Cape Range Trail

The Cape Range Trail will treat you to a stunning coastline and an unspoilt environment brimming with a wealth of flora in a rainbow of colours.

Mulla Mulla

What to see and do on the Cape Range Trail


 



Just south of Minilya, deep read sand dunes are home to spectacular shows of wildflowers. The riverbanks at Minilya offer shade of river gums and coolibah. On the sand dunes you'll find Grevilleas and Hakeas and Banksias and wattles cap the ridges. The 11km side-trip to Coral Bay is well worth it to witness the unspoilt natural beauty of the pristine Ningaloo Marine Park. The flat plains area between Minilya and Lyndon River is good for spotting the shiny dark green leaves and white trumpet flowers of the Minilya lily.

Off Burkett Road, Giralia Station, makes an interesting overnight stop, with camping, farm-stay or 'donga' accommodation in the old shearers' quarters.The areas fertile red soil relies on autumn rains to produce abundant colourful masses of wildflowers in spring.

The coastal plain of the Exmouth Gulf is a predominately wattle shrubland interspersed with occasional stands of mallee near dry creek beds. Bright red yulbah flowers are visable in summer and in winter there's the golden hue of spring wattles, often infused with purple mulla mulla.

Travel along the Charles Knife Road and enjoy the steep climb between two deep canyons, boasting a sweeping view of the gorges and Exmouth Gulf. The return trip is 24km and the road is not suitable for caravans.

A further 7km north, the 24km return trip along the Shothole Canyon Road winds through the base of the canyon and is one of the rare places on the Cape where larger trees are found.

Just before the Harold E.Holt Naval Base, a wonderful 4.7km walk and cycle track winds its way south through fragrant eucalypts.Following good winter rains, you can expect to see Everlastings, Native Fuchsias, Fanflowers and Dampiera north of the Naval Base.

Enjoy striking views of distant red sand dunes parallel to the Cape Range. In well drained positions, you'll find the beautiful Ashby's banksia that are rich in nectar. Visit the newly renovated Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at the spectacular North West Cape and journey south for a further on this coastal road.

Look out for a shrubland of Cape Range kurrajongs just inside the Park. The Milyering Visitors Centre houses a library with great local flora and fauna reference resources. The white Minilya Lily may be seen in the Pilgramunna area after good rains, while coastal dunes are dotted with daisies, Portulaca and the purple Lotus australis. Marvel at the many Ficus precariously rooted on the sheer rock faces of the gorge at Yardie Creek.

A scenic boat tour of Yardie Creek is very worthwhile.

Cape Range National Park


This spectacular national park covers 50,581 hectares of stunning limestone ranges, deep rugged canyons and 50kms of pristine beach. It harbours more than 100 species of land birds, native marsupials and around 630 species of flowering plants.

The brilliant red sturt desert pea, which flowers in late winter, is a particularly popular flora species here. Also look out for mulla mullas, wattles, everlastings, native fushias, fanflowers and dampiera within the park.

You'll find particularly scenic wildflower viewing areas at Mandu Mandu Gorge, Shothole Canyon, Charles Knife Canyon and Yardie Creek Gorge.

Hint: weather and the wildflower seasons can be unpredictable, to ensure the best wildflower experience you need to plan your trip carefully:


REMEMBER: LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS, TAKE NOTHING BUT PHOTOS!


  • Sturt Desert PeaSturt Desert Pea
  • Couple photographing Mulla Mulla wildflowersCouple photographing Mulla Mulla wildflowers
  • Emus, Cape Range National ParkEmus, Cape Range National Park
  • Parakeelya, CarnarvonParakeelya, Carnarvon