Still buzzing from our kangaroo rescue adventure and happy that we did not have too far to drive we made our way leisurely around the top of the peninsula to the entrance to Cape Range National Park. The previous day we had checked with the information centre as to availability of camp sites as there are only about 90 in the park spread over a dozen areas and we did not want to rock up only to find there were none to spare. The info centre had said there were plenty with it half full.
We were very surprised therefore to find when we got to the gate that there were in actual fact only four sites free. People we have met on our travels have told us of the queuing that can occur here in more peak times where it is basically first in first served for any spots that free up each morning. If you miss out then you have to go all the way back to the nearest caravan park and try again the next day as there is no booking system.
Without any hesitation at all we said we would take the closest free one at Mesa camp, only eight km down the road. The park is about 50km long so the furthest camp is quite a way from the entrance point. Mesa camp turned out to be an excellent choice next to a beautiful beach with crystal clear water lapping onto it with the surf break on Ningaloo Reef visible in the distance. The small tidal inlet that forms a safe shallow swimming area makes it especially ideal for small children. After settling in we had a really nice ocean swim in surprisingly cool water.
With another 40km of park to explore we headed south from camp the next morning to the information centre where lots of excellent information about the land and water based wildlife in the area with particular focus on the reef. This included a really good audio video collection covering all aspects and inhabitants of the reef on a big screen. Once prepped with information we drove the 40km down to Yardie Creek Gorge at the southern end of the park.
The gorge is quite interesting and scenic as it is filled with sea water which remains there when the tide goes out unless due to a significant storm activity the sand bar at the entrance gets washed away. From the southern end of the park we meandered our way back to camp checking the various beaches and other camp areas along the way. The most popular beach is Turquoise Bay as the crystal clear water and the closeness of the reef and coral formations in the bay make it excellent for snorkeling and swimming. Just watch out for stone fish, cone shells and blue ringed octopus as they all bite or sting…
The variation of the coastline in the park is emphasized by Osprey Bay where it is very rocky and one of the few places where you can fish. We thought the roo taking in some shade under a vehicle in the Osprey camp area was bit of a hoot. They are quite hungry and thirsty as are the many Emu around the park due to the area being so dry so they take the liberty of hanging around on the off chance they may score a drink or some food. The day gone it was time for pre-dinners and our final night in the national park as next stop after going back through Exmouth and south is Coral Bay or thereabouts.
