Yardie Creek Trail Cape Range National Park
Discover the dramatic red gorges and turquoise waters of Yardie Creek, a stunning natural wonder in Cape Range National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Yardie Creek Trail Cape Range National Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the dramatic red gorges and turquoise waters of Yardie Creek, a stunning natural wonder in Cape Range National Park.
"Spectacular views from the gorge and a great boat tour with lots of wildlife!"
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The Yardie Creek Trail is rocky and uneven. Wear hiking shoes for stability and comfort.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
It gets very hot! Carry plenty of water, especially for the hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yardie Gorge Trail
Yardie Creek
Hike along the ancient gorge, spotting rock wallabies and enjoying stunning red cliff views.
Yardie Creek Boat Tour
Yardie Creek
Cruise the creek for unique perspectives and abundant wildlife sightings, including wallabies and osprey.
Wildlife Spotting
Yardie Creek and surrounding cliffs
Keep an eye out for black-footed rock wallabies, osprey, and various bird species.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Yardie Creek
Park Entry & Trail Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The Yardie Creek Trail is rocky and uneven. Wear hiking shoes for stability and comfort.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
It gets very hot! Carry plenty of water, especially for the hike.
🦘 Wallaby Spotting
Look closely in the cliff faces for the elusive black-footed rock wallabies.
🚗 4WD for Coastal Track
If you have a 4WD, crossing Yardie Creek at low tide opens up coastal tracks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The Yardie Creek Trail is rocky and uneven. Wear hiking shoes for stability and comfort.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
It gets very hot! Carry plenty of water, especially for the hike.
🦘 Wallaby Spotting
Look closely in the cliff faces for the elusive black-footed rock wallabies.
🚗 4WD for Coastal Track
If you have a 4WD, crossing Yardie Creek at low tide opens up coastal tracks.
☀️ Hat & Sunscreen
Protect yourself from the strong Australian sun during your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Yardie Creek, particularly the dramatic red cliffs and turquoise waters. The Yardie Creek Trail offers rewarding hikes with opportunities to spot unique wildlife like rock wallabies, while the boat tour provides a different, equally captivating perspective. Some find the trail challenging and note the intense heat, recommending preparedness.
"Highly recommend a trip out to do the Yardie Creek boat tour when in Exmouth. We saw and learnt so many things (that we definately wouldn't have if we only did the Yardie Creek walk). We arrived an hour earlier than our 11am tour so we could walk the trails and see the stunning views from above the creek and out to the ocean. Our active family of 4 adults explored both trails before our tour. The smaller one is very flat and all abilities. The larger trail is a bit tricky and definitely for stable footed people. It does get very hot so take adequate water.
Views from down in the creek are spectacular. Paddle boards or kayaks would be fantastic here. On our boat tour we saw rock wallabies (counted 26!), osprey, zebra finches, fruit bats, stingrays and fish.
Highly recommend a trip out here and do the boat cruise, it's not just for little kids!
$17 daily National Park entry fee
Boat ramp, ample parking, large set of drop toilets"
Leanne Seredynski
"Lovely short walk along the creek, give about an hour, beautiful views, some wildlife, well maintained tracks, don't forget your water bottle and hat."
Praful Shah
"Stunning place to visit. My only gripe was the fact we weren’t allowed to climb to the bottom. Walking track is no more than 1.5km and class 4 hiking trail. Boat tours accessible and would be an excellent option to view the gorge via the creek. Water not the most clear, unfortunately not swimming. It’s right near the paid campground and beach. Sometimes windy especially in afternoon."
Kyle Sapphire
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yardie Creek is located at the southern end of Cape Range National Park, about a 45-minute drive from Exmouth. You'll need to drive south on Yardie Creek Road. The park has a daily entry fee.
Yes, you can cross Yardie Creek if you have a 4WD vehicle, but only at low tide. This allows access to coastal tracks. Check tide times before you go.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Yardie Creek trailhead, including near the boat ramp.
The road to Yardie Creek is generally well-maintained, but it's a national park road. The final section leading to the creek crossing can be rougher, especially if you plan to cross.
You can reach the main Yardie Creek trailhead and parking area with a 2WD vehicle. The crossing itself requires a 4WD.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a daily National Park entry fee per vehicle to access Cape Range National Park, which includes Yardie Creek.
The Yardie Creek Trail itself is free to hike, but you will need to pay the National Park entry fee to access the area.
It's recommended to book the Yardie Creek boat tour in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. You can usually book through local tour operators in Exmouth.
Yardie Creek and Cape Range National Park are generally open from sunrise to sunset. The boat tours operate on a schedule.
The main trail has some rocky and challenging sections, making it a Class 4 hike. While families with older children can manage, it might not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues. There's a flatter, easier section near the start.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Yardie Creek Trail is a 2km (return) Class 4 hike. It starts relatively flat along the creek before ascending into the gorge for stunning views. Be prepared for rocky terrain and some scrambling. +1
You have a good chance of spotting black-footed rock wallabies on the cliffs, as well as osprey, zebra finches, and fruit bats. Stingrays and fish can be seen from the boat tours. +1
Swimming is generally not recommended or possible at Yardie Creek due to its depth and currents. It's more for scenic views and wildlife spotting.
The Yardie Creek Trail is about 2km return and can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take photos or spot wildlife.
Yes, there are large drop toilets available at the Yardie Creek trailhead.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food or dining facilities directly at Yardie Creek. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks, especially for a picnic lunch.
Yes, there are picnic areas available at the trailhead, making it a great spot to enjoy a packed lunch after your hike.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and a packed lunch. Given the heat, prioritize hydration.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the gorge offers panoramic views of the creek and Ningaloo Reef. The vibrant red cliffs against the turquoise water are also highly photogenic. 
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone usage in national parks is often restricted. Check the Parks and Wildlife Service WA regulations before flying a drone.
Focus on capturing the black-footed rock wallabies, osprey, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive gorge views. Look for opportunities to frame wildlife against the dramatic landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the Yardie Creek boat tour for an engaging experience that's less physically demanding for the whole family. It provides a unique vantage point and excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife that might be harder to see from the trail. Ensure everyone has hats and plenty of water, as the sun can be strong.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
For those interested in a broader exploration, the 4WD coastal track accessible at low tide offers a more adventurous route. Nature lovers will appreciate the unique flora and fauna, and the dramatic geological formations of the Cape Range. The boat tour also provides a different, yet equally enriching, perspective on the natural beauty of the area.
📸 Photographers
+3Don't miss the chance to photograph the black-footed rock wallabies in their natural habitat – patience is key! The ospreys and other birdlife also offer fantastic subjects. A wide-angle lens is recommended for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Yardie Creek Trail
Many visitors recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes as the footing can be uneven and rocky. It's crucial to carry plenty of water and wear a hat, as the sun can be intense, especially during midday. The effort is well worth it, as the panoramic views from the top of the gorge are spectacular, offering vistas that extend back towards Ningaloo Reef. Keep your eyes peeled; the black-footed rock wallabies are often spotted camouflaged amongst the cliff faces, adding an exciting element to the hike.
For those seeking a less strenuous experience, the initial part of the trail is flatter and more accessible. The boat tour is another excellent way to experience Yardie Creek, offering a different perspective and often leading to more consistent wildlife sightings. Whether you hike or take a boat, Yardie Creek provides a stunning glimpse into the natural beauty of the Cape Range.
Wildlife Encounters at Yardie Creek
Beyond the wallabies, the skies above Yardie Creek are often graced by ospreys. These magnificent birds of prey can be seen soaring overhead or perched on rocky outcrops. Birdwatchers will also delight in spotting zebra finches and other native avian species flitting through the sparse vegetation. If you take a boat tour, you might also encounter fruit bats hanging in trees, and if you're lucky, stingrays and various fish in the creek's waters.
Remember that these are wild animals, and it's important to observe them from a respectful distance. Do not feed them, and avoid disturbing their natural habitat. The best opportunities for wildlife viewing often occur in the cooler parts of the day, early morning or late afternoon.
The Yardie Creek Boat Tour Experience
The boat tours are particularly renowned for their wildlife spotting opportunities. Guides are knowledgeable and adept at pointing out the various creatures that inhabit the area. Many visitors report seeing numerous rock wallabies along the cliffs, as well as ospreys, fruit bats, and a variety of fish and stingrays in the water. This makes the tour a fantastic way to see more of the local fauna than you might on the trail alone.
Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure you secure a spot on your desired tour time. The tours provide a comprehensive and enjoyable experience, often described as a must-do when visiting Exmouth and Cape Range National Park.
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