Description
Although
Coral Bay to
Exmouth can be driven in under 2 hours along the bitumen (see our Trek Note
Minilya Exmouth Road), travellers with 4WDs are more likely to want to experience the true
Ningaloo Reef which is possible via this trek.
Just out of
Coral Bay look for the dirt track called Cardabia
Ningaloo Road (4WD only). The track condition varies considerably but is generally not difficult, although some soft sand drifts, corrugated section, and slow bumpy ridges will ensure its never a dull ride. This is a two-way track but is often single-lane so please beware of oncoming traffic. Interestingly enough, this track connects a few pastoral operations, including Cardabia Station and
Ningaloo Station, both of which offer designated
places for idealyic
camping and
boating access.
Point Cloates (around 60kms north of
Coral Bay) and Norwegian Bay (further north) are worth stopping at, with many ruins to explore and some excellent sand driving thrills for four wheel drivers. The old Point Cloates lighthouse and the whaling station ruins show a fascinating insight into these early settlements. The Cardabia
Ningaloo Road intersects with the
Ningaloo Road near the
Ningaloo Homestead and signage will direct travellers to great
camping opportunities within the station property (fees and conditions of
camping apply). South Lefroy Bay, Point Billie, North Lefroy Bay and Winderabandi Point are the approved
camping areas and definatley worth a stay - be warned however that locals and regulars fill up spots in holiday periods for extended stops so space may be limited.
North of the
Ningaloo Station boundary, you soon come to the tidal, and notorious
Yardie Creek. At this point you enter the
Cape Range National Park and hit the sealed section of this track. All
camping into to the north of
Yardie Creek through to
Exmouth requires advance bookings with CALM and campsites are designated and sectioned with bollards. The
Yardie Creek Road provides plenty to see and do. Probably the most popular of sites within the
Cape Range National Park is Turquoise Bay that features safe snorkelling and a rich diversity of coral and fish. Another beautiful spot is Mangrove Bay, which provides the sightseer with an abundance of birdlife, including seabirds and waders.
Cape Range National Park is the only elevated limestone range on the north-western coast of WA and not only does the coastal area bring great visual enjoyment, so too does the range provide excellent hiking opportunities.
Interactive Route Map

Coral Bay
Pristine white sands and aqua blue water, let the current drift you along as you snorkel above the coral. Coral Bay is a beautiful and popular tourist spot with many calling it pure paradise. It has good facilities, all within walking distance from the main beach.
Position: 113.7714ºE 23.1431ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Purdy Point
Distance: 0.89km
Average Speed: 17.43km/h
Purdy Point
Purdy Point is about 500m south of Bill's Bay and provides a safe swimming beach with fantastic snorkelling. Fletcher’s Hill marks the end of the sanctuary zone for beach fishing so this is permitted here.
Features:


Position: 113.7679ºE 23.1437ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Coral Bay Rd & Mauds Landing Access
Distance: 1.29km
Average Speed: 38.68km/h
Features:

Position: 113.7797ºE 23.1423ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Coral Bay Rd & Cardabia Station Access
Distance: 4.45km
Average Speed: 99.27km/h
Features:

Position: 113.8076ºE 23.1220ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Coral Bay Rd & Cardabia Ningaloo Rd
Distance: 3.55km
Average Speed: 103.39km/h
Features:

Position: 113.8388ºE 23.1117ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: The Lagoon
Distance: 7.68km
Average Speed: 47.18km/h
Features:

Position: 113.8208ºE 23.0566ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Doublet Hill
Distance: 9.49km
Average Speed: 43.44km/h
Features:

Position: 113.8279ºE 22.9855ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Bruboodjoo Point Camp Ground
Distance: 1.05km
Average Speed: 52.38km/h
Features:

Position: 113.8283ºE 22.9765ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Ningaloo Rd & Cardabia Ningaloo Rd
Distance: 32.64km
Average Speed: 48.22km/h
Features:

Position: 113.7455ºE 22.7071ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Old Point Cloates Lighthouse (Ruins)
Distance: 10.34km
Average Speed: 46.07km/h
Old Point Cloates Lighthouse (Ruins)
Point Cloates lighthouse was built in 1910 from local limestone on the hill near Ningaloo Station homestead. The lighthouse was particularly remote and the living conditions were cramped with the two lighthouse keepers living in one cottage with their families.
Features:


Position: 113.6809ºE 22.7090ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Whaling Station (Ruins)
Distance: 15.06km
Average Speed: 30.51km/h
Whaling Station (Ruins)
The Norwegian Bay Whaling Station ruins are located at the remote Norwegian Bay and are a dominant landmark on the site, visible from the ocean and the dune ridge on the mainland.
Features:

Position: 113.6725ºE 22.5917ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Point Edgar
Distance: 2km
Average Speed: 27.47km/h
Features:

Position: 113.6569ºE 22.5808ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Point Billie
Distance: 3.85km
Average Speed: 29.77km/h
Features:

Position: 113.6666ºE 22.5496ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Yardie Creek
Distance: 43.46km
Average Speed: 38.68km/h
Features:

Position: 113.8116ºE 22.3241ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Yardie Creek Campground
Distance: 0.68km
Average Speed: 21.96km/h
Yardie Creek Campground
Limited sites available, generators allowed. Telephone Number: (08) 9949 1676
Public phone situated in visitor centre.
Features:

Position: 113.8136ºE 22.3217ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Yardie Creek Rd & Turquoise Bay Access
Distance: 26.27km
Average Speed: 81.33km/h
Features:

Position: 113.8936ºE 22.1075ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Turquoise Bay
Distance: 1.18km
Average Speed: 50.21km/h
Turquoise Bay
Turquoise Bay is apart of the Mandu Special Purpose (Benthic Protection Zone). Camping and caravanning is NOT allowed. Dangerous currents can occur, please contact Milyering Visitor Centre for more information.
Features:

Position: 113.8888ºE 22.0976ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Yardie Creek Rd & Turquoise Bay Access
Distance: 1.18km
Average Speed: 50.21km/h
Features:

Position: 113.8936ºE 22.1075ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Yardie Creek Rd & Mangrove Bay Access
Distance: 16.99km
Average Speed: 79.45km/h
Features:

Position: 113.9531ºE 21.9702ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Mangrove Bay
Distance: 1.28km
Average Speed: 59.22km/h
Mangrove Bay
Mangrove Bay is apart of the Mangrove Santuary Zone.
Features:

Position: 113.9426ºE 21.9648ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Yardie Creek Rd & Mangrove Bay Access
Distance: 1.28km
Average Speed: 59.22km/h
Features:

Position: 113.9531ºE 21.9702ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Tantabiddi (Boat Ramp)
Distance: 6.96km
Average Speed: 87.25km/h
Features:

Position: 113.9781ºE 21.9123ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Vlaming Head
Distance: 18.31km
Average Speed: 93.7km/h
Features:

Position: 114.1088ºE 21.8037ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Exmouth
Distance: 18.76km
Average Speed: 75.39km/h
Exmouth
In the remote far north-west of Australia lies the small township of Exmouth, located 1300km from Perth. A fascinating natural event occurs each year from March - May when coral spawns and Whale Sharks visit the Ningaloo Reef.
Position: 114.1250ºE 21.9402ºS (GDA 94)
Permits
The WA Parks Pass is required to enter the Cape Range NP - additional
camping fees apply on a daily basis per person. To visit Old Point Cloates Lighthouse (Ruins), permission MUST be obtained from the property owners. To camp on any location between
Yardie Creek and
Coral Bay you must have obtained permission from station owners - a small fee and certain conditions (such as byo eco-toilet) apply.
Things to See & Do
Winderabandi Point
Winderabandi Point (not shown on this trek note) is a very popular spot for
camping,
fishing and nature spotting where you may see dolphins and turtles come right in close to the shoreline. The beaches are pristine where you can collect shells, walk along the beach or just relax. Winderabandi is located within
Ningaloo Station so you'll need to have your own toilet and
camping fees apply.
Preparation
Preparation for this route should be for mild remote
4WDriving, including carrying sufficient fuel, water, food, supplies,
communications gear, safety equipment and
first aid, along with emergency backup supplies. Although there is a good chance you will eventually see other vehicles, it is wise to carry a
GPS and
HF radio. We advise that you refer to the latest information and advice about outback
communications in the
Communications Topic. If you are plan to do some beach driving, deflate your
tyres at the correct pressure for beach sand and carry adequate
recovery gear. Travellers should read the
4WDriving Topic for related articles and checklists for
vehicle setup and driver awareness.
If you plan to camp at any of the sites south of
Yardie Creek you must adhere to the conditions of
camping as set out by the property managers. At the 5 designated sites offered to campers within the
Ningaloo Station, you'll be required to show proof that you have your own eco-toilet - people with advance bookings may be able to "hire" such units subject to availability.
Read the latest developments, which have just come to hand regarding
Ningaloo Station.
Click on the link below and scroll down to the files titled 'Victory at Last'.
Click here:
Ningaloo Station Blog Included are both PDF and Word document file types.
Fuel Supplies & Usage
 | Coral Bay, Exmouth |
Diesel | 4cyl 32 litres |
ULP | 4cyl 37 litres |
LPG | 4cyl 46 litres |
| 6cyl 35 litres | 6cyl 41 litres | 6cyl 40 litres |
| 8cyl 37 litres | 8cyl 38 litres | |
Usage is averaged from
TrekFuel (* specific to trek) submissions and calculated based on trek distance.
Best Time To Visit
Summer in the tropics can get very hot, so best time to visit would be between March and November. Also, try to avoid school holidays for the best
camping spots.
Closest Climatic Station
Learmonth Airport
Distance from Trek Mid Point 33.28km NE
| | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Mean Max. °C |
38.0 | 37.5 | 36.3 | 33.2 |
28.4 | 24.8 | 24.1 | 26.1 |
29.2 | 32.4 | 34.3 | 36.8 |
| Mean Min. °C |
22.8 | 24.1 | 23.0 | 20.5 |
16.3 | 13.1 | 11.4 | 12.2 |
13.8 | 16.2 | 18.3 | 20.7 |
| Mean Rain mm |
30.3 | 40.4 | 37.5 | 16.7 |
43.4 | 40.2 | 22.3 | 13.3 |
2.2 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 5.5 |
Best time to travel Ok time to travel Travel NOT recommended
Services & Supplies
The following locations have various services and supplies:
Coral Bay,
Exmouth
Camp Sites & Accomodation
Yardie Creek Campground - WA
Limited sites available, generators allowed. Telephone Number: (08) 9949 1676
Public phone situated in visitor centre.
Environment
The
Ningaloo Reef is the largest fringing coral reef in
Australia and is the only large reef in the world that lies so close to the mainland. The reef runs about 280kms along the coastline from
Coral Bay to
Exmouth and lies as close as a hundred metres to up to 7kms from the shore. Many sections are accessible for safe snorkelling or diving from the shore, where one can view one of 500
fish species such as clownfish bathing in anemone, lionfish or predatory moray eels living within over 250 species of coral. Recreational and conservation are wisely balanced on the reef. There are many sanctuary zones in place to protect the
young, but that said, the popular sport of
fishing is permitted within 65% of the marine park (please check with the Fisheries Department on the latest bag and size limits). Other recreational activities include
camping,
boating, whale and bird watching.
The
Ningaloo area was declared a Marine Park in 1987 in an attempt to protect and to control public access to this large living reef. Much debate and controversy has continued with the Save
Ningaloo Campaign fighting to seek a balance between ecological values and human visitation; an extension to the Marine Park in 2004 seeing an increase in sanctuary "look but don't touch" zones; a rejection of the proposal for a resort marina to be built at Mauds Landing; and pastoralists in the area campaigning to keep their leases after the 2015 expiry date.
Cape Range National Park
The
Cape Range National Park runs right along the western coast from
Exmouth to
Yardie Creek and is accessible to 2WD vehicles via a sealed road. Generally, visitors to the Cape Range NP spend a few nights
camping at one of the many excellent beach camp sites before doubling back to
Exmouth. If you have a 4WD however then you can take a trip over
Yardie Creek and continue driving south along the coast on the inland side of the dunes to
Coral Bay. On the way you'll see a maze of tracks leading off towards the beach - almost all lead to excellent lookouts and campsites. Please note, that south of
Yardie Creek, the track traverses a number of privately owned coastal stations and fees apply to camp on their land. Signage is good, but there are no facilities. Campfires are NOT permitted.
Good information for the sealed section within the
Cape Range National Park is obtainable from the local CALM office, or the
Exmouth Visitor's Centre. The track through the Cape Range NP runs North - South with over 10 designated
camping areas and it is very straightforward. Advance bookings during the peak season are becoming mandatory to avoid disappointment - you will be allocated a site according to vacancy.
The area has recently been upgraded and each
camping area has designated
camping bays cordoned off by bollards. Most sites are on limestone, not sand and provide ideal
camping for
motorhomes, campervans and camper trailers. The sites are a little disappointing to tent and swag campers who might prefer to camp south of the National Park boundary on sandy sites on private property such as at Winderabandi Point, Sandy Bay, and Lefroy Bay.
Yardie Creek
Yardie Creek is generally a wide open sand bar 2m above the water line and easily navigable by 4WD. However, it must be noted that after cyclones, it is possible for the crossing to become impassable. On the northern side of the creek is a large carpark, picnic area and walking track up to the
Yardie Creek gorge so take your time and have a look around.
The Yardie
Creek crossing has been very easy for many years now, and is easily traversed by campervans and those towing trailers and even caravans. Although the track south to
Coral Bay is sandy, it is very well travelled and only requires a little air pressure to be deflated from your
tyres. It is recommended however that you take your own air compressor as some beach accesses to campsites are quite soft.
Distance is GPS recorded driving distance (not straight line), Direction is straight line from start to end, Time is calculated from actual GPS driving data.