Cape Range N.P.

Submitted: Monday, Apr 30, 2007 at 15:12
ThreadID: 44915 Views:2634 Replies:6 FollowUps:1
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I plan on camping (small tent) in Cape Range NP for about a week next August as part of a WA trip and am particularly keen to do some snorkelling. There are numerous camp sites shown down the coastal strip in the park. Has anyone any recommendations as to the best sites to allow easy snorkelling without driving around?

Mal
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Reply By: Dodgin & Weavin - Monday, Apr 30, 2007 at 15:50

Monday, Apr 30, 2007 at 15:50
Lakeside - A short walk south along the beach takes you to a nice snorkeling spot. This is the only campsite with a short walk to good snorkeling that we are aware of.

The other popular snorkeling spot is Turquoise Bay. No camping. Closest camping is Tulki Beach but thats a 2.5 km walk along the coast.

Oyster Stacks is another spot worth a snorkle but no camping and too shallow at low tide. North Mandu is the closest campsite. About 1km away.

We reckon these are the pick of the snorkleing spots but you can jump in anyware and you'll find something to look at ranging from nothing much to cool stuff.

Line up at the gate at opening time (if your coming from Exmouth) this is your best bet to get the site you want (or one at all) and even then you may have to settle for 2nd choice if it's busy. But once in you get first option of available sites the next day. I'm assuming they are still using the same system they did in 2005.

Have fun. We did. In fact we loved t so much we spent 5 week in the area.

Cheers

Dodgin

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Reply By: The Rambler( W.A.) - Monday, Apr 30, 2007 at 21:05

Monday, Apr 30, 2007 at 21:05
I agree----Lakeside it is
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Follow Up By: Mal Watson - Monday, Apr 30, 2007 at 21:59

Monday, Apr 30, 2007 at 21:59
Thanks for the info. I thought you could book ahead?
Mal
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Reply By: The Rambler( W.A.) - Monday, Apr 30, 2007 at 22:49

Monday, Apr 30, 2007 at 22:49
Mal,
Unfortunately you can't book and in school holidays it can get quite busy so it really is a bit of luck as to which site you get, but people don't stay toolong at one site so you you can always change sites as someone leaves.That part of the coast is verynice and you won't regret going for a stay.
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Reply By: Member - PJB (WA) - Tuesday, May 01, 2007 at 21:15

Tuesday, May 01, 2007 at 21:15
Hi Mal,

Another OK place is Pilgramunna, where you can camp AND snorkel.

I've found the best snorkelling is 500m south of the camp at a small beach headland, swimming out about 50m puts you into some coral outcrops. Alternatively, walk north about 300m and swim out 25-50m where you'll find various coral forms. Best to snorkel at slack tide (it's easier than swimming against the tide!).

The camp site is where a creek flows into the ocean and naturally attracts some good fish after dark. Try floating a line out with a balloon, preferably baited with squid or occy, there's often schools of emperor hanging around and the odd small shark! (but check the sanctuary boundaries, they've changed, I can't recall what's where).

Enjoy

PJ
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Reply By: meandet - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 08:30

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 08:30
Hi Mal
You will love the place. Our favourite spot for snorkelling is Turquise Bay and we stay at Tulki. The only thing we have found wrong with Tulki is that it is a generator allowed camp and we hate the things. To get a spot, you will need to queue up at the park entrance gate before 8am and the ranger will allocate available spots so have 2 or 3 choices ready so that you have a better chance of getting one. It is one of the windiest spots we have been (twice there) so tie your tent down well. We have camped once in a Freedom canvas tent and once in our Tvan and got pretty badly buffeted both times.
Have fun
Peter
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Reply By: Mal Watson - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 22:17

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 22:17
Thanks to everyone for the information. Nothing like first hand experience. Looking forward to our trip.
Mal
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