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Yardie Gorge Trail, Cape Range National Park

Yardie Gorge Trail3 Caperangenp Base Imagery +4 Gallery
Bush Walk
Trail difficulty

The gorge trail is accessed via the Yardie Nature Trail which is an easy Class 1 trail for the first 600 metres. 

Trail difficulty

Difficult trail with rough surface that may have very steep hills or extensive rock hopping. Directional signage may be limited. Bushwalking experience, navigation and emergency first aid skills, and good fitness required.

  • Length 2km
  • Est. time 1-3 hours
  • Return
Today

27°C

35°

25°

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The Yardie Gorge Trail begins where the Yardie Nature Walk ends, turning an easy stroll into a more challenging Class 4 hike. Located within Cape Range National Park, about one hours drive (2WD) south from Exmouth, this 2km return trail starts at creek level and steadily climbs up the rugged red cliffs of Yardie Creek Gorge.

The path becomes increasingly steep and uneven as you ascend, requiring good mobility and sturdy footwear. However, the reward is well worth the effort—panoramic views into the gorge below and out to the turquoise waters of the Ningaloo Reef.

This trail showcases the gorge’s striking geology and offers a chance to spot local wildlife, including euros, red kangaroos, and the rare black-footed rock wallaby. Allow around 2 hours for the full return hike, taking time to soak in the scenery and rest at the top.

Yardie Gorge’s permanent saltwater pools and surrounding mangrove habitats support diverse marine and bird life. This dramatic and ecologically rich location is a must-see for nature lovers and hikers seeking a memorable outback experience by the sea.

Exmouth Parks and Wildlife Office

08 9947 8000

Visitor Information Centres

National Parks

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Yardie Creek Boat Tours

Yardie Creek

A local tour business based in Exmouth.

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Be trail ready

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

Allow 2 hours

Length

2km return

Fees

Park entry fees apply for Cape Range National Park

Trail Access

Road (2WD) about 1 hour from Exmouth. Exmouth is just over 1200km north of Perth.

Trail Start

Yardie Creek car park, Cape Range NP, 90km (1 hour) drive from Exmouth on a sealed road, which is 1300km (16.5 hours) north of Perth

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Trail End

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When to go

Cooler months, April to September

What’s the weather like?

Bush Walk

Class 4

Difficult trail with rough surface that may have very steep hills or extensive rock hopping. Directional signage may be limited. Bushwalking experience, navigation and emergency first aid skills, and good fitness required.

Additional information

The gorge trail is accessed via the Yardie Nature Trail which is an easy Class 1 trail for the first 600 metres. 

What To Pack

Hazards & Warnings

Extreme heat can be experienced when walking in Cape Range.
Temperatures can regularly exceed 40°C during the months of
November to March.

• Walk in cooler months or during cooler times of the day.
• Avoid dehydration. Regularly sip water - one litre
per person, per hour. There is no drinking water
on the trail.
• To minimise heat stress, sunburn and injury from
rugged terrain, wear sturdy footwear, a hat,
long-sleeved, loose clothing and apply sunscreen.
• For your safety, do not walk alone. Follow the white markers
and remain on the trail at all times.
• Carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or satellite phone;
it could save your life. Mobile phone coverage is extremely limited.

Prohibited items

No pets, campfires or firearms.

Safety

Cliff risk area
Cliffs occur along this trail. For your safety:
- Stay well clear of the edges
- Supervise children
- Do not throw rocks or any other objects over the cliff

Biodiversity

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions undertakes 1080 baiting at this location to reduce the impacts of feral cats and foxes on native wildlife. 

Meat baits containing 1080 poison are laid in or around this area on an ongoing basis. 1080 is poisonous to humans and will kill domestic cats and dogs. Please leave your pets at home or prevent them from entering this area.

For further information contact your local Parks and Wildlife Service office or visit Western Shield.

Facilities

At the main car park there are toilets and a short walk from the carpark you'll find a picnic area under some shady tamarix trees. Yardie Creek Campground is nearby.  For camping, bookings need to be made online before your visit at Parkstay WA  These campsites are extemely popular and you can book up to 180 days in advance.

  • Camping
  • Car Park
  • Coach Parking
  • Lookouts
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • All accessible toilet facilities
  • All accessible parking
More tips for being Trail Ready

Today Apr 11, 1:16am

27°C

Feels like 27°C

Max 35°

Min 25°

Precipitation: 86%

Visibility: 10km

Wind: 2.55km/h SW

8-day forecast

Sat

35°

25°

Sun

34°

24°

Mon

34°

26°

Tue

34°

28°

Wed

33°

27°

Thu

34°

26°

Fri

33°

25°

Sat

31°

22°

Weather data provided by:

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