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Cape Range Peninsula
Gascoyne Region Western Australia.
Introduction
Whilst this is not a classic 4WD destination, there are some interesting
places to visit and some areas where it is possible to do some sand driving.
Much of this is on tracks around Coral Bay and onto some dunes. These areas
do require a reduction in tyre pressures and a watch on the tides! The
emphasis in this area is on the sea and the coral reefs just off shore.
There are two major communities here, Coral Bay - a small tourism based
resort with motel, caravan parks and a few shops. The other is the main town
- Exmouth (right).
Until recently, the USA had a military base here, thus
explaining the number of vehicles with the steering wheel on the wrong
side!
Orientation
The road to the Cape Range Peninsula is found just past the Minilya
Roadhouse. The roadhouse is 130 kms north of Carnarvon. Carnarvon is
approximately 1000 kms north of Perth. Exmouth is 220 kms from Minilya. The
roads are in good condition. Fuel is readily available at regular intervals
from Perth - although some roadhouses may be considered expensive.
Exmouth
A small town which supplies the needs of the community and the tourists.
Several diving and fishing charters operate from the town all year round.
Fuel and all essential supplies can be purchased. Accommodation ranges from
a resort to caravan parks. Backpacker facilities can also be found.
There is a small airport (Learmonth) to the south served by commercial
airlines.
Cape Range National Park
This national park covers much of the Western side of the peninsula. Access
is either from Exmouth or
Coral Bay.
The road from Exmouth is sealed and is
in good condition. From this road you can access the various beaches . These
range from sandy (e.g. Turquoise Bay - right)
to rocky (e.g. Oyster
Stacks). From these bays, it is possible to snorkel and with the correct
expertise SCUBA dive. Fishing is possible at some beaches - others are
marine reserve areas and fishing is forbidden.
The Tourist Information Centre - Milyering- is environmentally
self-sufficient. It has solar power, biodegradable toilet facilities and
built in a way to ensure it is cool. Native fauna wander around the grounds
for the delight of overseas guests. The park is managed by C.A.L.M.
It is possible in January to watch the green turtles come and lay their eggs.
This is carefully managed to ensure they are not disturbed.
Yardie Creek
As you drive further south, you come to Yardie Creek (below left).
If you walk
up the gorge, you may see rock wallabies. This is a tranquil spot.
With a 4WD it is possible to cross Yardie Creek close to the sea. It is a
long crossing and the base is extremely soft sand. It is necessary to drop
tyre pressures to cross. It is not advised to attempt the crossing if the
tide is in and the creek flowing. It could be a very expensive mistake.
Once across the creek, you can follow of sand tracks back to Coral Bay
(above right).
East Side of the Peninsula
Narrow roads go into Shot-House Canyon and Charles Knife Canyon (right).
These are part of the Cape Range. There is a pleasant but hard bush walk
linking the two canyons. This is not advised
in summer when temperatures can
reach the mid 40's Celsius.
Beach access is again available and Pebble Beach (below left)
is worth seeing.
At Wapet creek, it is possible to see the wrecks of WW11 landing craft
(above right)
that were blown inland by a cyclone. Take care in the creek,
stone fish can be found and these are poisonous.
The 4WD track over the range has been closed to casual traffic.
Peninsula Tip.
Here there is good surfing - ask in Exmouth for details. Vlaming Head
lighthouse is worth the visit as is the wreck of the S.S. Mildura.
Scuba Diving
This is a world class diving area. Many say the Ningaloo Reef that follows
the western border of the Peninsula has better dive sites than the Great
Barrier Reef. The Exmouth Dive Centre is a highly regarded group that will
run dive charters to off shore sites as well as sites close to shore. The
dive on the Naval Jetty is rated one of the top Australian Dive sites. The
dive centre also takes a day Dive/snorkel trip to the Murion Islands. This
is excellent. See Potato Cod and hand feed them.
There is a branch of the Dive Centre in Coral Bay and they organise dives in
this area. At Coral Bay, it is possible to wade out to the reef and snorkel
or dive down to see the array of fish and corals.
Camping.
This is possible on some beaches in the National Park.
Sand dunes by a beach.
Climate.
This is extremely pleasant, however in summer you may find it quite hot.
There is also the risk of a seasonal cyclone - the locals will advise you of
the necessary precautions if pertinent!
Maps and other Information.
- Streetsmart: The Gascoyne.
- North-West Bound C.A.L.M.
(see links)
This is a good area to relax after off-roading inland. It is also a good
stopping point on the way back from the Kimberley (see Gibb River Road,
Mitchell Plateau and Purnululu National Park
WA)
For further details: please contact
Nigel Buxton
Go to the
WA or
Australian
pages
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