Hi everyone, I hope you and yours are doing well.
Last time I took you to Coral Bay and the Ningaloo Reef along Western Australia's Coral Coast. If you missed it you can see it here - What I Discovered Exploring Western Australia's Coral Coast
From Coral Bay we continued up the North West Cape to Exmouth and the Cape Range National Park - here is a map to orientate yourself. Exmouth is 1,252 kilometres from Perth - allow two days, stopping overnight somewhere on the way.
It is only 152 kilometres from Coral Bay to Exmouth - not far by Western Australia standards, and we stopped off in Exmouth to fuel up and do some grocery shopping before heading around the top of North West Cape to our caravan park at Yardie Homestead Caravan Park, about 35 kilometres from Exmouth, arriving around 12 noon. We have stayed here a couple of times before, there is plenty of space, and were given a part shade spot to set up.
After lunch we drove down to the Milyering Ningaloo Discovery Centre, about 20 kilometres from Yardie Homestead, to collect information and find out about the tides and conditions for snorkelling.
The Ningaloo Reef is one of the largest fringing coral reefs in the world stretching over 230km. There are many opportunities for snorkelling, but you need to be aware of the height of the tides - particularly at the Oyster Stacks where the coral is near the surface. We need to be aware and protect the reef, so please take note of signage and be particularly aware of snorkelling times at Oyster Stacks. Unfortunately the suitable times were very early in the morning, around sunrise, during our visit, so didn't suit us.
There are several places along the coast where you can snorkel and camp. We have previously enjoyed snorkelling Turquoise Bay but this time the the drift current was a bit strong, so we didn't stay in for long. You need to be careful of the drift that takes you to point and then out to sea.
We drove down a bit further along the coast checking out some of the other beaches and camping spots, before returning to our caravan at Yardie Homestead Caravan Park, and made our plans for the next day.
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| Snorkelling in the shallows at Turquoise Bay |
The next morning we went for a 2 hour boat cruise and snorkel on the View Ningaloo Sub Sea Explorer which we climbed on board from the Tantabiddi jetty, about 5 kilometres from Yardie Homestead.
The sub-sea explorer is a semi-submersible boat, the only one of its kind in Western Australia. Different to a glass-bottom boat where you sit and look through a glass floor, in the sub-sea explorer you are sitting under the level of the water and look out the windows. Very cool, particularly for children and those who can't snorkel. If you click on the link you can see all about it.
You can camp with a caravan or tent at Osprey and it looks to be very popular. You need to pre-book your camping spot on-line with DBCA at the various locations in the National Park.
Between October and January turtles nest on the beaches of
the
Marine Turtles are threatened species, and the Ningaloo Marine Park offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about and see them in their natural environment. I was amazed how big they are and it was certainly a highlight to see them on the beach on a visit we had to Exmouth years ago. These photos are from that trip. Please do not disturb them. The right hand photo is turtle tracks.
The 50,581 hectare Cape Range National Park is not just about coral. There are also many walking trails to explore and following good winter rains the wildflowers put on a spectacular show. The best displays are from June to October.
And beautiful pinky-purple Mulla Mulla. The large one is Ptilotus exaltatus
You'll probably see emus as you drive through the park. They have colour variations depending on the environment they live in. Desert dwellers are lighter in colour. You might even see an emu wandering around the town of Exmouth.
There are also walk trails in the Cape Range National Park. But please aware of the advertised degree of difficulty, your own fitness and ability, and the weather, the length of the walk, wear a hat, carry water and wear good hiking boots.
The walk trail through Mandu Mandu Gorge first takes you along an ancient rocky river bed before returning back along the rim of the Gorge from where you will have spectacular views of Ningaloo coast and the surrounding country.
Can you see the rock wallaby in the below left image?
There are very steep sections along the rim walk and you need a reasonable degree of fitness and agility. I don't have many photos of the rim walk as I was too concerned with clambering and climbing up and slithering down rock faces. I was very relieved to get to the end of the walk. Yes the view to the ocean was spectacular.
Charles Knife Gorge and
The
road through Shothole travels through the dry creek bed offering a close look
at the colourful rock layers of the canyon walls, whilst a drive along the
ridge of Charles Knife Gorge to Thomas Carter Lookout produces sweeping views
of the Gorge and
This is Shot Hole Canyon
With the continental shelf only kilometres offshore, Exmouth and Coral Bay are fishing meccas, and there are plenty of opportunities for land based and boat fishing, but be aware of the Marine Park Sanctuary Zones. There are over 30 game fish species, and you can take advantage of Western Australia’s premier game fishing destination by joining a fishing charter.
Fresh seafood is always on the menu in Exmouth and Coral Bay, and you can't go past a delicious box of fresh Exmouth Gulf Prawns. On our last two visits to Exmouth we have purchased from the Fresh Fish Shack
At the end of the day, drive out to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse on the tip of North West Cape, to watch the sunset or to spot Humpback Whales during their annual migration June to November.
At the lighthouse, which was built in 1912, you can see the remains of a WW2 Aircraft Warning Radar. From
the
There are many information panels for you to read more about the history of the lighthouse and WW2 history.
Over the years the dangerous coastline around the North West Cape contributed to a number of shipwrecks on the reefs. One of these was the SS Mildura. In 1907 the ship had foundered at Point Murat losing all livestock but without the loss of human life. Recognition by shipping authorities of the need for a substantial navigational warning system led to the construction of the lighthouse on Vlamingh Head.
I am linking up to the link-ups below. Please click on the links to see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at its best!
