & Water
Limited facilities inside the park. Stock up in Exmouth before you arrive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Cape Range National Park's stunning natural beauty, where the outback dramatically meets the ocean. Highlights include exceptional snorkeling at Turquoise Bay and Oyster Stacks, and breathtaking gorge hikes. While the park offers a remote and untouched feel, some visitors note issues with limited parking at popular beaches.
"Cape Range National Park is an incredible place where the outback meets the ocean. The red cliffs and gorges are stunning, especially at Yardie Creek where you can walk along the edge of the gorge and spot rock wallabies and birds. Just a short drive away, Turquoise Bay is perfect for snorkelling—crystal-clear water and vibrant coral just metres from the shore. The whole area feels remote and untouched, with beautiful walking tracks, quiet beaches, and amazing views. It’s one of the most unique national parks in Australia and well worth spending a few days exploring."
R a Stanley
"Great place, but they really need more parking bays in all beach bays happy to pay to get in but packing bays have not changed in 12 year a danger for kids walking passed cars"
Paul Anderson
"Best place in western Australia for coastal and gorge hiking and marine life spotting"
Annette Laurie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cape Range National Park is about a 40-minute drive southwest of Exmouth. The main access road is well-maintained. Many visitors rent a car in Exmouth to explore the park at their own pace.
Public transport options are very limited. Most visitors rely on private vehicles or organized tours from Exmouth. If you're traveling solo without a car, consider booking day tours that include transport.
A 2WD vehicle is generally sufficient for accessing most main attractions and campgrounds. However, some tracks might be sandy, so driving cautiously is advised.
Yes, there is an entrance fee per vehicle to enter Cape Range National Park. It's advisable to check the official Parks and Wildlife Service WA website for current fees and payment methods.
Most major beaches and gorges are accessible by 2WD. However, parking can be an issue at popular spots like Turquoise Bay, and some unsealed tracks may require a 4WD.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! Campgrounds like Osprey Bay and Winderabandi are extremely popular and book out months in advance, especially during peak season. Book online through the Parks and Wildlife Service WA website.
The park is generally open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, specific facilities or access points might have seasonal restrictions. Always check the official website for the latest information.
There is a vehicle entry fee. It's best to check the official Parks and Wildlife Service WA website for the most up-to-date pricing and payment options.
While some payment options might be available on-site, it's highly recommended to book and pay for campsites and entry fees in advance online to avoid disappointment, especially during busy periods.
For frequent visitors to Western Australia's national parks, a Parks Pass might be a cost-effective option. Check the Parks and Wildlife Service WA website for details on available passes.
🎫 🐠 Snorkeling & Marine Life
Turquoise Bay and Oyster Stacks are top choices for shore-based snorkeling, offering vibrant coral and abundant fish. Osprey Bay is also excellent for snorkeling right from your campsite.
The best time for snorkeling is during high tide, as it provides better access to the reef and more marine life. Aim for midday when the sun is high for the clearest visibility.
Yes, turtles are frequently spotted in the waters of Cape Range National Park, especially around Osprey Bay and Oyster Stacks. From October, you might also see them mating near Jurabi Coastal Park.
Expect to see a wide variety of colorful fish, coral formations, and if you're lucky, turtles, reef sharks, and even migrating whales during certain seasons.
Yes, it's recommended to bring your own snorkeling gear. While some tour operators might offer rentals, having your own ensures a comfortable fit and availability.
🎫 🥾 Hiking & Gorges
Mandu Mandu Gorge offers a rewarding 2.6km loop hike with stunning views, especially at sunset. Yardie Creek also has walking tracks along the gorge rim.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes as the trails are rocky and uneven. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the heat. Don't forget sun protection!
It's best to hike during the cooler parts of the day, early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the midday heat. Sunset hikes in Mandu Mandu Gorge are particularly spectacular.
The hikes are generally manageable, but the rocky terrain might be challenging for very young children. Always supervise children closely and carry plenty of water.
Keep an eye out for rock wallabies and various bird species along the gorge trails.
📸 📸 Photography
The gorges at sunset (Mandu Mandu, Charles Knife Canyon), the pristine beaches like Turquoise Bay, and the underwater world while snorkeling offer incredible photo opportunities.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting for landscapes. Midday sun can be harsh but is great for underwater shots.
Drones can capture stunning aerial views of the gorges and coastline. However, always check park regulations regarding drone usage before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a macro lens can capture the intricate details of marine life. A GoPro or underwater camera is essential for snorkeling shots.
While not widely advertised, some local tour operators in Exmouth might offer photography-focused excursions. It's worth inquiring locally.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider camping at Osprey Bay for a truly memorable experience, allowing easy access to the beach and reef. While the park is stunning, be aware of the sun's intensity and ensure children stay hydrated and protected. Parking can be challenging at popular spots, so arriving early is advisable.
🚗 Road Trippers & Campers
Even if you can't secure a campsite, the park is perfect for day trips from Exmouth. Pack a picnic, your snorkeling gear, and explore the various bays and gorges. The drive through the park itself is scenic, showcasing the unique landscape where the outback meets the sea.
🐠 Marine Life Enthusiasts
From October onwards, the waters near Jurabi Coastal Park become a hotspot for turtle mating, offering a unique wildlife viewing opportunity. While whale shark tours operate from Exmouth, the park itself provides ample opportunities to encounter marine creatures in their natural habitat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping on the Ningaloo Reef
Securing a campsite here requires significant advance planning, especially for peak seasons. Many travelers find it challenging to book, highlighting the need to monitor booking platforms closely and be ready to book the moment spots become available. The reward, however, is an immersive experience with direct access to world-class snorkeling and breathtaking sunset views over the ocean.
While camping, remember to be mindful of the fragile marine environment. Follow all park guidelines regarding waste disposal and wildlife interaction to help preserve this natural wonder for future visitors.
Snorkeling Paradise: Turquoise Bay & Oyster Stacks
Oyster Stacks is another must-visit, offering an abundance of colorful fish and marine creatures right off the beach. For the best experience at Oyster Stacks, it's crucial to snorkel during high tide. This ensures you can easily access the reef and witness the full spectacle of underwater life. Checking tide charts before your visit is essential for maximizing your snorkeling enjoyment.
Beyond these popular spots, many other bays within the park offer fantastic snorkeling opportunities. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, which are frequently spotted in these waters, adding an extra layer of magic to your underwater adventures.
Exploring the Gorges: Mandu Mandu & Yardie Creek
Yardie Creek is another significant gorge, offering walking tracks along its edge where you might spot rock wallabies and various bird species. The drive to Charles Knife Canyon also provides stunning geological vistas. Hiking in these gorges is best done during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the intense heat. Remember to carry plenty of water and sun protection.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit