4WD Cape Range Western Australia

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

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