Visiting Cape Range National Park makes for an absolutely true Australian experience. With outback scenes of ochre coloured rugged ranges contrasting against brilliant turquoise waters and some of the most incredible wildlife encounters.

Cape Range National Park is found on the remote Western Australian coast and is over 1,200 kilometres from Perth. This is a unique part of Australia which has been recognised by the national park forming part of the Unesco listed Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area.

This world heritage area also includes Ningaloo Reef, a very a special place. Not only is it one of the longest and most pristine fringing reefs in the world, it is also home to one of the largest and most reliable whaleshark aggregations in the world. And the rugged limestone ranges of Cape Range National Park are the remains of an ancient sea floor, essentially an extension of the reef just above ground.

There are so many great things to see in Cape Range National Park. If you’re planning to travel here these are my 9 must sees when visiting Cape Range National Park.

1. Swimming with Whalesharks

The standout highlight when visiting Cape Range National Park is swimming with whalesharks, an extraordinary wildlife experience.

Whalesharks are absolutely fascinating and beautiful. They are also the largest fish in the world! And their distinctive spotted pattern is unique to each individual – just like humans!

Known as the gentle giants of the ocean they range in size for 3m to 12m in length, averaging at 5m. A 12m whale shark can weigh as much as 11 tonnes and have a mouth more than a metre wide.

The name whaleshark come from the fish’s physiology – being as large as some species of the great whales and also a filter feeder that eats plankton. However, the whale shark is actually a true shark with a cartilaginous skeleton and several rows of tiny, redundant teeth.

Ningaloo Reef is one of the few places in the world where whalesharks appear regularly. Whalesharks are most reliably seen swimming and feeding in Ningaloo waters from March to July before. Some years they remain in the area into August and even September and October

My experience swimming with whalesharks was simply awesome!

2. Mandu Mandu Gorge

There are times when a place far exceeds your expectations, and hiking Mandu Mandu Gorge was one of those times. This is a 3km return walk and can be found 14km south of the Milyering Discovery Centre.

The hike starts following an old river bed filled with smooth white pebbles. Walking on the uneven pebbles is a bit tricky so I highly recommend wearing good walking shoes.

As you continue the gorge walls start to rise along the sides. The trail then ascends up to the gorge rim where you have great views down the gorge walls and pebble filled creek bed.

As the walk continues there are incredible views of the Indian Ocean and the beautiful Ningaloo Reef – wow!

3. Turquoise Bay

Turquoise Bay is simply stunning!

With a bindingly white beach and crystal clear turquoise (of course!) waters this is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen.

This is a beautiful place to relax, and you can snorkel right off the beach.

4. Snorkelling

Because Cape Range National Park sits right next to a fringing reef you can swim right off some of the beaches to experience some fantastic snorkelling.

Two of the best places to snorkel are Turquoise Bay and the Oyster Stacks.

But two things to keep in mind – there is a pretty strong current at Turquoise Bay so be sure to read the signs to understand how these currents work before you head in. The second is the tide gets very low at Oyster Stacks so to be sure you’re swimming with enough water and not damaging the reef. Drop into the visitor Centre to find out the tides times.

5. Yardie Creek

Yardie Creek is the only gorge in the area which has permanent water. Here steep reddish coloured cliffs rise above the gorge.

Yardie Creek is 39km south of Milyering Discovery Centre, approx 40min drive. From the car park you can follow the Yardie Nature Walk and then the Yardie Gorge Trail for views high above the gorge and out over Ningaloo Reef.

6. Osprey Bay

I loved the beauty of the contrasting ochre coloured limestone cliffs, white sand and turquoise waters at Osprey Bay. This is my idea of paradise!

7. Views From Vlamingh Head Lighthouse

For incredible panoramic views out over Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef be sure to visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse.

The sunsets from this vantage are also pretty spectacular!

8. Wildlife

When visiting Cape Range National Park you’re highly likely to see unique Australian animals in the wild. From the many kangaroos, to emus, dingos and if you’re lucky eagles!

With so much wildlife be sure to take extra care when driving. Kangaroos in particular will often jump out on to the road.

9. Charles Knife Canyon

I unfortunately didn’t get to explore too much of Charles Knife Canyon as the road had many rain-filled potholes with unpredictable depths. But the little I did see was pretty amazing.

Practical Information

Because of how remote Cape Range National Park is, and because I had limited time, I flew to the nearest town Exmouth from Sydney via Perth.

I used Exmouth as a base and stayed at Potshot Hotel while visiting Cape Range National Park.

Unless you join a tour the only practical way to visit this remote part of Australia is with your own car so I hired a care from Budget. Be aware that most car hires in this part of Australia will charge you extra if you exceed a certain number of kilometres.

A per car entry fee of $13 entry fee must be paid for visiting Cape Range National Park. The fee can be paid at the Cape Range National Park Park entry gate or online at https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/cape-range