Hike the Coral Coast

The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park

The Pinnacles are located in Nambung National Park, 2 hours' drive north of Perth on the Indian Ocean Drive.

1. Desert View Walk Trail (bush walk)

Explore the Pinnacles Desert on this easy 1.6km loop. Starting at the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre carpark, follow the concrete path for 200 metres until you reach the sign at the at the start of the trail. Comprised of firm yellow sand, the trail is mostly flat with only a few gentle rises. It is well signed with emu footprint markets. A viewing platform is located roughly 500 metres from the start of the trail.

• Length: 1.6km loop
• Estimate time: less than 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy

2. Pinnacles Desert Lookout Trail (bush walk + drive trail)

Starting at the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Center car park, this 4.5km trail winds its way through the amazing limestone structures that create the strange, otherworldly environment that is the Pinnacles Desert. The firm sandy trail is clearly marked, and a lookout platform in the middle of the trail provides views across the Pinnacles Desert to white sand dunes along the coast and the blue of the Indian Ocean. An additional 750m (1.5km return) spur is available for those who want to explore further into the Pinnacles.

Note: the Desert Lookout Trail is also a drive trail for those who would prefer to drive or unable to walk longer distances. The trail is suitable for both two-wheel-drives (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles, and the lookout platform is wheelchair accessible.

• Length: 4.5km loop
• Estimated time: 3 - 4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy

Hike Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Green Head and Dongara-Port Denison

The coastal towns along the Indian Ocean Drive offer a mix of coastal and inland walk trails.

1. Lake Thetis Loop Trail, Cervantes (bush walk)

Lake Thetis, on the outskirts of Cervantes, is one of only a few places in the world where you can find living marine thrombolites, or 'living fossils'. The Lake Thetis Loop Trail is an easy 1.5km loop walk, where you can gain insight into what life was like at the dawn of time. The first 300m of boardwalk, which passes the best examples of thrombolites in the lake, is universally accessible.

Cervantes is 2 hours' drive north of Perth on the Indian Ocean Drive.

• Length: 1.5km loop
• Estimated time: 1 - 3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy

2. Turquoise Way Trail, Jurien Bay (urban walk/cycle)

The 14.2km fully sealed Turquoise Way Trail is a coastal path stretching from Jurien Bay to Hill River Mouth. The Trail passes the Jurien Bay Jetty and playground, Dobbyn Park Foreshore and offers spectacular views along the coastline. The trail is accessible at several points with both pedestrian access points and carparks for vehicles available.

Jurien Bay is 2.5 hours' drive north of Perth on the Indian Ocean Drive, and 20 minutes north of Cervantes.

• Length: 14.2km one way
• Estimated time: 1 - 4 hours (depending on whether you walk or cycle)
• Difficulty: Easy

3. Three Bays Walkway, Green Head (urban walk)

This fully-sealed walkway in Green Head features sweeping view of South Bay, the picturesque Dynamite Bay, and the charming yet peaceful Anchorage Bay. The coastline sees the stunning Indian Ocean meet white limestone shorelines and the three separate coastal bays were created when an extraordinary limestone cliff escarpment approximately 2 kilometres long was eroded by the Indian Ocean.  Along the way, you're likely to spot a range of native wildlife both on the land and in the water, such as white-bellied sea eagles, ospreys, sea lions and dolphins. The Walkway is located in Yued country, home to ancient midden sites and hunting grounds.

Green Head is 2 hours, 45 minutes' drive north of Perth on the Indian Ocean Drive.

• Length: 2.5km one way
• Estimated time: 1 - 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy

4. Stockyard Gully Cave Trail, Stockyard Gully National Park (bush walk)

Stockyard Gully National Park, inland from Leeman, is home to a network of limestone caves that lead to an underwater river system. Accessible only be 4WD, the National Park is a mix of lush vegetation, sandy river bed and cave system. A picnic area sits at the original upstream area, from where a sandy creek bed leads to the cave. The largest cave stretches for 300 metres and is great for those entering a cave for the first time. Its wide open spaces make all feel at ease, but please note a torch is required as the cave is completely dark. The cave is self-guided, and due care should be taken by all visitors. Wildlife such as bats inhabit the cave, so visitors are recommended to keep noise to a minimum and avoid shining torches at the bats. Bee hives are also present, so visitors should take care not to disturb the hives.

Stockyard Gully National Park is 3 hours' drive north-east of Perth and best accessed via the Cockleshell Gully Road, off Coorow-Green Head Road. For further direction, refer to this map.

• Length: 1.3km loop
• Estimated time: Less than 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy

5. Thungara Trails, Dongara (urban walks)

Six Thungara Trails wind their way around the twin towns of Dongara and Port Denison, showcasing different aspects of the towns, coastline and Irwin River and highlighting a mix of nature and history. For more information and trail guides, visit the Dongara-Port Denison Visitor Centre.

Dongara-Port Denison are 3 hours, 40 minutes drive north of Perth.

• Length: varying between 2km to 9km loops
• Estimated time: 1 - 3 hours each
• Difficulty: most Thungara Trails are Easy. Trail 5 is Moderate

Hike Wildflower Trails

1. Badgingarra National Park Trails (bush walk)

Badgingarra National Park is renowned for its dazzling displays of seasonal wildflowers, and is home to some of Western Australia's most unique and rare species. Two walk trails in the National Park are a great way to explore.

The Vern Westbrook Walk is a heritage and wildflower trail located in Phoebe's Reserve on North West Road, 3.5km off the Brand Highway, between the original Badgingarra town site and the current town centre. The area is rich with unique biodiversity and sign posts line the walk, sharing information about local flora and fauna and history as the trail encounters bridges, seasonal wildflowers, heritage sites and community art. The trail consists of three sections: section one is an easy 1.65km walk; section two is a moderate 1.25km ascending to the base of a breakaway; and section three is a challenging 800m hike to the top of the breakaway. Along this trail you can also learn about the history of the 70-million-year-old Yallalie Meteorite Impact Zone.

Formally known as the Badgingarra National Trail, the Iain Wilson Nature Trail is a 3.5km trail within the protected Badgingarra National Park. This walk is incredible with spring, when the bushland is bursting with colour. The trail features many species of wildflowers including Badgingarra’s emblem, the black kangaroo paw, and is home to numerous reptiles, emus, kangaroos and a variety of birds including bustards and wedge-tailed eagles. The main 2km trail offers multiple opportunities to view surrounding landscape and wildflowers, while a 1.5km detour features a steep climb will take you to an incredible lookout atop the hill.

Badgingarra is just over 2 hours' drive north of Perth on the Brand Highway, at the edge of the Badgingarra National Park.

• Length: 2km - 3.5km
• Estimated time: 1 - 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

2. Lesueur Walk Trail, Lesueur National Park (bush walk)

The trail starts at Drummonds recreation area at the foot of the Gairdner Range, where there is interpretive signs explaining the biodiversity and natural heritage values of the region. Please ensure all vehicles, boots and walking equipment are free of soil, dirt and other plant material before entering the park and make use of the boot baths at the start of the trail. The first 250m of the trail leads to the Wilson lookout and is wide and sealed, suitable for prams and wheelchairs. The remainder of the four-kilometre trail is sandy and leads towards the flat top hill (mesa). The initial section is flat but then climbs up the slope of Mount Lesueur via switchback. The summit is across the top of the mesa on the other side to the ascent and rewards walkers with spectacular views.

• Length: 4km
• Estimated time: 1 - 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

3. Yued Ponar Trail, Lesueur National Park (bush walk)

The trail commences at the Cockleshell Gully picnic area off Cockleshell Gully Road. The trail winds through a diverse landscape featuring low heath, small sections of Wandoo woodlands, winding creek lines and high along the scarp to Mt Peron. The park is a global biodiversity hotspot for its diverse range of native plant species with over 900 species of plant, over 100 of which are found nowhere else. The Yued Ponar Trail features an ancient, highly eroded and weathered landscape with a vast diversity of plant life. The best time is between August to November. Entry is from Cockleshell-Gully Road which is unsealed but has a good surface and is usually suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles.

Lesueur National Park is approximately 30 kilometres from Jurien Bay, a three-hour drive or 250kms north of Perth along the Brand Highway.

• Length: 7km
• Estimated time: Half a day
• Difficulty: Moderate

 4. Mullewa Bushland Trail (bush walk)

Starting from the Mullewa Scenic Lookout, the winding loop takes the visitor along an, at times rocky, but not too steep hike. Surprisingly, there are even small caves in rocky outcrops. There are good views of the surrounding farmland and town. Interpretive signage in places tells of the indigenous culture of the area. When winter rains are good, the spring wildflowers are absolutely sensational. Besides carpets of everlastings, there are numerous other species. Mullewa is 100kms east of Geraldton.

• Length: 2.3km
• Estimated time: less than 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy

5. Plateau Loop Trail, Coalseam Conservation Park (bush walk)

This trail begins at Miners campground, meanders through a rare eucalypt woodland leading to a plateau ridge with sweeping valley views. Look carefully and walk quietly to discover some of the park’s birds and reptiles along the way. Coalseam Conservation Park is approximately 30 minutes drive from Mingenew on the unsealed Coalseam Road.

• Length: 3.2km
• Estimated time: 1 - 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Hike Geraldton
 

1. Greenough River Nature Trail (bush walk)

Located 10km south of Geraldton, the scenic Greenough River meanders through 25km of countryside, past the historic town of Greenough, to meet the ocean at Cape Burney. The Greenough River Nature Trail is a picturesque walk or mountain bike through 17km of bushland surrounding the western end of the river, offering a mix of coastal vegetation and river views. It is recommended to allow at least 4 hours to walk this flat loop trail. An array of wildlife and birdlife can be spotted along the trail; the dune and riverbanks are havens for small birds like wrens and honeyeaters, while pelicans, egrets, ducks and cormorants are often seen feeding in the river and estuary areas.

Mountain bikers should note the trail features sandy track used by 4WDs.

Greenough is just over 4 hours' drive north of Perth.

• Length: 17km loop
• Estimated time: Half - full day (allow at least 4 hours)
• Difficulty: Moderate

2. Geraldton Food Trail (urban walk)

Geraldton is a contemporary coastal hub with a thriving cafe and foodie scene influenced by fresh, local produce from the coast and Midwest region. You'll be spoiled for choice, with excellent establishments serving up their unique take on the local offering. From traditional Italian to Western Rock Lobster from the Abrolhos Islands, to quirky cafes, wine bars and family friendly dining, exceptional produce converges with great service and laidback Geraldton lifestyle vibes. The Geraldton Food Trail features 8 cafes and restaurants in the heart of Geraldton. Use the Geraldton Food Trail Map to guide your adventure, and refer to Visit Geraldton's website for more great places to eat & drink around town.

Geraldton is 4.5 hours' drive north of Perth.

• Length: 4.8km loop
• Estimated time: Half day - multi day
• Difficulty: Easy

3. Chapman River Nature Trail (bush walk or cycle) 

Located 1 hours' drive northeast of Geraldton, the Chapman Valley is a scenic destination and popular spot for wildflower fans. The Chapman River Nature Trail is a 9.8km loop highlighting the Chapman River's ecological and social significance in the region. The dual-direction trail starts and finishes at Spalding Park, just off Chapman Road, where parking is available. Native flowering plants, birds, reptiles and wildlife are present in the area, and numerous nesting boxes, trail markets and interpretive signs are featured along the trail. The trail features an additional 1.5km loop around an estuarine salt marsh.

Chapman Valley is 5 hours' drive north of Perth.

• Length: 9.8km loop
• Estimated time: Half - full day
• Difficulty: Easy

Hike Kalbarri National Park
 

Kalbarri National Park is well serviced with car park access and sealed paths/boardwalks which provide access to several well known lookouts. Here's some inspiration for those seeking more challenging options.

Kalbarri is 6 hours' drive north of Perth.

1. Bigurda Trail (bush walk)

This trail hugs the coastline between Eagle Gorge and Natural Bridge, providing stunning coastal views. Arrange to be dropped off at Eagle Gorge and traverse south along the coastal cliffs for 3 to 5 hours, finishing up at the Natural Bridge. A string of look-outs dot the trail. Closer to town are Pot Alley, Rainbow Valley, Mushroom Rock and Red Bluff, accessible via a walking trail from Kalbarri town (5.5km one way). Read more on this trail.

• Length: 8km (one-way)
• Estimated time: Half day
• Difficulty: Moderate

2. Mushroom Rock Nature Trail (bush walk)

This coastal walk starts from Mushroom Rock carpark or Rainbow Valley carpark, and is a surprising delight featuring the blue of the ocean and the orange of the sandstone as a stunning contrast in the landscape. Trailside signs dotted along the trail explain about the ancient Tumblagooda Sandstone and its curious fossils and features. Be careful as there are loose rocks, uneven surfaces and some steep sections.

• Length: 3km loop
• Estimated time: 1 - 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

3. Z Bend River Trail (bush walk)

For the more adventurous hikers, embark on the trek down into the gorge starting from the Z Bend lookout, meandering between boulders and river red gums to reach the Murchison River. One of the most scenic locations in the Kalbarri National Park, the Z Bend is suitably named after the tight bends the Murchison River has carved into the Tumblagooda Sandstone gorge. As you climb over boulders, through passages and down ladders, keep a look out for the endemic wildflower species Kalbarri Spider Orchid as well as many other wildflowers Pink Poker, Flame Grevillea, Starflowers and many more orchids and flowering natives (seasonal).  Once in the gorge if the season permits you can have a swim and cool off in the waters of the Murchison River, or walk along the rock edge and enjoy the calm surroundings.  As this is a gorge risk area, extreme caution should be used.

• Length: 2.6km
• Estimated time: 1 - 3 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging

4. The Loop Trail (bush walk)

The challenging Loop Walk begins and ends at Nature's Window, and highlights the erosive power of the Murchison River which has carved magnificent gorges to reveal the red and white banded rock. Highlights include the iconic Nature’s Window, a natural rock formation which frames the Murchison valley.   It is recommended this hike be done in the cooler months (May to October) as temperatures along this walk can reach 50C in summer. The Loop Trail is closed after 7am from November to March inclusive. Be prepared - carry and drink 3 to 4 litres per person per day, wear a hat, loose clothing and sturdy footwear. Hike with a companion and tell someone where you are going. This hard, trail follows the edge of the cliff, with views of the river. From here the trail works its way down to the river bank. Along the river are sandy beaches, river gums and the possibility of swimming. On the other side of the river, some of the cliffs show magnificent shades of red and pink. Before the river bends towards the Indian Ocean, the trial climbs out of the gorge back up to Nature’s Window.

• Length: 8km
• Estimated time: Half day
• Difficulty: Challenging

5. Four Ways Trail (Idinggada Yina)

Starting at Z Bend, this challenging hike descends to the river at a place known as Four Ways and is much more difficult on the return journey.  Interesting scenery, geology and landforms feature on the hike.

• Length: 8km
• Estimated time: Half day
• Difficulty: Challenging

6. Murchison River Gorge Walk (bush walk)

The Murchison River Gorge Walk starts from Ross Graham Lookout to The Loop, through the dramatic landscape of Kalbarri National Park. With no marked trail or route this hike provides ample challenges to test experienced walkers.   Extensive pre-planning is essential, as well as experience with route-finding, general navigation and locating drinking water sources along the way. A high level of fitness is required due to the physical challenges; including rock-hopping up and down the many narrow rock ledges high above the river while carrying a heavy pack; navigating through narrow rock crevices; trudging through soft sand; and regularly stripping off to float your backpack across the river when swimming becomes necessary where the gorge narrows and the walls steepen. The full walk typically takes 4 days though can be done as shorter two-day walks, with lighter packs. Permission is required before embarking on this challenge - overnight hikers must register at the park office before making the trip. The Parks and Wildlife Rangers in Kalbarri are the best source of information on safely walking in the gorge.

• Length: 38km
• Estimated time: Multi-day
• Difficulty: Challenging

Hike Shark Bay
 

1. Boolagoorda Trail, Hamelin Pool (bush walk)

The Boolagoorda Trail starts and ends at the Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station. Built in 1884, the Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station provided a vital link between Perth and Roebourne, until closure in the 1950s. It's worth paying a small fee for entry into the museum.  Just beyond the trailhead is a quarry site where tiny shells compacted over time to form a huge mass. Early settlers cut out blocks which were solid enough for building materials. The old pearler restaurant and St Andrews Church in Denham are built of this shell grit. The trail's furthest point is where people can get a glimpse of what life was like 3500 million years ago in the primeval seas. From the 200 metre boardwalk, you can view the world’s oldest lifeforms, known as stromatolites, that look like mushroom shaped rocks, but are in fact colonies of cyanobacteria.

Hamelin Pool is approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes' drive from Denham and 7 hours, 15 minutes' north of Perth.

• Length: 1.4km loop
• Estimated time: less than 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy

2. Wanamalu Trail, Francois Peron National Park (bush walk)

The trail starts at either Skipjack Point or Cape Peron in Francois Peron National Park, as it links these two points, and offers excellent views of the area’s abundant marine life from the cliff top. Striking red sand cliffs provide great photographic opportunities. To access the walk, the drive to the northern tip of Francois Peron National Park goes through sections of very soft sand and requires a high clearance 4WD with low range capability.  To really appreciate the raw natural beauty of this special place, there is a short walk through dunes to a couple of lookouts.

Francois Peron National Park is 10 minutes drive from both Denham and Monkey Mia.

• Length: 3.6km loop
• Estimated time: 1 - 3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy

3. Wulyibidi Yaninyina Trail, Monkey Mia (beach walk)

The trail starts from the car park at the back of Monkey Mia Visitor Centre, and takes you through the dunes and tidal flats which attract and shelter a wide variety of birds. Although this trail is only short, for nature lovers it is packed with attractions. The vibrant red dunes host a large variety of plants, many of them putting on great flowering displays in spring. The dune vegetation also shelters numerous birds including the rare thick-billed grasswren and the beautiful singing chiming wedgebill. On the top of a dune is a bird hide. The tidal flats and beach are a haven for waterbirds including pelicans and ospreys. It's easy enough, however sandy sections may make it a bit more of an effort.

Monkey Mia is just under 9 hours' drive (847km) north of Perth. Access to the Reserve is subject to a Reserve fee - this is different to a National Park Pass.

• Length: 2.7km loop
• Estimated time: less than 1 hour
• Difficulty: Moderate

4. Nicholson Point Trail (bush and beach walk)

Nicholson Point Walk Trail meanders from Denham across shrub lands to Little Lagoon and offers a large range of plant species and bird life. The sandy beach between Nicholson Point and the mouth of Little Lagoon has a large array of shells and is home to a variety of sea animals. Beware of stonefish in the lagoon shallows.

• Length: 5km 
• Estimated time: 1.5 - 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy

Hike Kennedy Range National Park

Kennedy Range National Park, known as 'Mundatharrda' to the local Inggarda Aboriginal language group, is located approximately 185 kilometres or 3 hours' drive east of Carnarvon. The roads are unsealed and high-clearance, high-capability four-wheel-drives (4WDs) are recommended for the majority of the park roads, however the road to the eastern escarpment is usually suitable for two-wheel-drive (2WD) vehicles. It is recommended that visitors seek local shire information about road conditions before travelling.

There are six walk trails in Kennedy Range National Park.

1. Temple Gorge Trail (bush walk)

Starting at the Temple Gorge day-use site, the first part of the trail is suitable for most ages and fitness levels and leads to a fork in the creek under a prominent rock face referred to as The Temple. The left fork is a short picturesque walk, and apart from a few step-ups, is relatively easy. The right fork is suited to more experienced hikers and is a longer, tougher, boulder-strewn walk up to a small seasonal rock pool. If camping at the spectacular Temple Gorge campground, there's no need to hop in the car and drive to the trailhead as the trail starts at the campground. The walk to the fork in the trail is easy enough and here you'll get an inspiring view of the rock face that looks like a temple.

• Length: 2km return
• Estimated time: 1 - 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

2. Honeycomb Gorge (bush walk)

This 600m trail takes you to a natural amphitheatre containing a seasonal waterfall and pool. Marvel at the 'honeycomb' style cavities in the rock face which gives this gorge its name.

• Length: 600m return
• Estimated time: 20 - 40 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate

3. Drapers Gorge Trail (bush walk)

This short return trail starts at Draper Gorge Car Park, south of the Kennedy Range campsite, and offers a rock scrambling challenge as well as some great views. The Drapers Gorge walk is deceptively easy in the first section, but gets harder as you progress up the stony watercourse. There are steep loose rocky slopes, narrow rock ledges and overhangs to negotiate. Great care should be taken, especially on the upper parts of the trail. There are a series of pools along the trail which can be full after season rainfall.

• Length: 1.6km
• Estimated time: 1 - 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

4. Escarpment Base Trail (bush walk)

This trail links Temple Gorge campground with the Honeycomb Gorge and Sunrise View walk trails. Starting at Sunrise Car Park, the Escarpment Bas Trail features interesting geology as well as sandalwood (Santalum spicatum). A lookout area is a feature of the section between Honeycomb Gorge and Sunrise View trails. Although there are some loose rocky slopes to contend with, this trail is suitable for most reasonably fit walkers. The trail skirts the base of sheer rock faces along the edge of this spectacular escarpment. Along the way you can take a short diversion into Honeycomb Gorge. The whole trail features huge boulders that tumbled from the escarpment over time. The stunted contorted sandalwood trees add a stark foreground to massive walls rising out of the rocky plain. Leave early in the morning and watch the rising sun light up the cliffs in a sensational red glow. It is also a good time to watch kangaroos that frequent the area.

• Length: 5.8km
• Estimated time: Half day
• Difficulty: Moderate

5. Escarpment Trail (bush walk)

Start from the Draper Gorge car park or Temple Gorge campground. If you are capable of going up and down steep sections, getting to the top of the escarpment is well worth the considerable effort as you will be rewarded with panoramic views. The key tip for doing this trail to avoid considerable drama is not to undertake it too late in the day. The marked trail follows a rocky creek bed into a narrow gorge. It soon starts climbing steeply and there are loose rocks and cliff edges to negotiate. For the easiest route always look out for the next trail marker. After some effort, you reach the top and veer left following a distinct trail across flat terrain to a lookout for stunning panoramic views.

• Length: 3.4km
• Estimated time: Half day
• Difficulty: Challenging

6. Sunrise View (bush walk)

As the name implies, this one is for the early birds! The short, 300m walk takes you to a raised viewing area boasting a good view of the battlement-like face of Kennedy Range. Sunrise is a particularly good time to experience the view.

• Length: 300m return
• Estimated time: 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate

Hikers are reminded that risks from exposure and dehydration can be severe in Kennedy Range National Park, especially during hotter months (particularly December to March) when temperatures often exceed 40'C. The following tips are advised:

• Walk in groups of three or more, and tell a trusted and responsible person about your plans in sufficient detail.
• Each person must carry and drink at least 3 - 4 litres of water per day. Note: there is no drinking water available in the park. You must be self-sufficient and carry all of your supplies.
• Plan your walk for the most suitable season and/or daily weather conditions. Remember to take regular breaks when walking.
• Be sun smart - wear a broad brimmed hat, sunscreen and a loose, long-sleeved shirt for sun protection.
• Wear sturdy footwear and follow trail markers.
• Walk during the cooler parts of the day. This will also increase your chance of seeing native wildlife!

Hike Cape Range National Park

Visit the Ningaloo Centre in Exmouth for a walking trail guide and guidance on safely traversing the canyons. Guided tours are also available. Exercise caution when bush walking the Cape Range National Park, especially around canyon areas that have steep walls. Between December and March, days of extreme temperature exceeding 40°c are common. It is not recommended walking the trails of the Cape Range National Park during this period. Do not go on your own - always let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. Always carry plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

1. Mandu Mandu Gorge (bush walk)

The walk trail begins 14 kilometres south of Milyering Discovery Centre on the Yardie Creek Road. From the carpark, the trail enters the dry creek bed of loose water-smoothed rocks as sheer, vibrant red cliffs rise dramatically on either side of the gorge. Look carefully as you may see rare black-footed rock wallabies in shady areas of the gorge walls. The trail has markers along the way as the route is not easily discernible with all those rocks. After a while the trail rises steeply out of the gorge onto the plateau where numerous flowering plants can be seen. There are several steep ups and downs to negotiate before getting back to the carpark. It is highly recommended that this walk be done early in the day as it is often extremely hot. 

• Length: 3km loop
• Estimated time: 1 - 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

2. Yardie Creek Gorge Trail (bush walk)

The trail begins at the trailhead near the end of the Yardie Creek Walk and overlooks the ancient Yardie Creek gorge. It is initially an easy walk but becomes more difficult as you ascend the Range. Featuring amazing views of red limestone cliff faces and the opportunity to see a wonderful array of birds and wildlife, look out for the rare black-footed wallaby, euros and red kangaroos. You must remain on the trail on the northern side of the gorge so that you do not disturb the animals. From the top, the views into the creek and out to the Ningaloo Reef are purely spectacular. If you wish to add a further 800 metres (allow 2 hours) to this walk, follow the track that leads from the end of the Yardie Nature Walk. Visit Milyering Discovery Centre for interpretive displays, audio-visual facilities and a library containing a wealth of information on the National and Marine Parks to help appreciate the natural environment. National Park rangers are on site to assist with enquiries. Yardie Creek is one hour's drive from Exmouth.

• Length: 2.7km
• Estimate time: 1 - 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

3.  Badgirrajirra Loop Trail (bush walk)

The Badjirrajirra Loop Trail begins at the Thomas Carter Lookout, off Charles Knife Road. This trail is often rough and requires walkers to possess a moderate to high level of fitness. The Badjirrajirra Trail winds its way through rocky gullies, small gorges and open spinifex bushland, and features views of Shothole Canyon and Exmouth Gulf. Charles Knife Canyon is accessible via Charles Knife Road, 21km south of Exmouth off the Minilya-Exmouth Road.  Don't want to do the whole loop? Do a hike to the Shothole Viewpoint (around 4km return) – the trail's scenic highlight.

• Length: 7.4km
• Estimated time: 2 - 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

4. Thomas Carter Lookout and the Badgirrajirra Trail

Thomas Carter Lookout and the Badgirrajirra Trail is a 18.5kms lightly trafficked loop trail that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from April until September. The Thomas Carter Lookout is 311m above sea level and is one of the highest points in Cape Range National Park. Here you can enjoy views of the ocean, both west and east over the gulf.

• Length: 18.5km
• Estimated time: depending on walker
• Difficulty: Moderate

5. Shothole Canton

Shothole Canyon is a 24.5kms lightly trafficked out and back trail that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate.An unsealed road traverses the bottom of this scenic canyon in one of the most rugged areas of Cape Range National Park. Named after the shotholes left by explosive charges set off during the exploration for oil in the 1950s, colourful rock layers can be seen in the canyon walls.

• Length: 24.5km
• Estimated time: depending on walker
• Difficulty: Moderate