Exmouth, Ningaloo reef, Coral bay and the Cape range national parkExmouth, Ningaloo reef, Coral Bay and the Cape range national park are all wonderful destinations for a fun filled holiday. The park comprises many tranquil beaches, rugged ranges and magnificent red colored canyons or gorges and it is situated on the western side of the North West Cape. The Cape is the backbone of the National Park, it is a huge upward fold of limestone rock originally formed beneath the then, sea level. Cape Range National Park near Exmouth covers 50,831 hectares or 127,078 acres ( A little bit bigger than my backyard ) and is only thirty-five kilometers or 22 miles from the centre of Exmouth Constant erosion of the limestone over tens of thousands of years has gouged out vast canyons in the sides of the range and the subsequent depositing of the various eroded materials along each side of the range has helped build up the coastal plains. These have been modified over the eons by various processes such as wave action at the times of higher sea levels and the formation of sand dunes from the wind-blown sand along the coastal stretch. There are only two roads running from Learmonth and Exmouth into the ranges from the eastern side of the cape. Shothole canyon road winds along the bottom of Shothole canyon, whilst the Charles Knife Road runs along a razor-back ridge at the end of the road. A five kilometre walking trail connects the two canyons. Camping is not permitted in this area. The road from Exmouth around the end of the cape passes close to the Naval communication towers and close to Vlaming Head Lighthouse and continues on down the western coast for the entire length of the Cape Range National Park.
Yardie Creek a must see spot.Normally the the entrance to Yardie Creek is covered by a sand bar so therefore Yardie Creek can only be crossed by four-wheel drive vehicles. However, after a cyclone or heavy rains, the creek will sometimes open up to the ocean, which will then make the crossing impossible until the sand bar silts over again.Short tracks take you to numerous picnic spots and campsites along the coast and one track even leads to the mouth of Mandu Mandu Gorge. Trekking up the gorge in the early morning or the evening is a very pleasing experience and will delight you as you wander along the trail viewing the spectacular sky shows. The highlight of your visit to this park will undoubtedly be Yardie Creek itself, where the deep blue water is cut off from the sea by the sandbar on the coast. The creek lies imprisoned between the vertical cliffs giving the impression of a semi-tropical sound or inlet. Take some of your precious time to walk along the cliff tops and make sure you keep an eye open for cute rock wallabies, and the prolific birdlife, which are to be found in this wonderful gorge. Safety notice: Please take note!Cape Range is a rugged and waterless land. High Temperatures can be expected from November to April. Even experienced bushwalkers have on occasion underestimated the harshness of this country and succumbed to exhaustion. Accordingly, it is recommended that only the physically fit undertake these walks. Stay safe. Do it right, we want you to enjoy yourself, and to come back again.An example of the local area.
Vegetation in the park includes a multitude of mangroves, the magnificent acadias, cossia, spinifex species, minilya lily, grevillea eucalyptus, and venticordia. The animals and fauna to be found there includes rock wallabies, red kangaroos, euros, over 80 speciesof reptiles, and over 100 species of birds. Camping facilities are rudimentary and although there are toilets at some campsites, you are advised to bring along your own chemical toilet at others. Needed supplies and accommodation are available from Exmouth. If you require more modern facilities, I suggest you camp in one of the excellent caravan parks in the area. (Information can be obtained at the Exmouth tourist bureau. ) and you can visit the park from there. Exmouth Visitor Centre Helping you enjoy your stay in Exmouth
Contact Exmouth Visitor Centre. The surrounding land is rugged and the roads can be rough and ready so if you plan to 4wd in the area please take note of the safe outback driving tips for driving in rough country Your safety is important, so is your families, so print out the safe driving guide and take it with you when driving in this type of country. A fishing extravaganza is on at Nigaloo and Exmouth.With the continental shelf only kilometres offshore, fishing and the Ningaloo Reef go hand in hand. There are many opportunities for beach, reef and game fishing in the diverse environment of Ningaloo. Sanctuary zones are special conservation zones where fishing is strictly prohibited but there are many other areas in the Marine Park where the fishing is superb.For information on the Sanctuary Zones,
please contact the local Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) office by phoning on 9947 8000
or the Department of Fisheries on 9949 2755.
Land based fishing is a popular recreational pastime as there are many different species to be caught.
Beach fishing often produces surprising reef species while fishing in Exmouth Gulf turns up a variety of
estuarine species. Mud crabbing and squid fishing are also popular activities.
Enquire locally about what’s on the bite! Some of the sought after species are North West Snapper, Blue Bone, Coral Trout and Red Emperor. Ningaloo is also recognised as the premier game fishing destination in Western Australia - it is one of the few places in the world where such famous species as Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Spanish Mackerel and Sailfish are hooked regularly. Every year in March Exmouth hosts the Gamex Tournament which always produces some fantastic - often record breaking - catches (a ”Tag and Release” policy is adhered to). BOAT LAUNCHING FACILITIES. The Exmouth Boat Harbour is located 2km south of the Exmouth townsite and offers concreted boat ramps within the sheltered wall of the marina. Other boat ramps are located 12km north of town at Bundegi Beach, and 35km from town (just north of the Cape Range National Park. boundary) at Tantabiddi. Other small boat launching areas are available from campsites in the park though these are generally only accessible to 4WD vehicles.
Fishing charter Operators in the region.Fishing charter operators in Exmouth include:Coral Bay Charters.
Exmouth's premier game fishing competition occurs in March each year. Sport fishing charters to the Montebello Islands can be booked during the months of October to March. Small intimate groups, minimum numbers apply. Please contact the Exmouth Visitor centre to find out more details.
Great surfing spots.Any keen surfer will have heard of Gnaraloo, Tombstones or Red Bluff on the Mid West coast. But venture a little further north and you'll find WA's best kept secret.Best swells occurduring the July to October period so grab your board, head north and catch a wave or two. The 'Bombie'Located just around the bend from Dunes off Yardie Creek Road. It's a bit of a paddle out there but well worth the effort if you like a left handed ride. Wobiri AccessLocated approximately 25km from Exmouth on the western side of the Peninsula off Yardie creek road. This beach is just great for beginners and grommets. During the season surf lessons are regularly conducted here. Surrounding Surf Areas.Surf Charters can be arranged to all the locations below.Companies operate from both Coral Bay and Exmouth. Passengers can choose from a number of options regarding surf spots depending on the number of days chartered. Get together 8 of your friends and you can charter a surf safari for up to 6 days. Your charters includes meals, linen, use of snorkel gear and fishing gear. For more information and bookings please contact the staff at the Exmouth Visitor centre. Muiron Islands The North and South Islands which are surrounded by reef offer a variety of breaks. The islands are located about 10 nautical miles from the tip of the North West Cape. Montebello Islands This group of about 140 small islands are situated approximately 80km from the North West coast. All waves at the Monte's as it is known, are reef breaks. Snorkel sites at NingalooThe following snorkel sites can be reached by conventional vehicle but for the more adventurous, there are sites that can only be reached by 4WD. Please note that for sites in the Cape Range National Park entrance fees will apply. For information on the variety of tours on offer contact the Exmouth Visitor Centre.
EXMOUTH
Lakeside From the carpark walk 400m south along the beach to the marked entry point. Snorkel out in a northerly direction for 150m before returning to your original entry point. Lakeside is located in the Cape Range National Park. Turquoise Bay
Turquoise Bay Drift Snorkel From the ‘Bay’ car park you head south out of the Bay about 300m where you enter the water. Swim straight out and let the current carry you north over coral bombies. Exit near the sand bar. Be aware that this area can possess strong currents due to a break in the reef further out. These currents are usually strongest around the sandbar at the southernmost point of the Bay. This snorkel site is suited to swimmers of an average fitness and snorkelling ability. Please be sure to check either at the DEC office in Exmouth or at the Exmouth Visitor Centre for tide charts as it is recommended to snorkel at Turquoise Bay Drift Snorkel on Low tide. Oyster Stacks Enter the water at the end of the walking track and snorkel
either north or south.
This site is located within the Cape Range National Park.
You should always be aware of the currents, tidal movements and weather conditions before you enter the water.
Please do not ever touch the coral or marine life, you may damage it or it may damage you!
Snorkel equipment can be hired from these places,
Dive Centres in Exmouth and Coral Bay, CORAL BAY
Bills Bay is located at the end of the Coral Bay road. The sheltered waters make for an ideal swimming and fantastic snorkelling beach. Easily accessed by foot from any accommodation in Coral Bay. Average water depth is around 3 metres. his particular snorkelling site is close to the boat mooring area so please be aware of moving boat traffic while snorkelling. Purdy Point is located 500m south of Bills Bay, just past the big red rock. Snorkelling from this point allows access to some fantastic coral bombies. Please stay away from offshore channel markers as there is often a lot of boating activity here. Other recommended sites such as Oyster Bridge and The Lagoon require 4WD access. There are tour companies that offer tours to these snorkel areas. For more information please contact the Exmouth Visitor Centre. If you enjoy swimming under water you may run across one of these gentle giants near Ningaloo.
Or one of these.
Things that you might enjoy doing in this magnificent area.Bush Walking and trekking.Camping in the bush.
Fishing off the beach and in the rivers.
Game Fishing Charters. Dive Courses, Diving, Snorkeling and Coral Viewing. Whale Sharks and Whale Watching. Parachuting. Hire a car and go on your own tour.
Scooter Hire go for a ride. Motorbike and Quad Bike riding.
Cruising on the crystal clear blue waters.
Karijini Safari Tours & Wildlife Tours. Kayaking in pristine waters.
Surfing in great surfing conditions.
Accommodation in Exmouth.Accommodation in Exmouth is available from -Hotels.
Ningaloo Resort.
Exmouth Cape Tourist Village.
Potshot Hotel Resort.
Great places to eat, drink and enjoy yourself.Restaurants.
Golden Orchid Chinese Restaurant. Potshot Inn. Truscott Memorial Club. Whalers Licensed Restaurant.
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Chris Ryan Mail: 15 Idaho Place Craigie 6025 Cell phone: + 0404737061
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