Lookouts & Walk Trails

The Cape Range National Park boasts several fantastic walk trails, many of which offer spectacular views over the range, canyons, Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth Gulf.

Remembering caution should always be exercised 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.

Vlamingh Head

The lookout at the base of Vlamingh Head Lighthouse offers one of the best ocean views on the Ningaloo coast. A full panorama of the tip of North West Cape can be enjoyed here, including the Harold E Holt Communications Station VLF towers, Muiron Islands, offshore oilrigs, Ningaloo Reef and the township of Exmouth. Vlamingh Head is also a favourite place for visitors to watch the sun set over the sea or spot humpback whales during their annual migration from June to November.

Mandu Mandu Gorge

Mandu Mandu Gorge has a 3km walking trail that allows access into this dry terrain. The trail starts at the end of the Mandu Mandu track and follows the northern ridge of the gorge, offering stunning views down to the Ningaloo Reef.

The trail leads into the creek bed from where you follow the base of the gorge back to the car park. Please be aware this is a class 4 trail that is often rough and requires walkers to possess a moderate to high level of fitness.

Yardie Nature Trail & Yardie Creek Gorge Trail

The Yardie Nature Trail/Yardie Creek Gorge Trail is a 2km, two-part trail that starts with a 1.25km, class 2 trail requiring no particular level of fitness. The Yardie Nature Trail follows a gentle, well-defined path that overlooks Yardie Creek, offering views of the creek down to the Ningaloo Reef.

At the end of the Yardie Nature Trail, the 750m Yardie Gorge Trail begins. This is a class 4 trail that is often rough and requires walkers to possess a moderate to high level of fitness. The Yardie Gorge Trail takes walkers high above Yardie Creek with views over the gorge and Ningaloo Reef.

Charles Knife Canyon

Charles Knife Canyon is accessible via Charles Knife Road, 21km south of Exmouth off the Minilya-Exmouth Road. The mostly gravel road follows the razor-backed ridges of the range and provides breathtaking birds eye views into the stunning scenery. There are several lookout points that provide fantastic photo opportunities and a marked walking trail from Thomas Carter Lookout.  

Badjirrajirra Loop Trail

Badjirrajirra Loop Trail begins at the Thomas Carter Lookout, off Charles Knife Road. This 8km, class four trail that 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. The walk also offers views of Shothole Canyon and Exmouth Gulf.

Shothole Canyon

The road into Shothole Canyon is 4WD access only located off Minilya-Exmouth Road, 14kms south of Exmouth. Shothole Canyon was named after the shot holes left by seismographic charge explosions during oil searches in the Cape Range during the 1950s. Shothole Canyon offers close up examination of the colourful, fossil laden rock layers of the sheer canyon walls. At the end of the road, there is a picnic area and short walking trail.