Day 85-87 Yardie Creek Homestead – Cape Range National Park 25th June

Cape Range National Park, on the western side of the North-West Cape is surrounded by the Ningaloo Reef on one side and rocky limestone gorges, with abundant wildlife and unfortunately abundant roadkill.

Access to camping sites in Cape Range National Park is via the Internet to a few sites, and on a first come basis for the rest. So to ensure we got spots as we entered into school holiday season in WA, Nick and I got up really early while the wives and kids were still tucked up in bed, and by 5:30am were waiting in line, with two cars ahead at the park entry. To while away the hours to opening, we watched decidedly dodgy fishing instruction videos – though I'm not sure they really helped!

We went to Exmouth to fill up with provisions and then to our Mesa Camp. Exmouth turned out to be a nice town that seems to have been growing quickly. Some rip off prices in town – the organic store offered muffins for $7! The only two IGA's in town are owned by the same person.

Mesa Camp turned out to be a really good spot near a safe beach with supposedly good fishing. We ended up staying for three nights, setting up the annex and feeling at home at this friendly camp-ground, with some of the best pit-dunnies in Australia!

Our spot in the Mesa campground

 

Snorkelling was great at Turquoise Bay, offering a safe bay on one side and an alternative drifting current on the other. Lots of reef-fish and large corals. Jordan had by now become quite the expert snorkeller, Adam once he got in the water, thought it was awesome. Robyn took Jasmine and Ben out using the Boogey-board and all the kids enjoyed themselves.

Turquoise Bay

Kids just loved playing in the dunes

There were some nice walks, with Yarie Creek Gorge walk being my favourite as the water-filled gorge offered a terrific views. Mandu Mandu Gorge was more rugged but the kids too the clambering in their stride and gave them a bit of a thrill. 

Yardi Creek Gorge with Nick, Conor and Daniel

 

Yardi Creek Gorge

Robyn scaling heights at Mandu-Mandu Gorge

Mandu-Mandu Gorge

Great pebbles on Mandu-Mandu Gorge walk

We had some great dinners over these star-filled nights, cooking with the fresh herbs and fish and prawns from town. 

Mussels and prawns for dinner!

 

Oats, custard and fruit for dessert

As for the fishing, not even a nibble.

Yet another beautiful sunset